Leroy Harris Emerging as a Leader on Kansas’ Defensive Line
Kansas’ defense has had several players step up during the first three games of the season, but Leroy Harris III has quickly become one of the Jayhawks’ most important pieces along the defensive line.
Harris has provided Kansas with a physical presence up front while also showing an ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. His early-season production has given the Jayhawks another player they can rely on when they need pressure against opposing quarterbacks.
Against Arizona State, Harris made his presence felt in a game where Kansas’ defense kept the Sun Devils’ offense from producing consistently. Arizona State finished with just 228 total yards, including 95 passing yards.
Harris recorded one of Kansas’ sacks in the game and also forced a fumble, creating one of the Jayhawks’ opportunities to make a defensive play in the backfield.
The performance continued what has been an encouraging start for Harris.
One of the biggest responsibilities for a defensive lineman is creating pressure without allowing the offense to consistently establish the run. Harris has shown the ability to contribute in both areas, making him an important part of Kansas’ defensive front.
His development is also important because Kansas needs consistent production from its defensive line. When the front four can create pressure without relying heavily on blitzes, it allows the linebackers and secondary to play more aggressively.
That could become especially important as the Jayhawks move deeper into the season and face more difficult offensive opponents.
Harris has also benefited from playing alongside other talented members of Kansas’ defensive front. Having multiple players capable of generating pressure makes it more difficult for opposing offenses to focus their protection on one player.
For Kansas, Harris’ emergence comes at an important time.
The Jayhawks are coming off a 24-17 loss to Arizona State and will have their bye week to evaluate what needs to improve before returning to the field. While the offense has received much of the attention following the loss, the defense provided several positives that Kansas can build around.
The unit held Arizona State to only 17 offensive points and forced the Sun Devils to convert just four of 17 third-down attempts.
Harris’ ability to create disruption will be a major part of maintaining that defensive progress.
As Kansas prepares for the remainder of the season, the junior defensive lineman has an opportunity to become more than just a productive player. He can become one of the leaders of a defensive line that will be counted on to create pressure and set the tone for the Jayhawks.
If Harris continues producing in the backfield while becoming more consistent against the run, his role could become increasingly important for Kansas.
The Jayhawks need players who can make plays when opportunities arise, and Harris has already shown he can be that type of player.
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Jimmy Adeniran is a contributor to JayhawksROUNDTABLE. He can be reached at [email protected]
