 |
DT |

#423 #32DT |
With the KU defense running more and more 4-lineman formations this season, defensive tackle went from a position where depth was important to a major need over the course of the season. Bringing in a player with Brandon Rushing's talent was extremely important for this coaching staff. Rushing brings solid strength, block shedding, pass rush moves, play recognition and form tackling to the Jayhawks defense. While there's no one area in which he excels, his solid abilities across the board will be a boon to the Jayhawk defensive line.
Expect Rushing to play immediately for the Jayhawks, manning the front line with redshirt freshman Kenneth Holley. Rushing chose KU over UCLA and Cal. |
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SS
CB |

#31 #12ATH
 |
While technically not a signee yet, Larry Fields visited Lawrence for the victory over rival Mizzou, and all indications from Fields and sources in the KU program is that he came away very impressed and is expected to announce his commitment within the week. A two-way player in high school, Fields is a very interesting athlete, whom Rivals and Scout have projected as a WR at the next level, though 247 shares the KU coaching staff's assessment that Fields will be best in the defensive backfield, where he can use his receiving skills to become a ball hawk. KU coaches expect fields to play SS at the next level.
With three players in front of him at SS, Fields should redshirt next season and grow into his new position. Fields received no other offers. |
 |
OL |

#280 #45ATH |
Quincy Johnson is another player that visited for the victory over Mizzou, and while he has not announced his commitment yet, the 247 Crystal Ball is 100% projected for the Jayhawks. Johnson, however, is a complete unknown. A total enigma. Johnson insists to Kansas coaches, media, and recruitniks across the country that he's an offensive lineman. But nobody has ever seen game film of him playing the position. His Hudl.com recruiting page has no video at all. His high school coaches have confirmed that he does play offensive linemen, but have not commented on why there is no evidence of his pass or run blocking abilities. Kansas coaches do know that Johnson performed well in summer camps in agility and cone drills, as well as in the weight room, but he declined to participate in 1-on-1 blocking drills. Kansas coaches will be waiting until Johnson enrolls next summer to assess his skills and find him a position.
Johnson will choose KU over LSU. |
 |
FS |

#211 #4FS |
Trevor Rucker brings an impressive offer sheet and decent coverage skills to Lawrence. Rucker's best quality is his combination of speed, agility and acceleration, which can only grow once he's exposed to a college weight program. Rucker does lack true coverage skills, as his high school technique largely relied on his superior athleticism. Current starter Tyrone Miller will be a senior next season, so Rucker has at least one year to redshirt and grow before he will even see the field.
Rucker chose KU over Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Rice, and UTEP. |
 |
DT |

#2011 #141DT |
Rasheed Richardson is a body to fill out the defensive line rotation after some subpar recruiting in the last few years has left the position without enough players to rotate. Richardson is impressive at the point of attack, using good strength and block shedding to meet the run head on. However, he will not be chasing any players down in the backfield, so expect Richardson to largely be utilized in taking on double teams. With the signing of Brandon Rushing, Richardson will be able to take a redshirt next year before being called upon.
Richardson chose KU over Buffalo. |
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DE
OLB |

#1643 #131OLB |
Mike Smith is the final player that visited for the victory over Mizzou, and like Johnson and Fields, while he hasn't announced his commitment yet, coaches expect it no later than this week. Smith was originally recruited to fill KU's LEO position, the DE/OLB tweener that plays primarily on standard downs. With the KU staff obviously preferring other formations this season, the LEO position may be eliminated from the Jayhawk lexicon, and Smith may find himself moving to DE full-time. Whether Smith moves to DE or not, expect him to redshirt next season, as neither position has an immediate need.
Smith received no other offers. |
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