Gabriel Toomey started fast in 2003, recording double-digit tackles in six of Kansas University’s first 10 football games.

All the hitting took a toll, however, on the sophomore transfer, who made just 14 tackles in the Jayhawks’ final three games.

Did injuries make Toomey less effective down the stretch?

“A blind guy could tell you that,” said Toomey, who finished second on the team behind fellow linebacker Nick Reid with 121 stops. “I was playing middle linebacker at 230 pounds, tops.

“I put on upper-body weight this summer, and it will be a lot better. My body will last longer.”

That was the plan after last season when the 6-foot-4 linebacker required surgery for an undisclosed injury. After dropping to 220 pounds by the end of the year, Toomey now weighs a personal-high 238.

“He’s had a great offseason,” said Chris Dawson, KU’s director of strength and conditioning. “He’s lowered his body fat and increased his lean muscle mass. One of the things I wanted him to work on was his explosiveness in his legs and hips.

“I wanted to strengthen him up top, too, and he’s done a great job of both, but especially his legs and hips. He’s a lot more explosive. He’s really gotten after it. I’m really pleased with his attitude and the improvements he’s made.”

It wasn’t easy. Toomey was limited during winter conditioning while rehabbing his injury, and he was held out of contact drills during spring practice.

“I spent a lot of time in the training room,” Toomey said.

KU linebacker Gabriel Toomey greets fans after the Jayhawks' 28-21 victory over Baylor. Toomey, who made 16 tackles in the game in October, hopes to improve on his sophomore season when he made 121 tackles.

When he was on the field, the junior spent most of his time standing around.

“That’s all I did,” he said. “It was frustrating, especially with the defense playing as well as it did. It was good physically and mentally just to rest. I took advantage of the time off.”

He also used the time to help linebackers coach Dave Doeren during spring practice sessions.

“It helped me learn the defense even better,” he said. “It was cool, a good experience. I wouldn’t close the door on coaching.”

Toomey watched as his backup, junior Kevin Kane, made the most of the injured starter’s absence by impressing the coaches.

“I was really happy he stepped up,” Toomey said. “He’s a very consistent, intelligent player. It positively motivated me to get back out there — but nothing against Kevin. He’s a great kid, great player.”

KU returns all three of its starting linebackers — Toomey, Reid and Banks Floodman. The Jayhawks also hope for better things from a defensive line that will have starting tackle Travis Watkins back. Watkins played in only games because of a broken foot last season. The secondary, meanwhile, should benefit from the addition of transfer Theo Baines.

“We have a lot of potential,” Toomey said. “But potential won’t get you far unless you go out and do it.”

Toomey, a former junior college All-American, has plenty of potential himself. The West Des Moines, Iowa, product had 10 tackles for losses, returned an interception for a touchdown, broke up seven passes and forced a fumble. He had a season-high of 16 tackles in two different games.

“I want to have a great year,” he said. “I’ve been working my butt off so I can make it through the season injury free, lead the defense and help our team win.”

Kansas University linebacker Gabriel Toomey watches the Jayhawks' spring game from the sideline. Toomey was held out of contact drills during the spring while recovering from injuries, but he'll be ready when KU reports for preseason camp Aug. 6.