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; Missouri State Bears wide receiver Hunter Wood (88) runs with the ball against Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Kwinton Lassiter (8) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Missouri State Bears wide receiver Hunter Wood (88) runs with the ball against Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Kwinton Lassiter (8) during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

CB Kwinton Lassiter

If the name Lassiter is familiar to Jayhawk fans, it is his because his brother and father played at KU for several years. In fact, Kwamie II ranks No. 5 all-time in receptions by a Kansas football player. However, it is now his brother Kwinton who could make a difference in his final year of eligibility.

The Arizona-based corner picked off a pass from Jacob Clark late in the fourth quarter last time out, snatching the ball away from the receiver. It was his first Division I interception. Aggressiveness like that is what the defense needs, especially against Illinois’ star slot receiver Isaiah Williams.

Outside of Cobee Bryant, the Kansas cornerback situation is pretty dire. Mello Dotson and Kalon Gervin have been serviceable, but none of their performances have wowed thus far. If Lassiter can play a few extra snaps and make a game-changing play once again, he’ll likely obtain much more trust from the staff. It’s a worth a shot to test him out in the slot.

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