Kansas football: 3 Jayhawks who should see more snaps vs. Illinois

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 1: Running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. #20 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 1: Running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. #20 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
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Sep 1, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Rich Miller (30) and defensive lineman Austin Booker (9) celebrate after a play during the first half against the Missouri State Bearsa at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Rich Miller (30) and defensive lineman Austin Booker (9) celebrate after a play during the first half against the Missouri State Bearsa at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

DE Austin Booker

Booker still sits behind Hayden Hatcher on the depth chart, and that isn’t expected to change after he posted a team-leading seven tackles (two for loss) in the season opener. However, he was shedding blocks and wreaking havoc everywhere when he was on the field.

The transfer from Minnesota received high praise from the coaching staff and his teammates out of fall camp. At 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, he is an athletic freak with tremendous potential. This week would be a great spot for him to get reps in.

I like having a change-of-pace guy like Booker available on the defensive front. Although he is still a raw talent, he is a player who can be a difference-maker with just a few extra snaps.