Jayhawks loaded at linebacker

Reid, Toomey, Floodman, Kane to share spotlight

Tulsa football coach Steve Kragthorpe devised an easy way to remember Kansas University’s starting linebackers.

“Their linebackers are probably the strength of their defense because of the experience level that they have returning,” said Kragthorpe, whose Tulsa squad meets the Jayhawks in the season opener tonight at Memorial Stadium. “I call them the Single Digits — 1, 5, and 7. If you look at tape you can see that they are not only great athletes, but they really have a feel for the game. It’s easy to watch them and pick up the attitude with which they play.”

Kragthorpe might want to add a double digit — 45 — to his scouting report.

KU plays a 4-3 base defense, but coach Mark Mangino lists four starting linebackers — all juniors — on his depth chart. In addition to returning starters Gabriel Toomey (1), Banks Floodman (5) and Nick Reid (7), Kevin Kane (45) is listed as a starter.

Mangino said the change didn’t represent a change in defensive philosophy.

“Let me put this to rest,” he said. “We are a 4-3 team. Last year we used a package with three down men. But we are not going to live and die with a three-man front. That’s not what we do. The reason I put four linebackers in there is because we have four starting linebackers, and we are going to use them in different packages and we are going to use them a lot. We feel that our linebacking corps is going to be very strong for us.”

That’s understandable because Reid, Toomey and Floodman ranked first, second and fourth among KU’s tackling leaders last season.

Toomey had an undisclosed surgery after the 2003 season, and he was held out of contact drills during the spring. That created an opportunity at middle linebacker for Kane, who played in all 13 games as a sophomore reserve.

“It left the door open,” Kane said. “When a door opens, you have to make the most of it. I felt I was able to play with the first team. I felt I was capable of being out there. It was my time to show what I can do.”

Kane impressed coaches with his progress during spring drills and continued to do so early in preseason camp when Toomey’s participation remained limited.

Kansas linebackers Banks Floodman, left, and Gabriel Toomey sack Missouri quarterback Brad Smith during KU's 35-14 victory last season in Lawrence. Toomey and Floodman both ranked among KU's top-four tacklers last season.

“Gabe is a guy that has a lot of talent,” Mangino said. “We have to keep Gabe healthy. He is probably the most talented of the bunch. Then you have Nick Reid, who is just a tough customer. Nick will hit you in the mouth; he fears nobody.

“Kevin Kane is just a steady guy, day in and day out. He shows up, blue-collar guy, brings his lunch bucket, does what you ask him and makes a lot of plays for us. Collectively they are just a gritty, tough bunch of kids.”

Mangino also praised Floodman for his toughness and leadership. The co-captain missed the 2002 season because a knee injury, which created an opportunity for Reid to play as a true freshman.

Floodman returned last season, and Toomey joined the linebacker corps after an All-American freshman season at Iowa Central Community College.

“It helps to play next to someone for a year and know their mentalities and know what they are going to do,” Floodman said. “We know each other a lot better now so that is going to be a positive for us. We are excited to play together again and we will see what happens.”

Add Kane to the list. He’ll see plenty of playing time as well.

“It’s fine with me,” Reid said of the four-man depth chart. “All four of us have been playing real well. We all deserve to be on the field, so I guess we’re going to do a little rotating. We’ll see how it works out. I think it’s going to work out great. We all bring something different to the table. We’ll all be used in the games.”

The Jayhawks have plenty of depth behind the starters, too. Senior Clark McCracken and juniors Brandon Perkins and Darren Rus are veterans, and freshman Mike Rivera is expected to contribute behind Kane.