Kansas football: Austin Booker making his case as an All-Big 12 player

One of the best Jayhawks on the Kansas football defense has been Austin Booker, who is quickly establishing himself as a star talent in the Big 12.

The Kansas Jayhawks have one of the best rushing offenses in the FBS, led by Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. They have accounted for a good portion of the team’s success. However, the defense has been the true X-factor of the team, and the defensive line has emerged as the top group of the unit.

Austin Booker has been a massive component of that.

A transfer from Minnesota, Booker played sparingly during his time with the Golden Gophers. He transferred to Kansas with high hopes of developing into the player he was recruited to be, but nobody could have anticipated the jump he has made this season.

Booker is tied for the lead in the Big 12 for sacks with five. His eight tackles for loss also tie for third in the conference. He leads the Jayhawks in all major stats and pass-rushing PFF grades, even forcing his first fumble in the win against UCF.

Despite coming into the year stuck behind several players on the depth chart, Booker has become the top edge rusher for Kansas football. His teammates called him a “freak” on the gridiron during fall camp, which is no surprise given his tremendous athleticism at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds.

Kansas must appreciate having a player of Booker’s caliber player, because there is a good chance he will go pro after next season. He is proving himself to be a premier talent in his league.

He has filled in the void that Lonnie Phelps left when he departed for the NFL a year ago. Defensive line play was considered a weakness before the season began, yet Booker has made it a strength. If he continues at this level, he will garner all-conference honors at the conclusion of Big 12 play.