[2024] Kansas Kamp: A look at the early 2024 Jayhawks position battles

[Bundy]

We've only just begun the early days of spring practices, but the Kansas Jayhawks have already been putting in noticeable work as they prepare for the 2024 season. 

 

Quarterback

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tyler Summers (JR) Scrambler Weaver HS, Weaver, AL

Returning production: 15 starts, 136/272 (50%), 1,737 yards (6.38 yards/att), 8 TD, 20 INT; 165 carries, 960 yards (5.82 avg), 3 TD

Tyler Summers has had a roller coaster-like career at Kansas. He was a member of Kansas' inaugural team in 2021, but was redshirted as the staff went with the older Ian Morgan and Jeff Maeda to guide them through 2021, where the team had some success, but finished 5-7 with no bowl game. Summers beat out Maeda to start the 2022 season, but through 3 starts, had thrown 0 TDs and looked turnover prone, and the team went back to Maeda, who guided the Jayhawks to their first bowl victory in program history. In 2023, Summers was again given the starting nod, before being benched for the Oklahoma game - in which SR athlete Aaron Diaz, who had returned punts in 2021 and was used as the Jayhawks RB2 in 2023, had an abysmal performance, seeing Summers given the starting role for the rest of the year. 

This year, there is little competition for the QB1 role. Summers is by far the most experienced of the group, and with the simNCAA opening up more play calling flexibility, there's opportunity for the Jayhawks coaching staff - who has had a rocky relationship with Summers - to adapt more towards Summers style. That said, with less than 2,700 combined yards to date, Summers will need to find his groove quickly, or Kansas will find someone else to move the ball downfield. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Joseph Perkins (FR) Balanced Berrien HS, Nashville, GA

Perkins was an underrecruited QB during the 2022 recruiting cycle, who got a late offer to Kansas and committed quickly. He took a redshirt year during the 2023 campaign, but there's many in the Jayhawks booster base who view his style of play as the future of Kansas football - "if you want to compete for Big 12 titles and beyond, and not just bowl games, you need to pass the ball." Kansas has shown no hesitancy in starting younger QBs in the past, with Jeff Maeda starting the 2021 season opener as a true junior, and Summers starting 2022 as a redshirt FR. With plans to involve their many blue chip TE recruits into the offense, there's a possibility Kansas turns to Perkins if Summers falters early in the year.

⭐⭐⭐Dustin Benintendi (SO) Scrambler Pensacola Catholic, Pensacola, FL

Returning production: 1/3 (33%), 10 yards (3.33 yards/att), 0 TD, 0 INT; 3 carries, 10 yards (3.33 avg), 1 TD

Benintendi was the first QB to be recruited by this coaching staff, coming from the 2021 cycle. The sturdiest of the Kansas QBs, weighing in at 234lbs, he's taken minimal reps as a depth RB, while also playing some special teams and saw a few plays of action at QB when Summers was briefly injured during a 2023 game. It's likely his Kansas career will be restricted to being a depth player barring injuries. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jeffrey Eagle FR Pocket Enterprise HS, Enterprise, AL

Eagle was another underrecruited QB coming out of SEC country, who saw Kansas' interest (and connection to Summers' Alabama statehood) as a potential place to make a name for himself. Eagle is all but destined to see the 2024 season as a redshirt player, and is one of a few incoming freshmen to not enroll early. With Kansas striking both he and Perkins, there is again a notion that Kansas may be looking to abandon their niche offense in favor of a more dominant downfield passing offense. 

Other QBs: ⭐⭐⭐ William Abshire (FR) Scrambler Kimberly, Kimberly WI; ⭐⭐⭐ Robert Lemberger (FR) Scrambler St. Mary's Springs, Fond du Lac, WI; ⭐⭐⭐ Michael Ryan FR Scrambler Sterling, Sterling IL

Running Backs

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cody Casspi (SR) Speed Fairfield, Fairfield, TX

Returning production: 398 carries, 2,292 yards (5.76 yards/att), 19 TD; 34 catches/51 targets, 377 yards (11.09 yards/rec), 3 TD

Casspi raced into the Kansas record books this past season, passing fan favorite Bene' Humber for the school mark in season and career rushing yards and touchdowns. After taking over the RB1 role midway through his (SO) season, he hasn't looked back, and it's almost certain the KU offense will again be Casspi-centric. He's been no slouch in the receiving game, needing 17 receptions and 21 yards to pass Humber in these marks as well, with Humber doing it in largely a much more passing focused offense, especially in 2021. 

