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Kansas football: 5 names for Jayhawks fans to know before Illinois face-off

By Joshua Schulman

Sep 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball during the first half against the Toledo Rockets at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs with the ball during the first half against the Toledo Rockets at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 26: Jer’Zhan Newton of the Illinois Fighting Illini speaks at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 26: Jer’Zhan Newton of the Illinois Fighting Illini speaks at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

DT Jer’Zhan Newton

Newton is one of the most disruptive interior linemen in college football and a projected top-15 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The 2022 second-team All-American totaled 62 tackles — 14 for loss — and 5.5 sacks en route to Big Ten first-team honors.

A former high school wrestler, Newton has some of the best techniques and hands you’ll find from any player. His athleticism and strength make him a force to be reckoned with for whichever O-lineman stands in his way.

Considering the Kansas football team enjoys a good portion of its offensive success on the ground, keeping Newton out of the backfield will be paramount. There are very few players who can stop him one-on-one, so the Jayhawks will need to pile on double teams to lessen his impact.

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