Kansas football: True freshman Gavin Potter had big game against Texas

#19 Gavin Potter, a true freshman from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma lit up the Longhorns offense last Saturday. The six-foot-two-inch linebacker has a bright future with Kansas football.

Junior Linebacker Dru Prox led the Jayhawks in tackles after Kansas fell to West Virginia at home back on September 21, but since then Prox hasn’t played a game due to a shoulder injury. Replacing Prox at linebacker is true freshman Gavin Potter, who got his first start for Kansas football against TCU on the road.

Potter led the Jayhawks in tackles that game, but his performance against Texas last Saturday was even more impressive. He led the team with nine total tackles, and also picked up 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss which were both team highs as well. He was all over the place and played a big part in the close game.

Get used to seeing Potter, considering Prox may be better off redshirting this season, which he’s allowed to do since he only played four games. If Prox doesn’t end up coming back, whether it be due to injury or a decision to redshirt, be ready to see #19 in the middle of the Kansas defense.

Les Miles gave high praise to Potter while recruiting him:

"“He was a really, really — and is a — good player.” -Les Miles on Gavin Potter"

The freshman is already making his mark on Kansas football, and the future is exciting for Potter, who will hopefully spend a lot of time in a Jayhawks uniform. Even if Prox comes back this year, the coaching staff will have to find a way to get Potter on the field.

Finding players who are confident and will buy into Kansas football is paramount for Les Miles and the Jayhawks’ recruiting. The 2020 class is already looking solid, and though they may not make an immediate impact like Potter, it’s all about developing a formula and next man up mentality.