KU Football: In Depth with the Defensive Line

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

I don't want to focus too much on Greene, but he is big, athletic, and has the potential to be a really good tackle. I hope this is the year he takes a big step forward this season and, as I said of Woods earlier, becomes an integral part of a really good line next year.

Defensive Tackle

The vast experience obtained by redshirt senior Caleb Blakesley over the course of his career probably gives him the easy nod as the starter. However, injuries pestered him last year, so Richard Johnson Jr. should probably stay ready. 

Unfortunately, neither of these two is overwhelmingly athletic. That's where the afore-mentioned Travis Stephens comes in. The JuCo standout is small, but fast, and he has experience on the inside to go with it.

Hopefully Stephens adjusts to D-I quickly, contributing as a pass-rusher on third-and-long's, leaving Blakesley and Johnson Jr. to rotate liberally and stay fresh in the early going.  This would give our DT position good depth and plenty of healthy competition.

After lacking some punch last season, our defensive line is bigger, deeper, and more athletic this year. There will still be some growing pains, but I expect this group to improve each and every week, especially, because of all of the recent additions, in their chemistry with one another.

They probably aren't our defense's strong point any time soon, but rest assured, KU fans, you will see a difference in the front lines this time around.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?