An Early Look at the 2010 Kansas Jayhawks Defense

I haven't given up on Kansas yet, but even I have to admit that after four consecutive losses, priorities can change.

I'm not saying coach Mark Mangino has to give up. I am, however, suggesting that he places a little extra emphasis on finding out what kind of talent he may have lining up next season.

Mostly, to be honest, I just thought it would be fun to take an early stab at Kansas' depth chart for 2010.  Right now, let's look at the potential defense.

Strongside Defensive End

Jake Laptad will only continue to get better, and I believe that next season he will find himself among the conference's best. 

Early reports say that redshirt freshman Kevin Young may have an edge over classmate Randall Dent right now.  Geneo Grissom has more potential than both (assuming he follows through with his commitment), but with two seniors on the roster, I expect him to take a redshirt year.

Weakside Defensive End

Quintin Woods may be playing well enough to receive a starting role early on next season.

If he doesn't take some steps forward, however, redshirt freshman Tyrone Sellers looks to be the next guy in line, followed by yet another 2008 commit, Jacoby Thomas.  If competition is healthy on the strong side, even Kevin Young is versatile enough to grab time here.

Defensive Tackle

Junior Richard Johnson Jr. has room to grow, but I think by next season his experience will really start to pay dividends.

Junior Patrick Dorsey won't blow anyone away, but will continue to be rewarded for his efforts. Sophomore Duane Zlatnik will keep him on his toes, though.

Nose Tackle

I still think moving Darius Parish back to defense would have more prudent than asking John Williams to make the transition. Williams has a lot of potential on offense, and Darius Parish is equally as large, almost as athletic, and had some experience to boot.

If Williams remains on defense, though, the top spot here is all his. Senior Jamaal Greene will have one more opportunity to live up to his potential as well.

Strongside Linebacker

Justin Springer has been more than serviceable since getting healthy.

The number two spot will probably go to athletic senior Vernon Brooks, but fellow JuCo transfer (2009 commit) Ed Fink may give him a run for his money.

Inside Linebacker

Drew Dudley is not the most athletic guy around, but his switch back to defense has been huge for Kansas, and he should have a big senior season.

Feel good story-walk-on Steven Johnson will be slotted on the second line, but both of these guys should watch out, or the highly-touted true freshman Trayvon Henry may find himself in the middle of some quality minutes.

Weakside Linebacker

Huldon Tharp has been a very pleasant surprise as a true freshman, even without having played his senior year in high school.

The vacancy left by Arist Wright is completely up for grabs, but I expect undersized sophomore Josh Richardson to get the early look from Clint Bowen.

Right Cornerback

I know I've had my bits with Chris Harris, but it's hard to argue with his experience and increasingly consistent play.

Behind him, Dave Clark's community college career was cut short by injury, but lets hope the touted junior reminds us more of Kendrick Harper and less of Calvin Rubles.  If he's on the Rubles side of life, maybe sophomore Greg Brown or redshirt freshman Tyler Patmon will get a shot.

Left Cornerback

Despite some early troubles, I think D.J. Beshears will become a really surprising corner for Mangino.

Daymond Patterson isn't entirely out of the picture, as an undisclosed injury has slowed him up in recent weeks.  If he doesn't get back to form by next season, though, I hear Anthony Davis has worked himself out of the doghouse.

Strong Safety

I think redshirt freshman Darian Kelly is the best true strong safety Kansas will have, but the difference between strong and free safeties in Bowen's scheme is minimal.  For this reason, I think fellow redshirt freshman Prinz Kande is slightly more talented and should seize the starting role right away.

If he's not ready, Phillip Strozier is more than capable of holding down the fort for a while.

Free Safety

Right now Lubbock Smith is the slotted starter here, and it's hard to imagine that changing with the way he's playing.

It will be impossible to keep redshirt freshman Dexter Linton off the field entirely, though.  He could definitely spell Smith from time to time.

Nickelback

Whether Bowen goes nickel corner or nickel safety, he has plenty to choose from.  On passing downs, Ryan Murphy brings the best coverage skills (albeit erratic ones) and experience to the table.

If we do continue to use the 4-2-5 on a regular basis at all, however, I think that having Darian Kelly on the field is as useful as a third linebacker anyway, and may be just the kind of guy Bowen needs there.

And Just for Kicks, the Special Teams

Alonso Rojas is a shoe-in, but I wonder more and more about Jacob Branstetter as the kicker.  Ultimately, I think he wins the job on effort and fearlessness alone, but if truly necessary, I think true freshman Justin Castor is probably good enough to step in.

By the way, did you know that Jake Laptad and Jonathan Wilson are currently our backup longsnapper and holder (respectively)?  I suppose they will inherit those duties next season unless more-suitable replacements are found.

As for the returner duties, expect Bradley McDougald to take in the bulk of punts and kicks next season. 

However, he has a pretty full plate already, so don't rule out the prospect of seeing some fresh faces helping him out.  I hear that Deshaun Sands and D.J. Beshears both have good special teams potential, and I think Patterson has too much talent to be out of the picture just yet.