Kansas football: Three players poised to have big year on defense

The first game of the season for Kansas football is right around the corner as they’ll square off against FCS opponent South Dakota next Friday.

New head coach Lance Leipold hasn’t yet released a full depth chart, but I’ll be naming three defensive players that are poised to have a big year.

Kyron Johnson (Senior), Defensive End

Last year Kyron Johnson was easily one of the best defenders on the Jayhawk defense. And this year will be more of the same.

Johnson finished with 42 total tackles, four for loss, three sacks, and one pass deflection in 2020. What will be different this year is, according to Scott Chasen with 247 Sports, Johnson will have a defined position at the defensive end spot. In years past, he’s moved around the defense, from linebacker to the HAWK position.

This will allow him to focus on one position and not worry about playing all over the field. Although, in Johnson’s conversation with Chasen, it appears he doesn’t mind the versatility in playing different positions.

"I want people to know I can play any position on the field. That includes safety, nickel, Sam, Mike, Will, outside linebacker, D-end. I’ve played all those positions in football through my whole career."

One thing that makes Johnson stand out is his incredible speed. He’s one of the fastest players on the team, which will make a huge impact at the defensive end spot.

The Jayhawk’s new defensive coordinator Brian Borland plans to utilize Johnson as a pass rusher in his 4-3 defense. He’s not the biggest of defensive ends, as he stands 6-1 and weighs 235-pounds, but his speed is so overwhelming it won’t matter.

In talking with Phog.net, Jason Bean, one of the potential starting quarterback candidates, said, “It’s not really heard of for a D-end to be that fast.” Bean continued, “I think for the whole offense — for running backs trying to get outside and him stopping them, for quarterbacks trying to run and especially for the O-line, the tackles he’s going against — it’s going to be difficult for them to stop.”

One thing is for sure; Johnson will absolutely be the most exciting player to watch this year on defense. And Leipold certainly agrees.

“Honestly, I’m excited to go watch him play on game day. He’s that type of player.”

Kenny Logan Jr. (Junior), Safety

After leading the Jayhawks in tackles (58) and interceptions (2) last season, Kenny Logan Jr. is poised to have an even bigger year in 2021.

Scott Chasen of 247 Sports compared Logan to former Safety standout Mike Lee, and while he’s not the same type of big-hitter as Lee, Logan still has a similar mindset.

"I try to go a different angle how I approach the tackles than Mike Lee — because that’s the Water Moccasin. But I try to do my own thing when it’s time to make the play and make the tackle."

And in speaking with Chasen, Logan made it clear he’s setting some big goals this year. He’s aiming for seven interceptions, which would be the highest mark since former defensive back Charles Gordon recorded seven in 2004.

It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely a lofty goal. The Jayhawks need guys that are willing to set those high goals for themselves, though. It’s about having confidence in yourself and then putting in the work to reach that goal.

Logan described his game to Chasen as, “My brand of football is just flawless. I play with this little swagger, making tackles, making plays. That’s just how I operate. That’s just me — having fun, doing what I love. I always try to play with some juice and do what I do.”

And with Logan being a junior, he’ll certainly bring his leadership to the defense as well. The Jayhawks will need as much leadership as they can get, given the circumstances. With a mostly new staff and some of the defense’s top players in Karon Prunty, Da’Jon Terry, and Marcus Harris leaving for the SEC, it will be necessary to have that leadership presence on the field.

Jeremy Webb (Senior), Cornerback

The Jayhawks lost star cornerback Prunty to the transfer portal, but they brought in an experienced senior transfer from Missouri State, Jeremy Webb.

It may be a bit of a stretch having Webb on this list as he wasn’t with the Jayhawks last season, and his contribution will be unknown, but given the need at the cornerback position, he will likely make an immediate impact.

Shane Jackson, formerly with KUSports.com, gave an in-depth analysis of Webb’s game.

"Put on any of his tape, it will be obvious that Webb wants to rely on his combination of length and strength in pass coverage. Webb is constantly using his hands to disrupt receivers, forcing them off the stem of their route. Webb is good when in press coverage situations because of that style of play."

Last season, Webb played in 10 games with Missouri State and recorded three interceptions, six pass breakups, and 38 total tackles.

What stands out about Webb is his size as a cornerback. He’s a big 6-4, and as Jackson explains, “he has thick arms and a big chest.”

Having a cornerback of this size can really help in pass coverage, especially against much larger receivers, which the Big 12 has plenty of. Webb also uses his size to his advantage in his physical play.

Having only one year of eligibility left, Webb will be fighting for every rep when he’s on the field. The Jayhawks need a guy at cornerback who will be physical and play with a swagger and tenacity.

While it’s not guaranteed Webb will win a starting spot, he likely gets plenty of playing time and makes a huge difference for the defense.