Kansas running back Jake Sharp watches the action from the bench during the fourth quarter against Duke Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Jake Sharp’s first shot at the NFL didn’t last long.

After spending a few days in a Chicago Bears uniform earlier this month, the former Kansas University running back is searching for another place to play.

Sharp was invited to the Bears’ rookie minicamp shortly after April’s NFL Draft, but KUSports.com learned Tuesday that Sharp would not be invited back for the team’s regular minicamp (May 21-23) or Organized Team Activities, which begin June 2.

While with the Bears, Sharp, who wore No. 36, made a decent impact.

“He did look pretty quick,” said Larry Mayer, who covers the Bears for the team’s official website, “especially coming out of the backfield to catch passes.”

Despite not sticking with the Bears, many experts still believe there’s a place in the NFL for a guy with Sharp’s speed and toughness, just as there has been for San Diego running back Darren Sproles and New England wide receiver Wes Welker. Of course, the things that kept Sharp from being drafted in the first place — such as size and stats — figure to be his biggest obstacle to making an NFL roster.

Thornton headed back to Steel City

With OTA’s set to begin next week, several team’s are starting to pare down their rosters. However, former KU defensive back Justin Thornton, a free-agent pickup by Pittsburgh, survived the first week and will report to Steelers camp Monday. He’ll be there for the next 30 days, practicing three times a week.

Thornton was solid during Pittsburgh’s rookie minicamp. He led all defensive backs with two interceptions during live action and, one day, even won a bet about whom would be the first to pick off a pass.

Jayhawks eyeing California lineman

According to Rivals.com, KU is the only school to have offered a scholarship to junior Donell Wilson, a defensive tackle from Blair High in Pasadena, Calif. That’s not to say the Jayhawks are the only team showing interest in Wilson, 6-foot-4, 280 pounds.

Wilson also has USC and Washington on his list of schools and attended USC’s NIKE Camp in late April.