Kansas football players report for preseason camp on July 31, but the 2017 roster began materializing long before that thanks to the numerous newcomers who arrived earlier this summer.
As is the case every year, the roster looks significantly different entering August practices than it did in the spring.
Some key returning Jayhawks changed their jersey numbers, a few players left the program and an influx of new talent arrived.
Here’s a breakdown of how the composition of coach David Beaty’s team has evolved since the conclusion of spring football.
*– [Check out the complete 2017 Kansas football roster][1] –*
New numbers
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The majority of KU’s core maintained the status quo in terms of the digits they will wear on their chests and backs. But some opted for a switch.
You won’t see receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez blazing past defenders in his No. 1 jersey anymore. For his senior season, Gonzalez will wear No. 82.
Likewise, junior linebacker Keith Loneker Jr. changed from No. 33 to No. 47, sophomore defensive end Maciah Long shifted from No. 3 to No. 9, and sophomore defensive back Bryce Torneden switched from No. 12 to No. 1.
Roster additions
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We now know the numbers many key members of KU’s 2017 recruiting class will wear during their introductory year in the program.
**First, the freshmen**:
https://twitter.com/_Shortman10/status/885586647043239936
– Receiver Quan Hampton: No. 6
– Tight end/receiver Kenyon Tabor: No. 13
– Receiver Takulve Williams: No. 16
– Receiver Travis Jordan: No. 17
– Running back Dom Williams: No. 25
– Cornerback Robert Topps III: No. 28
– Linebacker Cooper Root: No. 30
– Linebacker Jay Dineen: No. 43
– Kicker Liam Jones: No. 46
– Offensive lineman Earl Bostick: No. 68
– Offensive lineman Joseph Gilbertson: No. 79
**A couple of crucial junior college signees** who weren’t able to enroll in the spring also got to Lawrence in the summer for offseason training: junior safety Antonio Cole (No. 14) and junior running back Octavius Matthews (No. 12).
Additionally, Kansas **added a pair of lineman via transfer** this offseason: graduate transfer and former Nebraska offensive lineman Zach Hannon (No. 56) and sophomore offensive lineman Andru Tovi (No. 77), formerly of Pima Community College (Ariz.).
While Beaty chooses not to reveal which players are on scholarship, **a number of incoming freshmen are expected to enter the program as walk-ons**. Below are some players who likely fall in that category, most of whom were highlighted by Beaty at his Signing Day press conference back in February:
– Fullback Quinton McQuillan: No. 36
– Safety Tom Barrett: No. 41
– Kicker Cole Brungardt: No. 37
– Safety Nick Caudle: No. 45
– Fullback Sam Schroeder: No. 46
– Offensive lineman Sam Burt: No. 59
– Offensive lineman Jack Williams: No. 62
– Receiver Hunter Kaufman: No. 80
– Linebacker Kashe Boatner: No. 87
The current KU roster also includes **some names likely to be completely new** to most fans, as they didn’t get the benefit of any Signing Day buzz. Quarterback Miles Fallin (No.15, from Canyon County, Calif.), defensive end Jelani Arnold (No. 91, from Irving, Texas) and defensive tackle Dai Coye Haley (No. 92, from Atchison) all are college freshmen.
Meanwhile, running back Kezelee Flomo (No. 30, formerly of North Dakota State College of Science) is a sophomore. And although his name didn’t appear on KU’s spring game roster, he actually carried the ball late in the fourth quarter of the open scrimmage.
Roster subtractions
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Three players who were involved in the program in the spring have since left the Jayhawks.
As previously reported, tight end Jace Sternberger (Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College) and linebacker Sam Skwarlo (Coffeyville Community College) decided to transfer, in efforts to give their football careers a boost.
Offensive lineman Joe Gibson, on the other hand, gave up football after a neck injury in 2016.
[1]: http://www2.kusports.com/documents/2017/jul/21/2017-kansas-football-roster/
