Torneden has played multiple positions in the KU secondary throughout his career. As one of the leaders of the Kansas defense, Torneden’s ultimate goal is to help get the Jayhawks back on track in his final season. That is something the senior safety mentioned many times during the spring.

During Big 12 Media Days, though, Torneden was asked about his personal goals for 2019. Only one is on his mind with preseason camp just around the corner.

“Ultimately, I want to be All-Big 12 at the end of the year,” Torneden said. “In doing that, I’m going to have to take everyday for what it is. I just need to stack the days upon each other.”

But it is a goal that doesn’t seem too far-fetched, at least considering Torneden’s career trajectory.

In 2018, Torneden was listed on the honorable mention team as voted on by the Big 12 coaches. Torneden ranked second on the Kansas defense in tackles with 91, recording 5.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks in his 12 starts last season.

According to PFF College, Torneden was also the highest-graded safety in coverage in the Big 12 with an overall grade of 77.9.

Bryce Torneden returns to Kansas as the highest-graded safety in the Big 12. pic.twitter.com/43kcoAXLaH

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 8, 2019

Assuming Torneden takes another leap this fall, it is possible that he can achieve his goal after all. That seems to be his mindset, too.

“Just taking everyday, working hard. Not having any drop-offs. Staying focused,” Torneden said. “I know it is a long season, so I have to continue to stay at the same level throughout the season, not just the first half. Not just the first two quarters.”

Torneden, who is listed at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, even has the opportunity to enter the season with a little extra motivation.

The Big 12 preseason team listed five defensive backs, including two sophomores. Torneden was not featured on the list, despite ranking sixth in the Big 12 in tackles a season ago. In fact, only two returning league players posted more stops last season.

Still, Torneden didn’t feel slighted by his absence on the list of best defensive backs in the conference.

“I don’t really put too much into preseason,” Torneden said. “You are not going to hang your hat on preseason awards. If you are overlooked, you are overlooked. I’m still going to put in the same amount of work as I would.”

And that is the very mindset that might help Torneden land on the All-Big 12 first team by the end of the year.