Mecham sleeping well

Ever wondered how a junior-college transfer quarterback sleeps during the few days before the first Big 12 start of his career?

Kansas junior Quinn Mecham, who will be thrust into a starting role Saturday at Iowa State, offered a glimpse into what it’s like.

“I’ve been getting a lot of reps, so I’ve been sleeping pretty good,” Mecham said after Wednesday’s practice.

So, has the Snow College transfer reached that REM stage of sleep where completions and touchdowns have danced in his head? Not exactly. But he has had his share of dreams.

“(None) that I can tell you guys,” he quipped.

When Mecham and the Jayhawks take the field at 1 p.m. Saturday in Ames, Iowa, the 6-foot-2, 207-pound righty from Provo, Utah, will become the third quarterback to start a game for the Jayhawks this fall. Asked what he was most looking forward to about his first start, Mecham repeatedly mentioned helping the Jayhawks snap their losing skid.

“You’re your own worst critic,” Mecham said. “I just want to go out and help the team. It’s a great opportunity. ”

Mecham said Wednesday the plan all along was for him to red-shirt this season. That all changed last week when starter Jordan Webb injured his shoulder before halftime and backup Kale Pick went down in the second half.

“That was the plan,” he said. “But, you know, I just stayed in the game and kept in the meetings, and I feel like I’m prepared.”

Mecham played the final few snaps of last week’s loss to Texas A&M, and KU coach Turner Gill said the juco transfer appears to be ready for Iowa State.

“He’s actually brought some energy to the team,” Gill said. “I think all of our guys are excited. They’ve rallied around him, and he’s stepped in and is ready to move this football team. That’s what you want from your quarterback. When he was called upon, he was ready to go, so it’s been a good thing.”

Because of a concussion, Pick has been ruled out for Saturday. Gill said Wednesday that Webb is doubtful for Saturday’s game, and starting defensive lineman Patrick Dorsey (concussion) also was doubtful and definitely would not start.

Thorson recognized

KU senior Brad Thorson, an offensive lineman from Mequon, Wis., was named a Big 12 Conference Fall Chick-Fil-A Community of Champions honoree on Wednesday.

Thorson, who already has graduated and is working on a master’s degree in economics, has been heavily involved in community-service projects throughout his time at Kansas.

During the fall, winter and spring terms, one student-athlete from each Big 12 institution receives the honor based on his or her performance in academics, community service, leadership and sportsmanship.

KU pumps in the noise

In preparation for Saturday’s game at Jake Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, Gill used loud speakers and simulated crowd noise during Wednesday’s practice.

Gill said it was the second time the Jayhawks have used the artificial sound this season, the first coming during the week of KU’s Friday night contest at Southern Miss.