Jason Bean has had quite the year. Bean, who started ten games (nine at quarterback) in his final college season as starter Jalon Daniels recovered from a back injury, will have the opportunity to play in the NFL. The Jayhawks’ quarterback, who guided the team to a 9-4 record and its first bowl victory since 2008, has signed with the Indianapolis Colts after the NFL Draft, his representative revealed on X (previously Twitter).
The Kansas football X account confirmed the news, and Bean provided his own statement. “The dream is real!” Bean wrote about X. “Let’s get it.” Bean was not taken in the NFL Draft, but two of his teammates were. OL Dominick Puni (San Francisco 49ers) entered the third round. DE Austin Booker (Chicago Bears) entered the fifth round. There is, however, an intriguing Jayhawk connection to Bean’s landing location. Cole Ballard, a former walk-on who saw little game experience last season, is the Jayhawks’ backup quarterback.
The General Manager of the Indianapolis Colts? Chris Ballard, Cole’s father, is surely familiar with the Kansas quarterbacks’ room. Bean, who hails from Mansfield, Texas, concluded last season with 2,130 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed 280 yards and scored three more touchdowns. Bean spent much of his time at KU backing behind Daniels, and if he makes the Colts squad, he will be in a similar situation. But one thing he can offer is adaptability. Bean’s speed and athleticism earned him snaps at running back and wide receiver while at Kansas. Bean played at North Texas before moving on to Kansas.
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In eight games in the 2020 season, he scored 19 touchdowns (14 throwing) and had five interceptions. He passed for 1,131 yards. After last season, Bean accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl but did not attend due to illness. Bean did participate in the Hula Bowl, an all-star game attended by numerous NFL pro scouts.
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