Jason Bean expected to start, Daniels making progress

On Monday Lance Leipold called Jalon Daniels doubtful to questionable on his status to play in the Oklahoma game. On Tuesday morning Leipold said there was no change at the quarterback spot and Jason Bean is going to be the starter.

Leipold gave an update during his segment on Sports Radio 810 and said he met with Daniels early in the morning. The quarterback is showing progress but will most likely not start his fourth straight game.

“He's making progress,” Leipold said of Daniels. “It's still not where it needs to know. Again, today will be a big day. I haven't heard what the trainers are going to say, but right now I would expect Jason Bean to be the starting quarterback and that's the direction we're heading.”

Daniels has missed time due to what has been described as a back injury. Leipold said the training staff and medical people handled the injury well.

“I think we’ve got a good handle on what the situation is and what they're doing,” he said. “Again, part of my conversations with Jalon, are you comfortable with everything? Has your family been comfortable with things? And I think everybody is.”

Daniels has been a big part of the success the program has seen over the last two seasons. They hope to get him back and people can watch what he brings to the offense.

“I'll also say internally we are probably as equally disappointed and at times not frustrated at the medical situation but just the fact that Jalon Daniels isn't on the field,” Leipold said. “And we have a chance to watch him and his talents and have his personality impacted on the field 100% like he always does. That's disappointing because you want especially a player his caliber and the position he plays available for you each and every Saturday.”

The good news for the Jayhawks is having Bean as the backup quarterback. He stepped in last season and put up solid numbers when Daniels went out and has done the same this year.

In the Jayhawks loss against Oklahoma State, he threw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns.

“I feel that sometimes when I answer these questions because when you're talking about someone like Jalon ‘it's like hurry up and get back here because this other guy can't get it done,’” Leipold said. “I don't feel that's the case. I had a national writer said he thought we had the best backup quarterback in the country.”

It looks like Bean will be starter for the Oklahoma game in a nationally televised game. The FOX Big Noon kickoff crew will be in Lawrence for the pregame show. Leipold said he is asked often about the quarterback situation and Daniels injury. He admitted he answers it in generic terms.

“I know when I get asked these questions people want more than what my generic answer really is,” he said. “As my father used to tell me, a lot of times things are on a need to know basis.”