Kansas football: 5 names for Jayhawks fans to know before Illinois face-off
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f11d9e2930912503bfade4ab3b274e1182b029ecce74443e98dafc10f4533951.jpg)
LB Tarique Barnes
Barnes’ role diminished last season, but his senior year should be chock full of opportunities after he won the starting middle linebacker job. Two years ago, he recorded 80 tackles and two sacks with an interception.
One of the Illini’s team captains, Barnes is a leader for that defense as he enters his fifth year with the program. With his excellent tackling ability, Kansas football fans will surely hear his name called multiple times.