⭐⭐⭐ Jacob Flores SR Receiving West Ranch, Valencia, CA

Returning production: 27 carries, 112 yards (4.15 yards/att), 0 TD; 1 catch/1 target, 7 yards (7.00 yards/rec), 0 TD

Flores has been a consistent practice level player for the Jayhawks, seeing minimal reps over the years as RB3/4, with occasional special teams work. Many media insiders this offseason have been reporting that, should Summers remain the starting QB, Flores is in line to play the "Aaron Diaz" RB2 role, coming in to spell Casspi as needed. Through 3 seasons, Flores has managed to accumulate about one game's worth of stats, so expectations aren't high, but he's also developed into a FBS caliber RB, who could at the least be a capable fill in. 

⭐⭐⭐ Kamaleli Lowe (SO) Balanced Cascade Christian, Medford, OR

Lowe, a 2021 committ, came to Kansas after receiving an offer at the same camp that fellow Oregonian Steel Blue was at. Lowe hasn't screamed "RB1 potential" at any point to date, but Kansas views him as a potential multi-year RB2 going into 2025, and are likely to play him at times throughout the 2024 season. To date, Kansas has largely followed a 2RB philosophy, so Lowe could easily vulture some reps from Jacob Flores at times. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nathaniel Rudebacher FR Speed Taravella, Coral Springs, FL

Kansas swung hard on multiple 5-star options during the 2023 recruiting cycle, and lost out on all of them. While it is no doubt that eventual Tulane committ Frank Jolliffe would have factored into the RB2 role at the very least as a true freshman, Kansas pivoted and signed Rudebacher as their eventual Casspi heir. Rudy has already stepped foot into the Kansas training room despite being destined for a 2024 redshirt. Expectations are high for the Florida freshman.

⭐⭐⭐ Alonzo Wilson SO Power St. Albans, Washington, D.C.

During the 2022 cycle, Kansas went to the Nation's capitol,  bagging Alonzo Wilson as a potential Smash back in a theoretical Smash n Dash style of offense. Wilson surprisingly didn't take a redshirt year as a true freshman, and while the option remains during the 2024 season, it appears much more likely he could be destined to a RB4 role early in his career. 

Other RBs: ⭐⭐ Miles Street SR Balanced Sharpsville, Sharpsville PA; ⭐⭐⭐ Kevin Force SO Speed Windermere Prep, Windermere, FL; ⭐Jay Ludden FR Speed Father Ryan, Nashville, TN

Fullbacks

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Alfred Schneider (FR) Balanced Coldwater, Coldwater, OH

Kansas graduated Marcell Maysonet to the pros, so they have 0 returning presence at the fullback position. Fear not, because Schneider is a potential 4-year starter who the coaching staff wants to get, and keep, involved early and often. There's thought that Schneider could even play some RB2 if they design their offense to be less FB-featured.

⭐⭐⭐ Alex Takahashi JR Rushing Neenah, Neenah, WI

Takahashi was actually a high school Power RB, tearing up the Fox River Area Conference and leading Neenah deep into the WIAA playoffs all four years of his high school career. Unfortunately, the "speed" he displayed against the WIAA is not "speed" when it comes to collegiate football, and he's been relegated to being a fullback recruit/college fullback. At 6' 221, his size has allowed him to get involved on Kansas' special teams unit, but he hasn't yet had an impact on the offense, and got recruited over with the addition of Schneider. Kansas still might get Takahashi involved.

⭐⭐⭐ Austin Girodo (SO) Receiving Goddard, Goddard, KS

Girodo, a Kansas native, came to Lawrence in the same class that Takahashi did, but even with a redshirt year, remains behind the ball when it comes to earning reps. For now, he's a body that Kansas high school coaches can point to and say "if you work hard enough, you can make it to the FBS and play close to home."

