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Big 6’4” Jace Sternberger, who many were hopeful would have a breakout season last year, is transferring out of the Kansas Football program, as reported by Benton Smith of KUSports.com.
Sternberger was a 2-star recruit out of Oklahoma in the 2015 recruiting class. He redshirted in 2015 and played in 10 games last year, but caught just one pass for five yards in the season opener against Rhode Island.
His departure leaves Kansas with just two tight ends on the roster - senior Ben Johnson (the presumed starter) and redshirt freshman Ryan Renick. There were no tight end recruits in the 2017 class, so unless someone switches positions, the Jayhawks will be a bit thin in that spot. In 2016, Maciah Long, a highly recruited prospect in the 2016 recruiting class, was listed at TE, but this year he’s listed at LB.
However, with the Air Raid offense of Meacham and Beaty, tight end isn’t exactly a focal point. To that point, last year, Ben Johnson caught 10 passes for 112 yards and 1 TD.
Sternberger is quoted by the LJW as follows:
“First off I would like to thank Coach Beaty and the University of Kansas for the opportunity to play football. These past two years have been amazing and a true learning experience. I will be forever grateful for all of the friendships that I have made over this time period. That being said, I am transferring from the University of Kansas.”
“Overall, KU is a great place to be and I know they are going to be very successful in the future. Those guys work way too hard. In the end the overall scheme wasn't the best fit for me.”