The Kansas Jayhawks have had a resurgence as a program, thanks in large part to their quarterback play over the past few seasons. First, Jalon Daniels impressed. And in relief of Daniels, speedster and North Texas transfer Jason Bean breathed life into the program in Daniels’ absence.
On Saturday, however, Bean was hit hard against Texas Tech and left the game.
Jason Bean Injury Update: Jayhawks QB Exits Game
On a first-quarter QB draw, Bean was smacked hard in between two defenders. The hit didn’t look violent in real-time; however, after the replay was shown, it was clear Bean was hit hard.
Bean took a helmet to the side of his own helmet, ricocheting off another defender, and fell to the ground nearly limp. His legs bent under him and he was clearly shown in pain on the ground.
After a few moments on the ground with trainers tending to him, Bean bounced up and cleared the fear of anything injured with his legs. He would return in the next series.
However, following that re-insertion back into the lineup, Bean was further removed from the game and sent to the locker room in the second quarter.
No clear reason or injury has been mentioned, but Bean was clearly not himself enough for the Kansas staff to send him to the locker room.
In relief of Bean, freshman Cole Ballard entered the game, having not recorded any statistics prior to this appearance. Ballard, the son of Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, entered the Jayhawks lineup as an unranked high school prospect.
The coaching staff had largely said that they had faith in Ballard, but they planned to have him wait.
As of halftime of their Week 11 game against Texas Tech, Ballard completed just 2-of-5 attempts for 37 yards and had a long carry of 11 yards. Kansas trailed Texas Tech, 10-0, at halftime without Bean.
UPDATE: Bean did not warm up during the halftime warm-ups for the second half. Ballard continued his action as the starter.