Mangino changes tune on Sharp

During Monday's Big 12 teleconference, KU coach Mark Mangino said that he felt "pretty good" about the progress of injured running back Jake Sharp. But on Tuesday at KU's weekly press conference, Mangino was less optimistic about Sharp's chances to play against Iowa State.

“I think we all thought he would get on the practice field today and we would cut him loose, but unfortunately, it has not developed that way," Mangino said. "I think by Thursday’s practice, if he can go out and execute everything at full speed, 100 percent, we will play him. However, if there is any sign that he is not 100 percent or that he cannot play to the best of his abilities, we will not play him.

"We will consider using him in a limited role, but, to be honest, someone would have to convince me that it is in his best interest. I want it where he can play the whole game or be a starter and maybe have a series off or take breaks here or there, but I want him to be completely functional. He is a guy whose speed and quickness are his assets, and if he doesn’t bring those to the field, he is not a 240-pound running back, so we have to have him feeling really good.”

Clearly, it won't be known whether Sharp will play until Saturday.