Other FBs: ⭐ Ivan Leon FR Tri-Valley, Downs, IL

Receivers

That's right, no wide receivers or tight ends in this breakdown, just one large hodge podge of guys who "think they have hands."

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steel Blue JR Receiving Sheldon, Eugene, OR

Returning production: 36 catches/87 targets, 310 yards (8.61 yards/rec), 0 TD

Steel Blue elevates to the likely TE1 role with Alex Atkins' departure for the NFL. Unfortunately, Blue, the once-highest rated recruit in Jayhawks history, has shown little consistency in producing. Atkins, as a true sophomore, put up 1,187 yards. Blue, in two years as TE2, has put up barely 15 yards per game. Physically, Blue is by far the best receiving option on the Jayhawks roster. 2024 will show if he can put his traits together on the field.

⭐⭐⭐ Tanner Bradley (JR) Possession Ottawa-Glandorf, Ottawa, OH

Returning production: 10 catches/23 targets, 96 yards (9.60 yards/rec), 0 TD

Bradley found himself earning WR reps late in the 2023 season, and has been proving in camp that he's the best "natural WR" of a very inexperienced, undertalented bunch. The 21 year old is confident but humble, knowing he's likely a depth receiver at most other "competitive" schools in the country.  We've seen multiple Kansas receivers turn pro in the past - (The Ogbah who shall not be named), Trenton Adam - so these next two years will look to be Bradley's to lose, barring a transfer in or shift to heavy TE usage. 

⭐⭐⭐ Nate Lucas (SR) Possession Mayfair, Lakewood, CA

Returning production: 3 catches/5 targets, 19 yards (6.33 yards/rec), 1 TD

Nate Lucas returns to Kansas for his 4th year of the program, with his only stats coming as a true sophomore way back in 2021. Still, he returns Kansas' only receiving TD from the receiving group of players (Cody Casspi's 3 receiving TDs as a RB lead the team in returning production). This roster is very raw and unknown when it comes to guys beyond the tackle box, which is why it's the perfect opportunity for Lucas, 22, to make himself a name. Many view Bradley as the "WR1" of this bunch, but that means Lucas has a chance to line up against CB2s and slot corners depending on formation. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Travis Siegrist (SO) Blocking Mansfield Legacy, Mansfield, TX

Siegrist, while grouped with the receivers here, is more known for his ability to lay a smackdown on an opposing linebacker than to lead a team in receiving. Despite being 6'4", he only weighs in at 246, making him much too small to play a pulling guard position in high level CFB, which is the position he played for three years in Texas before converting to TE his senior season. Siegrist has been working on his hands during his first years on campus, and while he's not a lethal threat, he could catch the occasional pass if needed. Look for him to be heavily involved in 2 TE sets this season.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Travis Campbell (FR) Receiving Western Boone, Thorntown, IN

With Siegrist locking down TE2 honors, Kansas may struggle to get their other blue chip TEs on the field. Last year, there were times where Steel Blue or Alex Atkins would line up out wide in the WR2 or slot WR roles, and that could be something Kansas does again with Blue, Campbell, or their next receiver on the list after Campbell. Campbell, just as sturdy as Siegrist, is more of a traditional TE, which could be the factor in deciding if Blue is the one pushing to a WR role. Campbell doesn't have blazing speed by any means, but many expect him to just see reps - both on offense and special teams - as a way for him to flourish. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Frank Greco (FR) Vertical Threat New Hanover, Wilmington, NC

Greco came to Kansas in the same class as Campbell, but at 6'3", 221, is undersized for a traditional TE role. Greco struggles in blocking roles, but Kansas - which we mentioned in Campbell's write up - is likely to get him and some of the other "TEs" involved in the passing game in other ways. Look for Greco to join Campbell on the special teams unit as well.

⭐⭐⭐ Bryan David SR Blocking Glendora, Glendora, CA

Returning production: 3 catches/7 targets, 29 yards (9.66 yards/rec), 0 TD

The transfer portal will arrive too late for Bryan David to show his stuff as a TE1 anywhere, but the 6'6", 250 veteran has featured all over the Kansas offense, from backup TE duties, to sub fullback, to an occasional hybrid H-back role. 

