Kansas has found an early-season force on the defensive line in Leroy Harris III, and his impact is showing up in the kind of plays that change a drive in a hurry.
Through the first three games, Harris has given the Jayhawks a hard edge up front and a real threat in the backfield. He’s not just occupying space. He’s getting into plays, and Kansas has already seen how valuable that can be.
That was on display against Arizona State, when the Jayhawks’ defense kept the Sun Devils from finding much rhythm. Arizona State finished with just 228 total yards, including 95 passing yards, and Harris was right in the middle of the disruption. He logged one of Kansas’ sacks and also forced a fumble, helping create one of the game’s biggest defensive moments.
For a Kansas front that needs steady pressure without leaning too heavily on blitzes, that kind of production matters. Harris has shown he can help in multiple ways, whether that means affecting the quarterback or helping limit the run game. That versatility is part of why his role is growing so quickly.
It also helps that he’s working with other talented pieces along the defensive front. When more than one lineman can win their matchup, offenses can’t simply key on one player and call it a day. That makes Kansas tougher to handle and gives the rest of the defense more freedom to attack.
The timing of Harris’ rise is important, too. Kansas is coming off a 24-17 loss to Arizona State and now heads into its bye week with a chance to sort through what needs cleaning up. The offense got plenty of attention after the loss, but the defense had its own bright spots to build on.
The Jayhawks held Arizona State to 17 offensive points and limited the Sun Devils to four conversions on 17 third-down tries. That kind of resistance gives Kansas something real to carry forward.
Harris’ job from here is clear: keep bringing disruption, keep making plays behind the line, and keep becoming more dependable against the run. If he does that, his role won’t just be important. It could become central to what Kansas wants from its defensive line.
The Jayhawks need players who can seize chances when they come, and Harris has already proven he can be that guy.
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The opportunity comes with real stakes, because the job is open at a time when the margin for error is thin and the spotlight will be bright. Tampa Bay will be watching Daniels closely when the game kicks off Oct. 4 on FOX, and what happens next could say plenty about whether his strong summer can carry over into a much bigger stage. [Read more 🡒]