Tom Keegan: Predicting statistical leaders for Kansas football defense in 2017

By Tom Keegan     Apr 25, 2017

Nick Krug
Kansas defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. (2) celebrates after a tackle for a loss during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.

The Big 12 is no place to break in a defensive backfield, but in years that it’s necessary, it helps to have a disruptive pass rush, and Kansas is certain to have that.

Four of the five starters in the secondary must be replaced, including Fish Smithson, the team’s leader in tackles and interceptions. The good news: The defensive line might be the best in the Big 12.

Predictions for KU’s defense in 2017:

Tackles: At least on paper, Kansas shapes up as having strong depth at defensive tackle, where it’s essential to have two platoons because such large men need relief. If the D-tackles can occupy blockers, making life easier on the linebackers, then Joe Dineen should have no problem leading the team in tackles, provided he stays healthy. The issue then becomes making those tackles closer to the line of scrimmage by doing a better job of shedding blockers sooner. Dineen has beefed up to 230 pounds without losing speed, so the extra strength should help. If too many plays get past the first two levels of the defense, Mike Lee will lead the team in tackles.

Prediction: Dineen (106).

2016 leader: Smithson (93).

Sacks: Kansas hasn’t had a player since Aqib Talib, who projects as well to the NFL as Dorance Armstrong, first-team All-American candidate. Offenses will game plan to try to stop Armstrong from keeping the quarterback in escape mode. They might succeed in slowing him down at times, but he’s too fast, too strong, too driven to be held down all game. He grows stronger every year without losing speed, loves to play football and shows a far nastier side during games than the gentleman who handles interviews during the week and after games.

Prediction: Armstrong (12.5).

2016 leader: Armstrong (10).

Interceptions: This prediction always is a crap shoot because so many factors come into play. If someone quickly develops into the best cornerback for Kansas, then the opposite corner could get targeted. And with so many balls thrown his way, he could become the one who picks off the most passes simply because of the volume of opportunities. Or it could be a safety with a nose for the football. Hasan Defense looked like the best cornerback during spring football. Safety Tyrone Miller had a strong spring that quieted concerns created when he fell into a sophomore slump. Lee certainly has a nose for the ball, so although he had just one interception, in overtime against Texas, it was the program’s biggest in years.

Prediction: Lee (4).

2016 leader: Smithson (4).

Tom Keegan: Predicting statistical leaders for Kansas football offense in 2017

By Tom Keegan     Apr 24, 2017

Nick Krug
Kansas wide receiver Steven Sims Jr. (11) pulls in a touchdown catch past Ohio cornerback Jalen Fox (21) during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 at Memorial Stadium.

Now that spring football has ended for Kansas, it no longer is too early to take a guess at statistical leaders in various categories. Predicted statistical leaders for the 2017 Kansas offense:

Passing yards: The competition between newcomer Peyton Bender and late-season incumbent Carter Stanley spilled into the spring and both quarterbacks made progress. Still, Bender’s quicker release, such an important factor in a Big 12 conference packed with speedy linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks who can make windows shut in a hurry, gives him the edge, even though Stanley brings the option of designed quarterback run plays.

2016 leader: Montell Cozart (1,075 yards).

Prediction: Bender.

Predicted yards: 3,008 yards.

Touchdown passes: Outside receivers Daylon Charlot, Steven Sims and Chase Harrell and inside targets LaQuvionte Gonzalez and Ryan Schadler all have the speed to break big plays and Bender has the arm to strike long, provided the blocks allow time for vertical plays to develop.

Prediction: Bender (22).

2016 leader: Cozart (seven).

Rushing yards: This makes for the toughest prediction on the board. More than ever, thanks to ever-improving methods of detecting concussions, depth is a must at running back and the Jayhawks have it.

Freshman Dominic Williams, a shifty four-star prospect from Frisco, Texas, and four-star juco transfer Octavius Matthews join returning backs Taylor Martin and Khalil Herbert, so speed in the backfield isn’t a problem.

2017 prediction: Dominic Williams (672).

2016 leader: Ke’aun Kinner (738).

Rushing touchdowns: Martin and Matthews not only have speed that comes in handy in making people miss, they have size. They both weigh 200 pounds, so they’re capable of scoring on breakaways and in short-yardage situations.

2017 prediction: Matthews (six).

2016 leader: Martin (four).

Receptions: Sims is the best route runner, the team’s most proven, experienced receiver and has sure hands and explosive speed.

2017 prediction: Steven Sims (70).

2016 leader: Sims (72).

Receiving yards: Look for KU to hit on more long passes because the offense will have more accurate long passes, greater depth of fast receivers and offensive coordinator Doug Meecham will call it more often to keep the defense honest.

2017 prediction: Steven Sims: (1,111).

2016 leader: Sims (859).

Touchdown receptions: Charlot attacks the ball aggressively, knows how to make catches in crowds and has the speed to pop big plays.

2017 prediction: Charlot (nine).

2016 leader: Sims (seven).

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