1. DE, Austin Booker
Austin Booker has become a monster for defensive coordinator Brian Borland. Despite missing the first half of the Nevada game due to a targeting call sustained vs. Illinois, he is tied for the team lead in sacks with 3.5.
The sophomore Minnesota transfer is quickly establishing himself as a future NFL talent. At 6-foot-6, 250 lbs, he is a powerful edge rusher with quick hands and excellent athleticism. Although he disappears during some drives, Kansas will need him to have a huge performance today. Here’s why.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is completing less than 30% of his passes under pressure this season, per Pro Football Focus. While the obvious decision would be to all-out blitz him every play, UT also has one of the best receiving cores in the country. Therefore, Kansas is going to need to generate pressure from 4-man rushes, making Booker’s impact on the game that much more important.
This game is a chance for Booker to prove that he is truly a top pass rusher in the Big 12. I’m expecting big things from him today.