The Kansas Jayhawks’ defensive front could not have had their season start in a worse place, as just before the season kicked off, it had been announced that Tulane transfer Tre’Von McAlpine was going to miss the entire season and that the proper work was being done to get him an extra year of eligibility.
With Kansas’ defensive front already being thrown into a blender before the first snap, the group went from one of the most promising on the team to one of the most worrisome.
However, so far the Jayhawks have perfectly evaded McAlpine’s injury and have now solidified themselves as probably the team’s best facet three games into the season, and it doesn’t look like things will change anytime soon.
Who have been the standout players thus far
This conversation must start with Leroy Harris III. Harris has continued his surge to the top of any reputable list that ranks defensive ends.
So far this season, Harris has tallied 15 tackles, 1 sack and 2 forced fumbles; however, his presence is felt well beyond what any stat line can tell you, as the Chattanooga transfer has single-handedly cut down opposition rushing attacks, not letting them get to their desired side.
On the other side, Michigan State transfer edge David Santiago has churned out a massive season so far with 13 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble himself.
In the middle of that front is a constant rotation of Blake Herold, Marcus Calvin, Eamon Smalls and Kevin Oatis. It is hard to pin down any two specifically as starters as the four are constantly going in and out and mixing and matching for one another.
What do the stats say?
As with the entire Kansas defense, take some of the scoring numbers with a grain of salt, as more often than not, the Jayhawks’ defense has had their backs to the wall many times to start a drive.
That being said, KU ranks No. 92 in the FBS in points given up per game at 31. In yards allowed per game, Kansas ranks 47th at 348.5, with power-conference teams Missouri and Arizona State totaling 469 and 228 yards, respectively.
While it is still early in the season, across last year, Kansas allowed an average of 409.5 yards per game, so there is already tangible improvements, seeing as Missouri enlists a gunslinging Austin Simmons and the Sun Devils, possibly the nation’s best wideout in Reed Harris.
Over the offseason, a quieter hire KU made was former star linebacker Joe Dineen. Dineen stands out as a KU cult hero despite the program going through a barren stretch in the 2010s. Dineen bounced around various programs as an assistant coaching names like Nic Scourton at Purdue among others, but he was brought to his alma mater prior to the season as the team’s defensive ends coach, and so far the results have shown him and defensive tackles coach Jim Panagos have done a stellar job thus far.
Overall grade: A
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