While the Kansas football team had a down year in 2024, the program has shown remarkable progress under head coach Lance Leipold. The Jayhawks have built some of their most talented rosters in recent memory. Last season, two KU players were selected in the NFL Draft, a rare feat for the school.
Postseason showcases like the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl are giving more Jayhawks the opportunity to display their talents. Three graduated players from Kansas were invited to the event, with defensive back Cobee Bryant standing out among the crowd. ESPN scouting analyst Jordan Reid pointed out Bryant as one of the most impressive players on the circuit:
#Kansas CB Cobee Bryant has been the best player at the @ShrineBowl through two days. Had an interception and multiple pass breakups today. Also was chirping to the receivers in lots of drills throughout practice.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 26, 2025
Very confident player.
Former Kansas CB Cobee Bryant makes headlines at Shrine Bowl
Even though the Shrine Bowl features tons of elite talent, including potential top-three draft pick Shedeur Sanders, Bryant has been turning heads during the first two days of practice. His play has been exceptional, and it should come as no surprise that he has been trashing talking opposing players. He has a reputation for being quite the hothead, but his play on the field certainly backs it up.
One of the best cornerbacks in Kansas football history, Bryant’s resume speaks for itself. He was a second-team All-American in 2024 and the first Jayhawk to achieve three consecutive First Team All-Big 12 selections.
Shrine Bowl practices began Saturday and will run until Tuesday before Thursday’s game at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Furthermore, Bryant isn’t the only Jayhawk in attendance. Offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue and fellow cornerback Mello Dotson are also representing the Jayhawks. Bryant and Dotson were widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier defensive back duos during their time at KU.
Seeing Bryant receive national recognition like this is a welcome sight for KU fans. Despite concerns about his size — he weighs in at no more than 175 pounds — Bryant's surge in draft stock may result in him hearing his name called at the podium this April.
After reviewing the tape from East practice my vote for most impressive player has to go to Kansas CB Cobee Bryant
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) January 25, 2025
Ability to click and close as well as his feistiness for a skinnier CB (5-11, 171) on full display pic.twitter.com/IP6K0eIur0