Other Receivers of note: ⭐⭐⭐Ifeadi Barea JR, ⭐⭐⭐ Larry Gaziano FR, ⭐⭐⭐ Robert Bernal FR, ⭐⭐⭐ John Denney SO, ⭐⭐⭐ Dylan LaFromboise (SO)

Left Tackle

⭐⭐⭐ Drew Solano SR Pass Blocking Sterling Heights Stevenson, Sterling Heights, MI

Returning production: 15 starts, 1 sack allowed

Solano returns as the most experienced Kansas offensive lineman, with 3 starts at LT and 12 starts at RT on his resume. 

⭐⭐⭐ Jason Seay SO Pass Blocking Lexington, Lexington, SC

⭐⭐⭐ Kenny Morrison SO Pass Blocking Vanguard, Ocala, FL

Seay and Morrison both came to Kansas during the 2022 cycle, and Seay currently has the jump on Morrison for depth LT roles. It is highly likely that Kansas redshirts one of these left tackle prospects so that there's a little more continuity potential post-Solano. 

Right Tackle

⭐⭐⭐ Austin Smith (JR) Balanced Westfield, Westfield, IN

Through early camp, Smith has taken the bulk of the RT1 reps, but has no prior playing experience of note.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wallace Brooks FR Run Blocking Grapevine Faith Christian, Grapevine, TX

Wallace Brooks was a major target for Kansas in 2023 recruiting, and there is an outside shot he lines up at RT from day one. The concern for Brooks is that he hasn't hit a collegiate level weight regimen until the past few weeks, and a year in the weight room would do him good before giving him a true chance to compete with Smith/FBS caliber DEs in 2025.

⭐⭐⭐ Drew Nunnally JR Run Blocking South Lake, Groveland, FL

Nunnally came during Kansas' initial recruiting class, but hasn't made the strides the coaching staff expected of him and looks to be a career depth piece while in Lawrence.

Other OTs of note: ⭐⭐Zac Griffin (SR), ⭐⭐⭐ Tim Jarvis (SO), ⭐⭐⭐ Michael Morrison FR

Interior OL

⭐⭐⭐⭐ David Hager SO Pass Blocking Jefferson, Bloomington, MN

Returning production: 13 starts, 1 sack allowed

Hager committed to Kansas over staying in the Twin Cities with Minnesota due to connections KU coach @Bundy had with the Bloomington area/Jeffs from his semipro playing days. Hager was rewarded with a starting role as a true freshman, which could open the door for Wallace Brooks to also start as a true FR. Despite Kansas' struggles in the passing game, Hager was far from a liability, with 1 start at LG and 12 starts at RG during 2023.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jesus Hernandes (FR) Balanced Shabazz, Newark, NJ

With the northeast of the USA going largely underrecruited during the 2022 cycle, Kansas struck hard on landing interior linemen, and Jesus Hernandes committed, redshirted under multi-year starter Pete Blythe last year, and now seems in line to land the starting C role. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enrique Guerra (FR) Run Blocking Spencer, Spencer, IA

Guerra, a center by trade to this point, projects as Kansas' RG going into 2024 and beyond. Kansas could lock up 3 years of consistent OL in their interior with Hager-Hernades-Guerra, and they don't seem to be afraid to try the trio out early. 

⭐⭐⭐ Logan Makita (SR) Line Captain Peach County, Fort Valley, GA

Makita actually saw starting center reps way back in 2021, but took a back seat to Pete Blythe the past two years. He, along with some of the OTs, projects as the main interior depth for 2024. 

