According to his Twitter feed, former Kansas University defensive end, Jake Laptad, on Thursday, became the third member of KU’s most recent graduating class to pick up a free agent offer from an NFL team.
“Going to the Chicago Bears!!!,” Laptad posted on Twitter around 1 p.m. on Thursday.
Later in the day, Chris Harris, who signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos earlier in the week, confirmed that he had talked to Laptad and the former KU defensive end was headed to the Windy City.
Joining Harris and Laptad as free-agent signees was offensive lineman Brad Thorson, who inked with Arizona.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound end from Tulsa, Okla., joins the Bears after a stellar career at Kansas. After leading the Jayhawks in sacks in each of the last three seasons, Laptad left KU second on the school’s all-time sacks list, with 21.
Equipped with good strength, a great motor and a good football IQ, the biggest obstacle Laptad will have to overcome in order to make the Bears roster could be his size. Although he’s not small, Laptad is a little undersized when compared with other NFL defensive ends.
In order to earn a roster spot, Laptad must first survive a few rounds of cuts this preseason.
KU rallies kick off
Head coach Turner Gill, legendary running back Gale Sayers and new athletic director Sheahon Zenger will be the featured guests at a KU football kickoff rally this weekend.
The rally scene kicked off Thursday in Wichita, where several enthusiastic fans turned out at Larry Buds to support the Jayhawks and listen to Gill and Zenger speak.
Sunday, Topeka will host its version of the kickoff rally at 5:30 p.m. at the Fairlawn Mall. More info about that event can be found at www.topekajayhawkclub.org.
Several other similar events are scheduled for August in both the Kansas City and Lawrence areas.
The Jayhawks report to preseason camp Wednesday and open the season Sept. 3 against McNeese State.
