Kansas football: Losing Marcus Harris will hurt defensive progress

After just two seasons with Kansas football, Marcus Harris will be taking his talents elsewhere.

Following the hire of head coach Lance Leipold, it was expected that our roster would lose some of its talent. However, Harris’ departure will open a crucial spot on the Jayhawks’ defensive line.

Defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot is not expected to remain on staff when Leipold’s new staff arrives, which may have influenced Marcus’ decision to transfer.

The sophomore defensive lineman found quite a bit of action in 2020, contributing 27 tackles on the year and leading the team in tackles for a loss.

Kansas’ defensive line had a poor final season during the Les Miles era and it has been something of major importance since Leipold’s arrival.

Losing a key, young athlete like Harris is a step in the wrong direction.

However, we can’t blame Lance. There’s plenty of factors that could’ve influenced his decision and that includes roster changes as well.

Another sophomore defender, Da’Jon Terry also announced his departure from Kansas and has since committed to Tennessee.

Terry’s departure may have contributed to Harris’ decision to leave the Jayhawks’ program, which would make sense assuming neither were happy with the impending staff changes.

Whenever a new coaching hire is made, decisions like this are inevitable. They hurt now, but the Jayhawks will need to move fast to pick themselves up off their feet.

Both Harris and Terry held core spots on Kansas’ defense and it will be tough sailing without them in the future. Now, Kansas will have to fill these spots with some new blood.