Defense

Defensive Ends

Kansas has shifted their DEs around based on matchups for years at this point, so there's no point in labeling a "LE" or "RE" before kickoff. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Eli Reyes SR Speed Rusher Banks, Banks, OR

Returning production: 72 tackles, 12 TFL, 10.0 sacks

Reyes earned reps in 2021 over Zack Luke, then Luke beat him out in 2022 for a starting role, and Reyes returned as a JR in 2023 to his starting spot. An injury caused him to miss the final 2 games of the 2023 season, but he's back and hungry as ever, needing 6.0 sacks to set the school career record. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Robert Wims (SO) Speed Rusher Brookfield Central, Brookfield, WI

Returning production: 13 tackles

Wims redshirted in 2022, then became the primary depth DE in 2023, earning 2 starts across from Randal Holmes once Reyes went down for the year. Like Reyes, Kansas is looking for Wims to become a 3-year starter and wreak havoc on opposing passers (and then join Marvin Machado, Zack Luke, likely Holmes as NFL draft selections). 

⭐⭐⭐ Tim Barrios (JR) Run Stopper Patterson, Patterson, LA

Barrios was hoping to have a Chris Barretto-like conversion to interior DL this year, but unfortunately for him, he's stuck in a DE role on a team that focuses more on edge rushers than guys who shut down the outside run. Still, there's a chance he ends up a starting DE in 2025, so his DE3 role is uber important in 2024.

⭐⭐⭐ Kevon Jeter JR Balanced Mukwonago, Mukwonago, WI

Returning production: 5 tackles

Jeter was part of the Wisconsin-heavy 2021 recruiting class, and he managed 5, mostly special teams tackles in 2023. Jeter might edge Barrios out for the 2025 starting role, but both of them will be competing daily with each other for the next two years to see who can win it.

⭐⭐⭐ Brian James (FR) Speed Rusher Lemont, Lemont, IL

Brian James is a darkhorse to contribute on defense this year, but with heavy special teams reps, could challenge Barrios and Jeter for the 2025 starting role. James seemed like an afterthought to many in 2022 recruiting, but he earned a Kansas scholarship late in the cycle, and will work towards becoming a Big 12 contributor.

Other DEs: ⭐⭐⭐ Mark Depot FR, ⭐⭐⭐ Michael Beddoe FR, ⭐⭐⭐ Gary Yates FR, ⭐⭐⭐ Lew Duggar JR [OLB]

Defensive Tackles

Kansas has cycled out Daniel Dekker, Mike Brantly, Dante Gates, and Chris Barreto from their starting DT roles over the first 3 seasons, and Robert Wims had played backup interior DL for much of 2023 as well, so Kansas' DT roles will be largely fresh for 2024.

⭐⭐⭐ Adrian Morris (JR) Balanced Mansfield Legacy, Mansfield, TX

Adrian Morris' presence helped Kansas recruit Mansfield Legacy's Travis Siegrist to their 2021 recruiting class, and now Morris gets his shot on the starting DL. 

⭐⭐⭐ Johnathan Putkonen (SO) Nose Tackle Pensacola, Pensacola, FL

Putkonen also came in the 2021 recruiting class with high hopes, but the last two years he's been largely invisible in the program. Kansas recruited multiple blue chip DTs in the 2023 class, so Putkonen will have to use his 2024 opportunity to lock down a future starting role.

⭐⭐⭐ Cesar Westerman JR Balanced Edgar, Edgar, WI

Westerman was an ironman in Wisconsin's lower level, playing center and defensive tackle as Edgar made it deep in the playoffs, faltering to his now Kansas teammate QB Robert Lemberger's St. Mary's Springs. Westerman has been a JAG to this point in Lawrence, but could push Putkonen for reps throughout 2024.

⭐⭐⭐⭐Steve McAllister FR Pass Rusher Bishop Kelley, Tulsa, OK

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Richard Fulkerson FR Balanced Fishers, Fishers, IN 

The future isn't quite now, but it's coming. McAllister has potential to challenge for a starting role as early as this season, and the spring games will help decide if he can beat out Putkonen or Westerman for a starting role. Fulkerson will undoubtedly receive a redshirt this year even though he could place as high as DT3 on the 2024 depth chart, but his focus is training to compete for a role in 2025. No matter what happens this year, Kansas' interior will be led by these two 2023 blue chippers. 

