A couple weeks ago SB Nation Kansas City's Owen Kemp noted the recruiting hot streak Kansas Jayhawks head coach Turner Gill had been on. Specifically, Kemp noticed the number (and quality) of offensive linemen committing.
Well, consider that good timing by Gill because he'll need one of those offensive linemen.
According to KU's official site, junior offensive tackle Jeff Spikes is done for the year.
Kansas offensive tackle Jeff Spikes will miss the 2010 season due to a lower leg injury it was confirmed by Jayhawks head coach Turner Gill.
Spikes, a 6-6, 325-pound, junior, has been a two-year starter for Kansas. He started all 13 games as a freshman in 2008 and 10 games last season. His 23 career starts are third among active players at KU behind only defensive back Chris Harris (29) and fellow lineman Jeremiah Hatch (24).
He started the first eight games of the 2009 season at right tackle before finishing up at right guard.
Wow. Third most tenured starter and a two-year, versatile lineman. This hurts, no doubt about it.
This probably reinforces Gill's decision to try and become stacked on the offensive line. To look at the optimistic side, this gives a chance for a younger guy to get some time. Then Spikes will come back in 2011 to some competition, which is always good for the team.
A "lower leg injury" that keeps someone out for the year sounds like a ACL or an Achilles' injury.