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Concussions force Shelley-Smith into early retirement from football
File Photo/KANSAN during a play
Junior offensive Jordan Shelley-Smith advances towards a South Dakota State player during a play.
**File Photo/KANSAN**
► BRIAN MINI
@brianminimun
On Tuesday, head coach David Beaty started his weekly press conference as he often does; with an injury update. This week's update felt much different, however, as Beaty announced that senior offensive lineman Jordan Shelley-Smith is'retiring from football after a dealing with concussions.
Beaty said that it was a very emotional day for him last week when Shelley-Smith announced to the team that he would be retiring.
Shelley-Smith has dealt with concussions in the past, missing games last season due to his injuries.
Shelley-Smith started nine games last year and started against Memphis this season, after which Beaty noted. "[Shelley-Smith] played really well in that game."
Beaty mentioned that the senior will still be around the team and that "he's still a very big part of what we do."
When asked about the rest of the offensive line's health, Beaty noted that the linemen that are playing aren't "playing healthy," but that this is common across the country.
On the topic of concussions, Beaty made clear how serious he considered concussions.
"It's not just Saturday," he said. "It's their lives that they are dealing with."
"Us being right there, really, on a couple different occasions, I think that's something that can drive them, as well."
FOOTBALL FROM
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Kansas will be looking for more success against TCU with sophomore quarterback Ryan Willis making his first start of the season.
Willis has shared snaps with redshirt junior quarterback Montell Cozart through the first four games. Cozart has struggled in his last two games, throwing three interceptions and completing only 53.6 percent of his passes.
In four games this season Willis has completed 31-of-
53 passes for 374 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception.
He took over for Cozart in the game against Texas Tech, as he started in the second half, and completed 14 of his 26 passes, including a touchdown to redshirt freshman wide receiver Chase Ha
["Willis'] efficiency has been a little bit better than [Cozart's] the last couple of weeks,] Beaty said. "And really, when he's in there as of late, he's done some things that we haven't seen him do up until that point."
receiver Chase Harrell.
Willis will be in for a challenge against a TCU defense that ranks third in the Big 12 in yards allowed. The unit is allowing only 258.2 passing yards per game, and 414.6 total yards per game.
"Obviously every year you think about defense, when
you think about TCU," Beaty said. "[TCU coach Gary Patterson] has really done a nice job with those guys over there again this year. I think they got a couple defensive linemen that are really talented. Those defensive ends are really good."
Being able to effectively run the ball will also be an area of focus for the Jayhawks. The team currently ranks last in the Big 12 in rush offense, averaging only 91 yards per game, 26.5 less than Texas Tech, which is ninth in the Big 12.
Us being right there,really,on a couple different occasions, I think that's something that can drive them, as well."
Beaty said he isn't concerned with the lack of run production at this point for one reason.
"Because I know we're
I know we're capable to run the football — I think a faster start [in games] will help that," Beaty said. "It's not going to be the cure of it, but it will help it. When you start off in a situation that's a little bit more
David Beatty situation than Kansas coach a little bit more conducive for
If the Jayhawks can manage success offensively, especially on the ground, they could find themselves in another close game with TCU that again looks like one of the top teams in the Big 12.
it, it helps it a little bit."
"It's going to be a chore, there's no doubt about it," Beaty said. "But for us, we are preparing and we expect to win the game."
Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.
- Edited by Christian Hardy
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