Kansas football: 5 impact players for Jayhawks in matchup vs. Oklahoma State

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - OCTOBER 07: Running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. #20 of the Kansas Jayhawks carries the ball during the game against the UCF Knights at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - OCTOBER 07: Running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. #20 of the Kansas Jayhawks carries the ball during the game against the UCF Knights at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 30: Johntay Cook II #2 of the Texas Longhorns is defended by Mello Dotson #3 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 30: Johntay Cook II #2 of the Texas Longhorns is defended by Mello Dotson #3 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

2. CB Mello Dotson

Cobee Bryant has held his own this season, but Mello Dotson has often been a liability for KU. He is getting targeted practically twice the amount of times Bryant is per game. If Kansas wants to shut down the passing game led by Alan Bowman, it all starts with improved play from Dotson.

He will likely be tasked with guarding Rashod Owens with De’Zhaun Stribling undergoing season-ending wrist surgery. Kansas can jump out to an early lead if their top two defensive backs lock the Pokes’ wideouts.