This Jayhawk will be a difference maker for Kansas football in 2024

The Kansas football defense was dominant in every aspect in its season-opening victory over Lindenwood. Aside from a late-game field goal, the Jayhawks' defense did not surrender any other points and yielded 202 yards to the opposing team in addition to forcing a fumble.

While head coach Lance Leipold and Co. will face much more challenging competition down the stretch, it was encouraging to see the defense performing at a high level. A key component to the unit will be free safety O.J. Burroughs., a true senior who could become an unsung hero for Brian Borland's group.

O.J. Burroughs showing extreme promise for Kansas football defense

Across three campaigns at Kansas, Burroughs had accumulated 126 tackles, four interceptions, and nine pass breakups. The Georgia native and IMG Academy graduate will continue to be an every-down player given his exceptional coverage and open-field tackling skills.

Maybe it is too soon, but there is even more reason for optimism about Burroughs in 2024. Entering his final year of eligibility, he began his senior season strong with three pass breakups, one tackle, and a near-interception that he caught out of bounds. He was all over the field and it was easily one of the best games of his career.

According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out better than any other Kansas defender against Lindenwood. Not only was he the highest-rated Jayhawk on the defensive end — he was even PFF's highest-rated safety in all of college football during Week 1 with an outstanding 91.2 grade. It might be time to start putting him on All-Big 12 Team watch.

It would be massive if Burroughs could turn in a star-caliber season to wrap up his college career. Alongside the hard-hitting Marvin Grant and a pair of stud cornerbacks, the KU football secondary should be one of the best in the Big 12.