Kansas added another to the defensive front. Central Connecticut state transfer defensive tackle Clifton Thompson he committed to the Jayhawks alongside On3 Pete Nakos.
Thompson gives Kansas another interior option as the program continues to strengthen its already proven defensive line this season. The addition comes at a good time for Kansas, which has struggled with depth up front since the start of the season.
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Tulane transfer Tre’Von McAlpine It was closed before the opening of the year, and immediately the remaining part of the fortifications was attacked. Kansas handled the losses better than expected through three games, with several players stepping into bigger roles and helping turn the unit into one of the team’s strengths.
Leroy Harris III why was one of the most important reasons. He has 120 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles through three games, making a consistent impact against the run. Michigan state transfer David Santiago also from the edge, 13 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.
Inside, Kansas relied on featuring in the rotation Blake Herold, Marcus Calvin, Eamon Smalls and Kevin Oates. Thompson now gives the Jayhawks another body to work with in that group as they try to stay fresh through the Big 12 playoffs.
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Meanwhile, Kansas is coming off a 24-17 loss Arizona state in the inaugural Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium in London. The Jayhawks outgained the Sun Devils 414-228 and held Arizona State to just 3.5 yards per game, but three turnovers proved costly.
Arizona State didn’t turn the ball over and capitalized on several Kansas mistakes to build a 24-7 lead before the Jayhawks attempted a late comeback. Tate Nagy provided two of Kansas’ biggest plays, first returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown before later catching a 38-yard scoring pass.
Kansas also had a 46-yard field goal with 3:51 remaining to cut the deficit to seven, but Arizona State was able to run out the clock. The loss dropped Kansas to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Big 12 play.
Even then the defense continued to show signs. Harris and Santiago recorded sacks in the first half, with Harris also forcing a fumble for the second straight game.
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After the opening week, it hosts Kansas Middle Tennessee on October 3 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Thompson’s job gives the Jayhawks another boost to a defensive front that has already been asked to deal with injuries and heavy responsibilities early in the season.
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