Other IDL of note: ⭐⭐⭐ John Johnson SO

Linebackers

Much of Kansas' history on defense has been running a base 4-2-5 defense, and with the simNCAA opening up defensive gameplanning as well, it's likely little will change for Kansas, at least for 2024.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sung Franzese SO Speed Lourdes, Rochester, MN

Returning production: 90 tackles, 3 TFL, 0.5 sacks

The Big 12's 2023 Defensive Freshman of the Year and 1st-Team All-Big 12 Franzese returns to KU with 3 more years of eligibility, and with a "down to earth" season of just 43 tackles this year, could become Kansas' all time leading tackler. Sung has already been voted as Kansas' defensive captain for 2024. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐Michael Koehn (SO)  Speed Cypress Ranch, Houston, TX

Returning production: 20 tackles

Koehn performed as Kansas' LOLB in their 4-3 sets last year, and is set to take Aaron Freeman's ROLB spot in all sets this year.

⭐⭐⭐ John Heller (JR) Run Stopper Richmond, Rockingham, NC

Heller has been a depth LB for years at this point, and will likely remain relegated to depth/ST work. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ David Minson FR Run Stopper Maret, Washington, D.C.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brian Bartels FR Run Stopper Montgomery, Semmes, AL

Minson and Bartels continued Kansas' front 7 lockdown during the 2023 recruiting cycle, with the team focusing big on stopping opposing rushers. Both are likely headed for redshirt seasons. 

Other LBs of note: ⭐⭐⭐ Daniel Allison (FR), ⭐⭐⭐ Alex Boggs (SO), ⭐⭐⭐ Bryce Bourque JR, ⭐⭐⭐ Lavonte Murray (SO)

Cornerbacks

If there's one thing Kansas has done well, it's cycling cornerbacks but still maintaining starters on the outside. We'll see if that remains for 2024.

⭐⭐⭐ Tim Keller (SR) Zone Coverage Hutto, Hutto, TX

Returning production: 42 tackles

Keller has primarily been a depth CB in a team running heavy man concepts, but this year the team flips to ZC and he'll slot in at CB1. He hasn't shown much in the way of "playing the ball" yet, but was buried behind Man CBs James Davidson and Ryan Gilliam to date. 

⭐⭐⭐ Chaz Tuivailala SR Ball Hawk Vela, Edinburg, TX

Returning production: 115 tackles, 1 TFL, 21 INT

Tuivailala has been one of the most dominant ball hawk's in CFB history, and is about to become one of the first ever 4-year starters, as a true senior to boot. Kansas occasionally slides him into the nickel role, but he's primarily played CB2 in his career, taking away many 2nd options in team's passing games. 

⭐⭐⭐Ryan Parmelee (JR) Zone Coverage Prince Avenue Christian, Athens, GA

Returning production: 1 tackle

Parmelee played sparingly in the 2022 season (where he recorded his 1 tackle), then rode the bench much of 2023 as the Jayhawks were running Man concepts all year. Parmelee could see some starts on the outside, but is much more likely to be playing nickel/dime back throughout the season.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ross Patton (SO)  Ball Hawk Paul VI, Fairfax, VA

Returning production: 27 tackles, FF, 2 INT

Patton made an impact last year primarily in the NB role, although he had some occasional starts towards the end of the year as CB2. Patton will primarily be competing with Parmelee again for the NB role, though it wouldn't be a surprise if he sees CB2 work with Tuivailala moving to NB against any pass heavy teams. There's a solid chance Patton comes into 2025 as the #1 CB on the Kansas depth chart.

⭐⭐⭐ Thon Russell (SO) Ball Hawk Pleasant Grove, Texarkana, TX

Returning production: 3 tackles

⭐⭐⭐ Warwick Hollins (SO) Ball Hawk Staley, Kansas City, MO

Returning production: 9 tackles

Thon Russell and Warwick Hollins came into the 2021 Kansas class with expectations of seeing the field on defense one day, and 2024 might be where we start to see them get involved. The duo are remarkably similar to each other thus far, with local fans loving Hollins' involvement, and Texas area supporters loving Thon Russell like he's the 2nd coming of Tuivailala. 2025 and beyond might be years we see them get majorly involved, but they could be ones to watch during midseason adjustments.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Elbert Jackson FR Ball Hawk Neville, Monroe, LA

Jackson co-headlined the 2023 recruiting class with OT Wallace Brooks, and he's a major get for a Kansas secondary that will look to replace Tuivailala in the near future. Jackson is 100% going to take a redshirt year in 2024, and should rocket up the depth chart once 2025 comes around.

