3 positions to keep an eye on for Kansas football’s defense ahead of Big 12 media days

LAWRENCE — Austin Booker’s early departure, and eventual selection in the 2024 NFL draft, has once again left Kansas football with a need to find an answer for its pass rush.

Booker, a defensive lineman who transferred in from Minnesota, emerged for the Jayhawks in 2023. He led his team in sacks and tackles for loss, prior to the Chicago Bears picking him in the fifth round of the NFL draft. It means, at defensive end this upcoming season, Kansas has a position in which it has to figure out who it is going to rely upon.

But defensive end isn’t the only position to keep an eye on for Kansas’ defense in 2024. There are a couple others as well. The better the Jayhawks play at these positions, the better chance they have at competing for a Big 12 Conference championship.

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Here are those three defensive positions to watch out for ahead of Big 12 media days on Tuesday and Wednesday in Las Vegas:

Defensive end

This discussion does start with defensive end for Kansas, and it helps senior Jereme Robinson is back for another season. Behind Booker, Robinson was one of the Jayhawks’ leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. Robinson’s presence is key for a team that’s going to be giving a number of players chances for breakout seasons with the program in 2024.

Redshirt junior Dean Miller is among the returners from last season who could help be that answer. Redshirt senior Dylan Wudke, from Youngstown State, and redshirt freshman Bai Jobe, from Michigan State, are two who have transferred in as Booker once did. And don’t forget about a pair of freshmen, DJ Warner and Dakyus Brinkley, who are two high-profile recruits from the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-positions-keep-eye-kansas-080821500.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-07-08 08:08:21

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