Kansas football vs. West Virginia: Four Jayhawks to watch

The Jayhawks are taking on West Virginia this week at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (The Booth) to begin conference play this season. Which Kansas football players should you keep your eye on?

There have been a number of impact players so far this season for the Jayhawks, but who’s it going to be this week? Kansas football will need to step up its game heading into the gauntlet against their fellow Big 12 schools.

While it’s tempting to put players like quarterback Carter Stanley or Pooka Williams on this list, those two and others like them will be omitted with the belief that they’ll be watched anyway considering their obvious impact on the game.

So, without further ado, here’s four Jayhawks to watch this week against West Virginia:

Dru Prox has been nothing but a problem for opposing offenses this season. He not only leads the Jayhawks in total tackles, but Prox also leads the entire Big 12 going into week four. His 30 tackles a game comes out to a dominant 10 tackle-per-game average. The six-foot-one-inch linebacker is set for another big week this week, as the West Virginia offensive line has been less than impressive thus far.  Look for Prox to be making the majority of Kansas’ stops.

Kwamie Lassiter II is coming off one of the best weeks in his time at Kansas. He pulled in five receptions for 67 yards, including a 21-yard reception last week against Boston College. Lassiter II was often used as a punt and kick returner last season and earlier this season, but it looks like he’ll be playing more receiver from here on out. He certainly has the skills necessary to make an impact on for the Kansas offense. Watch for Lassiter II to continue getting time at receiver next week against West Virginia.

Jack Luavasa hasn’t made a ton of receptions this season, but the ones he has made have been big time. Last week at Boston College, Luavasa caught a 19-yard touchdown pass that got Kansas its first points of the game. In the Jayhawks’ week one game, Luavasa caught the two-point conversion pass that put Kansas up 24-17 in the fourth quarter. Hopefully, Luavasa can continue his exceptional timing and playmaking against the Mountaineers.

Kyle Mayberry is on the verge of a big game for the Jayhawks. Last week, he was credited with two passes defended; however, he easily could have intercepted one. Mayberry has been a big part of the Kansas secondary this season, and he and the rest of the Kansas defensive backs will have a lot of responsibility against West Virginia. The Mountaineers have an extremely ineffective ground game, so it’ll be up to Mayberry and co. to stop the West Virginia pass game.

Kansas will take on West Virginia at 3:30 PM in Lawrence this Saturday. You can catch the game on ESPN+. West Virginia is currently a four-point favorite over the Jayhawks.