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Kansas Football: Can Lance Leipold build a winner out of the Jayhawks?

By Dante Pryor

Sep 7, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Buffalo Bulls head coach Lance Leipold looks on during a warm up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Buffalo Bulls head coach Lance Leipold looks on during a warm up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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MANHATTAN, KS – OCTOBER 24: Wide receiver Keenan Garber #1 of the Kansas State Wildcats runs upfield after catching a pass against cornerback Ra’Mello Dotson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks, during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 24, 2020, in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS – OCTOBER 24: Wide receiver Keenan Garber #1 of the Kansas State Wildcats runs upfield after catching a pass against cornerback Ra’Mello Dotson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks, during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 24, 2020, in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Only way to go is up for the Jayhawks’ defense

Unlike the offense, there are fewer transfers on the defensive side of the ball. The Jayhawks did sign five defensive transfers, but most of the starters are likely to be returning players from last season.

The defense suffered lots of attrition last year because of COVID-19 and injuries. This season, however, two things give the defense a glimmer of hope. First, there is good depth, and second, there are veterans.

The front four was hit hard by the transfer portal. Their top two defenders, Marcus Harris and DaJon Terry, both left for the SEC. However, transfers Eddie Wilson and Ronald McGee (who also followed Leipold from Buffalo) give the Jayhawks some beef up front. The mere fact that Kansas has six upper-classmen in its two-deep is a step in the right direction.

The secondary is likely to be the best unit on the defense next season, and they are deep as well. Jeremy Webb, a Central Missouri transfer, should come in and start next season. Linebacker is an area of concern, not because of play but because of depth.

Kansas would be in trouble if they sustained significant injuries at linebacker. With good depth, the Jayhawks should compete well defensively and not give up 46 points per game next year.

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