Kansas defensive lineman Codey Cole III, left, and nose tackle Sam Burt work on technique, Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the indoor practice facility.

Kansas senior defensive lineman Sam Burt summed up one of the many drawbacks of playing football during the COVID-19 crisis succinctly.

“It stinks,” Burt began, while describing what it will be like for the Jayhawks to open their season without any fans in attendance.

“I know my family wants to be there. I know a lot of guys’ families want to be there,” Burt told reporters during a video conference Wednesday afternoon, two days after KU announced it would go without fans for all sporting events through at least the month of September.

“And we want the fan base there in general,” Burt said. “And I think it’ll significantly impact how the game is played and how the momentum shifts, things like that.”

Burt, a handful of his teammates and KU head coach Les Miles had their first opportunity Wednesday to react to the decision to play without fans, as recommended by KU’s pandemic medical advisory board and announced by Chancellor Douglas Girod earlier in the week.

Miles told reporters during his weekly video press conference playing the first home game without fans will be another measure that helps KU make sure its players are staying safe.

“We’re gonna see if anything catastrophic happens due to something,” Miles said of KU playing its first game during the pandemic, Sept. 12 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium against Coastal Carolina.

Miles thought KU took the right first step and said if the first home game goes successfully the seats inside the venue could look different later in the season.

Girod said KU will continue to evaluate the possibility of having fans at KU’s second game, on Oct. 3 versus Oklahoma State, and Athletic Director Jeff Long in a letter to fans wrote that he and other administrators “truly believe we will be able to host fans” for KU’s final four home dates in October and November.

Burt said KU’s practices have been quiet, without music playing in the background, as one way of preparing for a game with no fans or crowd noise.

“It’s a bummer. But a game’s a game and we’re ready to play anyway,” Burt said. “We’re gonna get after it.”

Late game, too

Not only will KU face Coastal Carolina in a rematch of a game it lost in 2019 without fans, but it also has the oddly late kickoff time of 9 p.m.

Miles said KU didn’t mind playing abnormally late with the tradeoff of the game airing on FOX Sports 1.

“For me, without fans in the stands it’s the opportunity for our players’ families to see them play,” Miles said. “That late is a national time slot and one that provides us with some visibility.”

Miles also admitted coaches get concerned over variables such as kickoff times. He said the Jayhawks will “certainly get some sleep” before they play their late opener, which likely won’t be over until after midnight.

In the past when his teams have played late games, Miles said, coaches have recommended small and easy measures for sleeping longer in the days leading up to a late kickoff. He said keeping a bedroom extra dark with shutters and blinds closed and making it colder than normal were a few of his tips.

“And sleep as long as you can,” Miles said.

Harris’ future with KU

Miles again addressed Wednesday the possibility of suspended cornerback Corione Harris rejoining the team this year.

According to court records, Harris was arrested in Howell County, Mo., on Jan. 19, and faces felony charges for delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon. He has a plea hearing scheduled for Sept. 11.

“Corione still has to deal with some things that he’s trying to get behind, which is good news,” Miles said. “Everything they’ve asked him to do he’s done, and done extra. So we’re optimistic that he may be with us still.”

Harris’ name continues to appear on KU’s official roster. He is a junior from New Orleans who started six games for KU in 2019.

Miles on Cameo

If any KU fans want to have Miles deliver a message for some special occasion or any other reason they now have the chance to make that happen. Miles announced on Twitter Wednesday afternoon that he is on Cameo, a site that allows fans to receive personalized messages from celebrities.

Miles stated that he joined the site “in an effort to help raise funds to promote change in our community.”

Cameo lists Miles’ request price as $150, but also offers a chat option for $4.99.

I am partnering with @BookCameo in an effort to help raise funds to promote change in our community. I will be able to bring video messaging to you, your friends and family on their special days! I look forward to connecting with you all! Rock Chalk!https://t.co/6SwFOISaRO

— Les Miles (@CoachLesMiles) September 2, 2020