Former Jayhawks QB Jason Bean and offensive line anchor Earl Bostick Jr. lead the UFL's Louisville Kings in their UFL football debut.
The United Football League’s newest franchise, the Louisville Kings, is leaning heavily on former Jayhawks as it opens its inaugural season. Quarterback Jason Bean, offensive tackle Earl Bostick Jr. and defensive end Jereme Robinson, all key contributors during the Lance Leipold era at Kansas, are on the Kings’ roster. The former Jayhawks played in Friday night’s opener against the Birmingham Stallions at Lynn Family Stadium.
Bean, who helped lead Kansas to a Guaranteed Rate Bowl win in 2023 with six touchdown passes, enters his first spring season after an NFL stint with the Indianapolis Colts. The dual-threat quarterback was originally selected No. 1 overall in the UFL draft by the Memphis Showboats before the franchise folded. Now in Louisville, he’s already showing flashes, including an early touchdown pass in his debut.
Bostick, a former KU tight end turned starting left tackle, followed a brief run with the Dallas Cowboys before landing in the UFL. After dealing with injuries early in his pro career, he now gets another opportunity to anchor an offensive line.
Robinson, a longtime starter on Kansas’ defensive front, took a winding path through the NFL with stops in Chicago, New England and Philadelphia before signing with Louisville earlier this month.
The Kings nearly added a fourth Jayhawk in wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter II, but he did not make the final roster, reportedly due to a training camp injury.
Louisville isn’t the only UFL team with former Jayhawks. Tight end Mason Fairchild returns to the DC Defenders, while center Mike Novitsky and defensive end Darrius Moragne are with the Dallas Renegades. Several others, including JB Brown, Kyron Johnson and Lonnie Phelps, were released during roster cuts.
Kansas DC D.K. McDonald discusses communication, returning experience during spring practice
D.K. McDonald met with reporters during spring practice this weekend and touched on the early progress of the defense, leadership development and roster additions.
On communication early in spring: “We’re doing a good job demanding it. The good thing is we’ve got guys back at all three levels, so they understand what we’re asking them defensively. You’re seeing a lot more communication because guys are more comfortable. Coaches have done a great job communicating with players too, so it’s been really good.”
On developing leadership from returning players: “It’s about being comfortable. Our guys want to win, and when they realize that’s what it takes, it helps. Those guys have played a lot of reps, so now they feel comfortable speaking up because they know what’s expected and what it takes to play Big 12 football.”
On who has stood out so far: “It’s still early, but it’s been fun to see the guys we’ve had back take steps. You can tell it’s year two in the defense. They look comfortable out there.”
On evaluating year one of the defense: “We did some good things. We’ve got to bottle up how we played in certain games and just be more consistent.”
On what needs to carry over: “How we played, how we tackled, communicated, lined up, stopped explosive plays and created turnovers — those are things we’ve got to build on.”
On adding safeties this offseason: “We wanted to create competition, add length and athleticism, and improve depth. We also wanted a true nickel and guys who can play in space.”
On linebacker additions: “We wanted a true Mike to compete, plus athletic guys who can play in space and give us flexibility, including possibly playing three linebackers.”
On retaining key returners: “It’s important to retain all our guys, especially at Mike linebacker. You can really see the growth in leadership and confidence.”
On generating pass rush: “We think we’ve got guys who can do it. But pressure can come from anywhere — linebackers, safeties — and that makes offenses guess.”
On defensive tackle depth: “I think we’ve improved. We’re in better shape to do more things up front.”
On year two as coordinator: “Not really changing much. It’s still about playing fast and physical for each other.”
On team speed: “We’ve gotten bigger and faster across all three levels. We’ve added guys who can really run.”
On defensive ends coach addition: “He’s a great young coach, a great technician and has a great relationship with his guys. He brings pride being back at his alma mater.”
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