Kansas football: 5 key players for the Jayhawks against Nevada

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Sep 1, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Missouri State Bears running back Jacardia Wright (9) is tackled by Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Mello Dotson (3) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas Football Key Player No. 1: Mello Dotson

With Cobee Bryant sidelined for the first half of tonight’s game, Mello Dotson will start as the CB1 for Kansas. The redshirt junior has started off the 2023 season strong, totaling five tackles and picking off a pass from Luke Altmyer vs. Illinois.

Dotson will be tasked with guarding wide receiver Jamaal Bell, who has been one of Nevada’s few bright spots this season. Across their first two outings, he has caught 16 balls for 188 yards. That’s good for more than 40% of the Wolf Pack’s total passing yards for the year.

Despite his challenging assignment, there’s reason for optimism with Dotson. He has the team’s second-highest pass coverage grade for the season, according to PFF. Kansas has defended the pass extremely well this season, and he has been a big part of that.

At 6-foot-1, 190 lbs, the Florida native offers considerable size and athleticism. He is not the weapon in the run game like Bryant is, but is still a fine replacement. Dotson is more than capable of breaking up a few balls or intercepting another pass.

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