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If Jake Sharp does overcome the odds — and they're no doubt stacked against him — what an inspiring story it would make: Hardworking but undersized country boy from Salina, Kan., proves the doubters wrong and reaches the NFL.
Sharp, the former Kansas star running back, still believes.
Even though he wasn't selected in the 2010 NFL Draft and didn't get a callback from the Chicago Bears after rookie minicamp, Sharp remains hopeful that he will someday play on Sundays.
So early Wednesday evening, Sharp, proclaiming himself "bigger, stronger and faster than ever," said he will play this season for the Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League.
"The only reason I want to still play football is to keep that dream alive," he said. "There were five players from this league that made it to the NFL this year, and I definitely aspire to be one of those guys. You can't keep your name out there sitting on the couch watching football.
"I love to play. I'm excited."
The Wild certainly shares that emotion.
From a marketing standpoint, Sharp's popularity and name recognition will surely help the franchise's efforts to fill Hartman Arena. When Sharp faxed his signed contract to the Wild office at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, it marked the end of a 3 1/2-month recruiting process, general manager John Blazek said.
"Everybody talks about him as a football player, but he's one of the best young men you'll ever meet," Blazek said. "His name is gonna sell some tickets because people like to watch kids work hard and play hard, and he'll do both of those things."
On the field, the presence of Sharp, a standout at Salina Central High, should improve the team's chances of reaching the IFL championship after losing in the conference finals the past two seasons. Known for his speed and rugged style of play, Sharp has the potential to give the Wild another talented playmaker on a team already loaded with all-stars like running back Darius Fudge, wide receiver Clinton Solomon and return man Randy Kelly.
Coach Ken Matous said that Sharp will likely fill the role of slot receiver and occasionally line up at running back. While the 5-foot-9 Sharp finished 10th on the Jayhawks' career rushing list with 2,239 yards and third in rushing touchdowns with 23, he reportedly showed off his receiving skills in front of NFL teams at KU's pro day.
"I see him as a Wes Welker type — someone we can get the ball to and let him make plays," Matous said. "He's fast — extremely fast — and he's explosive. And he'll will bring overall toughness to our football team. He'll give us the ability to do some things offensively we haven't been able to do in the past."
While waiting for the right playing opportunity, Sharp said he has stayed active running speed and football camps. He has also created Sharp Sports Performance Institute, which provides clinics, training and equipment for young athletes.
Sharp, the former Kansas star running back, still believes.
Even though he wasn't selected in the 2010 NFL Draft and didn't get a callback from the Chicago Bears after rookie minicamp, Sharp remains hopeful that he will someday play on Sundays.
So early Wednesday evening, Sharp, proclaiming himself "bigger, stronger and faster than ever," said he will play this season for the Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League.
"The only reason I want to still play football is to keep that dream alive," he said. "There were five players from this league that made it to the NFL this year, and I definitely aspire to be one of those guys. You can't keep your name out there sitting on the couch watching football.
"I love to play. I'm excited."
The Wild certainly shares that emotion.
From a marketing standpoint, Sharp's popularity and name recognition will surely help the franchise's efforts to fill Hartman Arena. When Sharp faxed his signed contract to the Wild office at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, it marked the end of a 3 1/2-month recruiting process, general manager John Blazek said.
"Everybody talks about him as a football player, but he's one of the best young men you'll ever meet," Blazek said. "His name is gonna sell some tickets because people like to watch kids work hard and play hard, and he'll do both of those things."
On the field, the presence of Sharp, a standout at Salina Central High, should improve the team's chances of reaching the IFL championship after losing in the conference finals the past two seasons. Known for his speed and rugged style of play, Sharp has the potential to give the Wild another talented playmaker on a team already loaded with all-stars like running back Darius Fudge, wide receiver Clinton Solomon and return man Randy Kelly.
Coach Ken Matous said that Sharp will likely fill the role of slot receiver and occasionally line up at running back. While the 5-foot-9 Sharp finished 10th on the Jayhawks' career rushing list with 2,239 yards and third in rushing touchdowns with 23, he reportedly showed off his receiving skills in front of NFL teams at KU's pro day.
"I see him as a Wes Welker type — someone we can get the ball to and let him make plays," Matous said. "He's fast — extremely fast — and he's explosive. And he'll will bring overall toughness to our football team. He'll give us the ability to do some things offensively we haven't been able to do in the past."
While waiting for the right playing opportunity, Sharp said he has stayed active running speed and football camps. He has also created Sharp Sports Performance Institute, which provides clinics, training and equipment for young athletes.
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