Safeties

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Eric Gaherty SO Ball Hawk New Deal, New Deal, TX

Returning production: 36 tackles, 2 INT

Gaherty came in from the 2022 recruiting class and immediately took starting reps at free safety. He's considered a "low ceiling" prospect, but Kansas hasn't been afraid to let the blue chip prospect get on the field and show off what he's made of. He's still relatively raw, but by the time hes a JR, could be a potent threat as a centerfielder in Kansas' defense that looks to stop the pass and get takeaways. 

⭐⭐⭐ Pedro Murphy SR Run Stopper Ragsdale, Jamestown, NC

Returning production: 40 tackles, 1 INT

Murphy is a natural FS who has played SS in recent years. He earned a starting role in 2023, and looks to keep that position another year. 

⭐⭐⭐ Mike Jamerson JR Ball Hawk Rockhurst, Kansas City, MO

Jamerson spent his FR season as depth to Kevin Suarez at FS, and maintained his position last year after losing a spring battle to Eric Gaherty. 

⭐⭐ Chance Johnson (SR) Ball Hawk Allendale, Allendale, MI

Returning production: 38 tackles, 1 INT

Johnson beat out Lashard Jones early in the 2022 season for the SS role, but has been shuffled aside for Pedro Murphy (and Mike Jamerson) in recent years. There's still a chance he appears in games as the most talented natural SS on roster, but he seems more likely to be completing his grad degree than making a true impact on the gridiron. 

Other S of note: ⭐⭐⭐ Kevin Fuentes SO, ⭐⭐⭐ Blake Godfrey SO, ⭐⭐⭐ James Penta (FR)

Specialists

Kansas has become one of the known ST recruiting factories in all of CFB.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jake Ramirez JR Balanced Havelock, Havelock, NC

Returning production: 43/55 FG (78.18%), 57 Long; 68/69 XP (98.55%); 197 total points scored

Ramirez was one of the top kickers of the 2021 recruiting class, and will enter his 3rd season as Kansas' kicker. Kansas has consistently trotted him out there for deep, "unheard of at the college level" attempts, and his success beyond 40 yards has been up there, though its also where the majority of his misses have come from. Ramirez' goal from day one has been to become a professional kicker, and he appears well on his way to his goal. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Craig Lonergan SO Power Racine Horlick, Racine, WI

Returning production: 64 punts, 28 inside 20 (43.75%)

Lonergan was another big special teams recruit that decided to come to Kansas after seeing Ramirez get reps early. Lonergan turned down going to Minnesota, despite his family's desires he stay in the Big Ten so that they could see him on TV more often. Lonergan prepares for his 2nd of 4 seasons as Kansas' long term punter. 

⭐⭐⭐ George Jones SR Accuracy KIPP College Prep, Washington, D.C.

Returning production: 14/29 FG (48.28%), 46 Long; 29/29 XP (100%); 71 total points scored

Jones was Kansas' kicker as a true freshman in 2021, where he spawned the following tweet noted in this article:

Quote

KUntry Boy Dean @TimMcGrawIndeanOutlaw

George Jones could kick a dozen puppies, my grandma, and then myself in the groin, and I'd still think he's the most consistent kicker in the #Big12

Following Kansas' first few games of that year, George Jones (and really, the entire KU team) fell apart, struggling to a 5-7 record. His on field performance led the Jayhawks to target Ramirez early in 2021 recruiting, and if a transfer portal had opened at any point, Jones likely would have tested himself at a new school. Instead, he'll remain the backup K heading into his SR season.

