This week and next, we’re analyzing the projected depth charts for Big 12 teams as they exit spring practice.
The series continues with the Kansas Jayhawks, who did not release an official depth chart this spring.
OFFENSE (projected starters in bold)
QB: Peyton Bender (Jr.) OR Carter Stanley (So.)
Stanley took over late last season and sparked the Jayhawks to a win over Texas. Bender entered the competition this year out of junior college. They emerged even from spring practice, with the race set to extend into preseason camp. Stanley brings experience at KU; Bender looks like a slightly better fit under new coordinator Doug Meacham. Though not in the mix to start, dual-threat redshirt freshman Tyriek Starks may grow into a role.
RB: Khalil Herbert (So.) OR Taylor Martin (Jr.)
This pair is even after the spring, though it’s not the same kind of competition as at QB. Both backs possess versatile skill sets and will play plenty. Martin received twice as many carries as Herbert in 2016, but the younger back has emerged since the end of the season as one of the Jayhawks’ best offensive weapons.
WR: Daylon Charlot (So.), Jeremiah Booker (Jr.)
WR: Ryan Schadler (Jr.), LaQuvionte Gonzalez (Sr.)
WR: Steven Sims (Jr.), Chase Harrell (So.)
WR: Bobby Hartzog (Sr.), Tyler Patrick (Jr.)
TE: Ben Johnson (Sr.), Ryan Renick (RFr.)
KU returns a lot at the deepest position group on its roster and adds Charlot, an Alabama transfer, to the passing game as an immediate threat. Sims rated as the Jayhawks’ top receiving option last year, and Gonzalez trailed him with 62 catches for 729 yards. Schadler is back after missing last season with an illness and is set to make a big impact after his shift from running back. Redshirt freshman Kwamie Lassiter and sophomore Evan Fairs are also competing for spots.
LT: Hakeem Adeniji (So.), Antione Frazier (So.)
LG: Jayson Rhodes (Sr.), Chris Hughes (RFr.)
C: Mesa Ribordy (So.), Hunter Saulsbury (So.)
RG: Larry Hughes (Jr.), Jacob Bragg (Jr.)
RT: Charles Baldwin (Jr.), Cam Durley (So.)
The Jayhawks, despite lagging offensive numbers, are starting to come of age up front in the wake of a complete rebuild as coach David Beaty enters his third season. The progression of Adeniji serves as a gauge of the line’s growth. Baldwin is another Alabama transfer who fit in nicely with the top unit during his first spring in Lawrence.
DEFENSE (projected starters in bold)
DE: Dorance Armstrong Jr. (Jr.), Willie McCaleb (Jr.)
DT: Daniel Wise (Jr.), Isi Holani (Sr.)
DT: Deelsaac Davis (Sr.), J.J. Holmes (Jr.)
DE: Josh Ehambe (Jr.), Isaiah Bean (So.)
Kansas features talent and experience within its front four, with Armstrong set to contend for All-America honors -- and Wise not far behind. Ehambe enjoyed a huge spring game and remains mired in a position battle with Bean, for whom the Jayhawks harbor high hopes as a pass rusher.
LB: Joe Dineen (Jr.), Denzel Feaster (Jr.) OR Kyron Johnson (Fr.)
LB: Keith Loneker (Jr.), Osaze Ogbebor (Jr.)
Dineen, a captain who ranked second on the team in tackles in 2015, took a medical redshirt after suffering a September hamstring injury last fall. He looks to team with Loneker to form a solid duo. Other than Johnson, who drew notice in the spring as an early enrollee, the backups bring experience.
NB: Derrick Neal (Sr.), Bryce Torneden (So.)
S: Mike Lee (So.), Emmanuel Moore (Jr.)
S: Tyrone Miller (Jr.), Shaquille Richmond (So.)
CB: Hasan Defense (So.), Julian Chandler (So.)
CB: Kyle Mayberry (So.), Shakial Taylor (Jr.)
The Jayhawks were much improved in pass defense last year. Though without standout Fish Smithson, the trend figures to continue in 2017 as Defense joins the defense out of junior college. Lee is a star in the making. The other projected starters gained experience last year in coordinator Clint Bowen’s system.
