DB Thompson ineligible

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino announced that senior defensive back Kenneth Thompson is academically ineligible and had “left the program.”

Freshman a no-show

Incoming freshman defensive lineman John White, a 6-foot-2, 285-pounder from Moore, Okla., did not show up for camp.

“He has had a change of heart and called us and said he would not report. He told Bill Young (defensive coordinator) he was considering playing junior-college ball. He had a change of heart : that’s fine.”

Whitaker going slow

Senior offensive lineman Bob Whitaker, who has had knee problems in the past, is not at full speed at practice.

“We are keeping an eye on Bob. We need Bob for the long haul. We are going to take our time with Bob,” Mangino said, noting he practiced some Saturday. “We got him out of there quite a bit. He does all cardiovascular work on the bike or in the hydrotherapy pool. Bob is a solid guy for us. He has been a solid guy. We will pick and choose our battles for Bob right now.”

So far, so good

It’s early, but Mangino likes what he sees. “I’m very pleased with the first two practices,” he said. “I like the way our veteran guys picked up where they left off in the spring, with a lot of enthusiasm. I like the younger kids. They are eager to please. Practices have been very good tempo. There’s a lot of learning taking place. We are learning from our mistakes.

“I really like the way our veterans have prepared themselves for training camp, and I really like the young kids. They are fun to be around, talented and want to do the right thing. We are off on the right foot here.”

Oh, captain, my captain

The players were to choose captains Saturday night. “There are a number of kids I think can play that role,” Mangino said. “A lot of responsibility comes with being a captain, so don’t take it lightly. There are some veteran guys taking the bull by the horns. There is peer pressure on this team, which I like. They keep themselves accountable. It’s a good sign.”