Linebacker Huldon Tharp will not play for KU football in 2013

Kansas University linebacker Huldon Tharp grits his teeth as he takes off during pass protection drills on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 at the practice fields. At left is linebacker Ben Heeney.

Kansas University linebacker Huldon Tharp will forego his final season of eligibility and conclude his football-playing career, KU coach Charlie Weis announced Monday.

Tharp, who redshirted in 2010, had one year of eligibility remaining.

“Physically, my body just can’t hold up any more,” Tharp said. “I love KU and have enjoyed my time being a part of the football program. Thanks to coach Weis’ encouragement, I am going to graduate this summer and head out into the real world.

“I want to thank coach Weis and the entire KU football staff for all that they have done for me. They have treated me very well, and I definitely see bright days ahead for this program.”

Tharp started nine games for KU in 2012, posting 55 tackles, which included 4.5 tackles-for-loss. He was injured in KU’s other three games.

During his freshman season in 2009, Tharp was a Phil Steele Magazine Freshman All-America first-team selection after recording 59 tackles.