House divided

The phone lines haven’t been cut this week between Kerry and Dylan Meier, though it’d be understandable.

“We’ve been talking every day,” said Kerry, KU’s freshman quarterback.

Dylan, K-State’s backup quarterback, is Kerry’s older brother. Both were starters at the beginning of the season, conjuring up visions of a Meier Bowl on Saturday. But Dylan Meier since has been replaced by freshman Josh Freeman atop the depth chart.

“I think Dylan’s handled the situation very well,” Kerry said. “That’s just the way Dylan is.”

Kerry said he hopes Dylan gets some playing time Saturday, though it’s not expected to be extensive. As for who the family is rooting for? Well, Dylan and Kerry’s oldest brother, Shad, was a Kansas State grad as well, but that’s not going to stop the Meier parents from being split 50-50 Saturday.

“I don’t know where the Kansas State section is,” Kerry said, “but they’re going to try to sit in the middle (between KU and KSU fans).”

The Meier brothers are one of two sets of brothers playing against each other Saturday. KU freshman cornerback Phillip Strozier, who’s red-shirting, is the younger brother of K-State senior wide receiver Noah Strozier.

Get him the ball

Perhaps the state’s top recruit a year ago could be playing all over the field in Saturday’s in-state showdown.

KU freshman Jake Sharp has popped up about everywhere, getting a few carries at running back, a few catches as a slot receiver and returning kickoffs two weeks ago against Iowa State.

“He’s a playmaker, and we’re trying to get him on the field,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “We want to get our playmakers the ball.”

Sharp was a star at Salina Central High, scoring 63 touchdowns his senior season. He chose Kansas early, but was recruited by Kansas State after new coach Ron Prince arrived midway through recruiting season.

Sharp is expected to play plenty against the Wildcats – in plenty of different places.

“He’s starting to grow as a player,” Mangino said. “He’s a great athlete, and we want to utilize him more.”