Barmann content at No. 2

QB will gladly resume backup role when starter Meier is healthy

Outsiders are trying hard to throw Kansas University’s football team into a quarterback controversy, and Adam Barmann’s stellar play against South Florida is directly to blame.

While usual starter Kerry Meier wasn’t allowed to even pick up a football Saturday because of a lingering arm injury, Barmann stepped up and played like : well, a starter – leading Kansas to victory over a Big East conference foe.

It was enough for some KU fans to think Barmann earned at least one more start, whether or not Meier’s healthy.

But Barmann’s not forgetting the role he was given in the preseason, and trying not to have anyone else forget either.

Though he played well as the starter, Barmann said Tuesday he still didn’t see himself as the starter.

“Kerry’s a great player,” Barmann said. “I’m sure as soon as he gets healthy and he’s ready to go, he’ll go.”

Barmann says this like someone who has no horse in the race – more proof that he’s become the consummate team player in his four years at KU.

It’s endearing considering all the senior has been through.

Hyped as Bill Whittemore’s successor his freshman year, Barmann eventually became target practice for fans wanting to see more out of KU’s offense the last two seasons. Barmann’s inconsistency made him sink down the depth chart, and he started this season as a senior and former starter backing up a freshman with no playing experience.

So how did he overcome so many things that could destroy a man’s confidence and turn in the performance he did on Saturday?

“I just try to take it in stride,” Barmann said. “There’s been a lot of low points, a lot of high points. I try not to get too high or too low or get caught up in too many things, no matter what’s said or written.”

Now back on top, he’s continuing the level-headed mindset, because he knows a bad break here or a bad performance there could send him back to the other side.

Besides, Barmann doesn’t even know if he’s playing at Nebraska this week – if Meier’s 100 percent healthy, there’s a good possibility Barmann will assume the backup role he had before the injury.

And without a hint of hollowness, he seems fine with that.

“I tried to prepare for the first game just like I did the last game,” Barmann said. “Even being second string, you’re really only one play away from being the starter anyway. I feel like I have to prepare myself like I’m going to be the starter, regardless of if I’m first team or second team.”

Barmann’s been a big part of an odd transformation during the last year. In 2005, it seemed the depth chart at quarterback was dictated by who dropped out of the number one spot.

Now, it could be a matter of who floats UP to the first team. And that might finally bring some truth to the well-circulated cliche at Kansas that a quarterback competition is a good thing to have.

Even if Barmann isn’t acknowledging such a thing.

“I’d rather have it this way than the other way,” Barmann said with a grin. “I guess it’s always better when you’re playing well.”