The Kansas Jayhawks have taken a tremendous leap since bringing in Lance Leipold.
While back-to-back seasons filled with 5-7 records have slightly dampened Leipold’s electric start, those expectations of reaching a bowl game are a massive upgrade from years prior.
One of the best things the former Buffalo coach has been able to do is develop talent for the next level. Of course, it isn’t to the ratios that the nation’s blue bloods typically churn out, but it is to the point that two former Jayhawks were represented in this past season’s Super Bowl in Bryce Cabeldue (Seattle Seahawks) and Logan Brown (New England Patriots).
Another name may soon be added to the NFL ranks
ESPN recently compiled a list covering “sleeper” picks ahead of the 2026 draft, and offensive tackle Enrique Cruz Jr. made the cut from college coaches across the nation
“He was one of five tackles to run a sub-5 40-yard dash (4.94 seconds) at the combine, and tied for fourth among tackles in the 10-yard split (1.74 seconds). His vertical jump (35 inches) and broad jump (9 feet, 8 inches) ranked second among all offensive linemen,” quotes Adam Rittenberg.
“Last season, Cruz received a 87.7 overall grade and a 92.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.”
The former All-Big 12 Honorable Mention has been tipped to land in round five of the NFL Draft, and is currently being ranked as the 22nd-best tackle prospect by ESPN and 259th prospect overall.
Cruz, of course, only spent one year with the Jayhawks, having been touted as a three-star transfer from the Syracuse Orange.
As of writing, there are nine players actively on NFL rosters who represented the Jayhawks. Including offensive guard Dominick Puni (San Francisco 49ers), defensive end Austin Booker (Chicago Bears), Cabeldue, Brown, running back Devin Neal (New Orleans Saints), wideout Luke Grimm (Los Angeles Chargers), Cobee Bryant (Atlanta Falcons), and Quentin Skinner (New York Jets). With the likes of kicker Laith Marjan, wideout Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Cruz, and quarterback Jalon Daniels possibly joining rosters as the NFL Draft looms and is set to take place in just under 10 days.
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