⭐⭐⭐ Victor Weigel JR Accuracy Webb City, Webb City, MO

Returning production: 78 punts, 35 inside 20 (44.87%)

Weigel became one of the first KU-local recruits ever to see the field, but his okay showing his FR season was quickly forgotten by the arrival of Craig Longergan. It's not too late for Weigel to hope a transfer portal opens for 2025, though for the time being, he remains the backup punter.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jon Allen FR Accuracy Blue Valley North, Overland Park, KS

Allen, a Kansas local recruit, is going to redshirt his freshman season, which is a hard thing to do for another near top-of-class kicking recruit, who would almost certainly be a P5 day one true FR kicker. He wanted to remain close to home, and will get to learn for 2 years behind Ramirez and then get the reigns to Kansas' kicking position for another 3 years. "I have a lot of respect for Jake, his ability to come in and be THE guy from day one really makes me feel driven," noted Allen during National Signing Day. "I don't know if I can knock him out of the starting role while he's at Kansas, but I want to try to as early as possible - but really, I want to learn from him. He's poised with the media, he's poised on the field, he welcomes my competition."

Other ST of note: ⭐⭐⭐ Steve Arena FR

 

Spring Preview

Kansas returns 4 full-time offensive starters (QB Tyler Summers, RB Cody Casspi, OT Drew Solano, OG David Hager) as well as a few guys who saw starting action throughout last year (WR Tanner Bradley, TE Steel Blue).

Defensively, they return 5 full-time starters (DE Eli Reyes, LB Sung Franzese, CB Chaz Tuivailala, FS Eric Gaherty, S Pedro Murphy), with DE Robert Wims and LB Michael Koehn, and CB Ross Patton also having seen decent reps on the field.

And of course, their two special team standouts, K Jake Ramirez and P Craig Lonergan.

It's not "official" official until the simNCAA starts printing tickets, but Kansas has three spring games lined up to test their new-look team.

Week 1: at Wisconsin

Week 2: vs Western Michigan

Week 3: vs Washington State

Kansas has not been shy about facing off with Big Ten opponents, facing Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska in regular season matchups in recent years, with Iowa next on the docket. A return trip to Madison, who they last played in Week 10 of 2022, was easily predictable, as its the closest major college football program to where KU coach @Bundy grew up, with his dad being a UW alum. "It means a lot that we get to go to Camp Randall - we have a lot of Wisconsin and nearby players on our roster, and its a chance for those guys to play close to home, have their family watch another game in person." Of course, the last time the teams squared off, Badgers' coach @kwheele wasn't quite entrenched in the program yet, and the Jayhawks came away with a big 33-17 victory behind 107 yards from Bene' Humber. "It will be a major test for our young offensive line - Denver Litton is going to be a big name on Sundays here soon, and (other DT) Dante Williams is no slouch either. And then their DE (Matt Matthews) is a formidable threat as well. I think it will be a good look at seeing what we'd be playing against with the likes of the Houstons and Baylors of our conference." Wisconsin will be without QB Lance Enright, who has quarterbacked the team in 2022 and 2023 and has entered the NFL Draft, for the first time since current Vikings QB Austin Bishop threw for over 5k with the Badgers in 2021. 

Western Michigan coming to Lawrence will be a big look for the former title contenders and their coach @Jieret, who looks to settle his QB position in the spring and rebound to postseason success. "We're not above playing the MAC," says Bundy. "We played a close game with Ball State in the regular season in 2021, and they've got some up and comers mixed in with their WMUs and Bowling Greens, and their conference could easily be the 5th player in the new-look, post-PAC Power 5." Western Michigan's front 7 also poses the ability to be a nightmare, which could again be a major early test for Kansas to see what their young OL can do. 

Washington State lost much of their conference to realignment, but their receivers could give a solid showing to Kansas' secondary. "Coach @TuscanSota landed THE punting recruit in David Ross, so it will be a good week to see what our special teamers can do as well. If they're coaching up Ross to be a lethal punting THREAT, what can our guys learn that week?" For Washington State, it's a chance to see what CB Hoby Watt can do, and where he ranks compared to a near-entire Ball Hawk secondary in Kansas. "It's hard to recruit up there locally, but they've got guys from the Midwest on their roster, so it's a chance for them to show out for their families, and show Midwest recruits that they can go to the PNW and still have pro potentials, play major games and have success doing it."