LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Six juniors on the University of Kansas football team released a statement Tuesday morning in support of Athletics Director Lew Perkins and the KU athletics department.

The statement comes as the university is in the middle of a coaching search that has mentioned nearly 10 candidates as a future head coach.

The players who sent the statement are Sal Capra, Drew Dudley, Chris Harris, Jake Laptad, Brad Thorson and John Wilson.

The statement reads: "On behalf of the junior class we would like to express our unwavering confidence in this team and the Athletic Department. We recognize the amazing opportunity the University of Kansas has given us all and could not be more thankful. We are excited to start preparation for next season and trust that all other aspects of the program will be handled in a satisfactory manner. We have no doubts that Lew Perkins is acting in our best interest to ensure a successful season next year and years to come. As student-athletes we will keep striving to fulfill our obligations both in the classroom and on the field as we always have. We ask for the fans continued support in our football program and the athletic department and together we can move forward. Rock Chalk Jayhawk."