Kansas football: Three potential breakout stars in 2020
2. Gavin Potter, Sophomore LB
After the injury of starting middle linebacker Dru Prox last season against West Virginia, the Jayhawks had a massive hole in their defense. Prox had been Kansas football’s leading tackler at the time, and now Jayhawks needed someone to step up.
Les Miles and the Kansas defense looked to a freshman from Oklahoma, Gavin Potter.
Potter committed to Kansas football’s 2019 recruiting class in what’s become an infamous commitment video:
Here's the video of Gavin Potter's (@Gavvin_12) #NationalSigningDay2019 reveal and his comments on #Sooners #Okstate. Going to be fun to see @BrokenArrowFTBL star get on the field for @KU_Football against all these #Big12 rivals pic.twitter.com/KY5VOVgjpn
— Jeff Kolb (@JeffKolbFOX4) February 6, 2019
Miles and the coaching staff raved about Potter:
"“Nobody had to be sold. [Potter] was a really, really — and is a — good player.” – Les Miles"
Potter totaled 56 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his freshman season. After being thrust into the heart of the defense, Potter gained valuable experience and is now ready for a breakout year in 2020, especially after the departure of Azur Kamara and Najee Stevens-McKenzie.
Look for Potter to lead the Jayhawks’ defense next season.