Defensive Football Notebook

While Kansas still has one more game coming up against West Virginia, we asked some of the defensive coaches this week on what they want some of their players to improve on before spring ball next March. We also got some answers on which guys were the most consistent throughout the season.

Linebackers coach DeMontie Cross

Which linebacker graded out the highest …

There was a flux of grades. I consider myself to be a tough grader. Overall probably Huldon Tharp. He was probably the most consistent guy. He didn't have as much production. He is consistent with his assignments and where he needed to be. Ben graded out better as the season went on but not as much as I would've liked him to as a mike linebacker who controls everything. We need him to grade out higher because he has production but he is giving up a lot of plays as far as assignments and things he can do better. Overall, Tharp was probably the most consistent.

Outlook for Ben Heeney …

Just consistency. He's had a really good year as a first year linebacker. He's done a lot of good things but he has made some rookie mistakes.

Outlook for Huldon Tharp …

He's been kind of nicked up. That's been his career a little bit. I am just looking for him to stay healthy. He was one of the more consistent players. He didn't have the production that Ben had but just trying to get him to build off of what he has done and stay healthy.

Outlook for Schyler Miles …

He hasn't played as much as later as the season went on. He got nicked up last week so looking for him to make some strides and get healthy. He has had some nicks and bruises but he has really continued to push through it. I think his experience on the special teams and the experience he had will let him know that this is a high speed and high energy game at this level.

Outlook for Jake Love …

He has played more in the later half of the season. He's done a good job and hope he can settle in on one position. He has played a couple of positions but he will definitely be better once we decide as a staff what his best position is. He was a pleasant surprise this season.

Defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt …

Defensive Line Performance …

The guy that probably made the biggest improvement is Ben Goodman. The guy who was most productive was Toben Opurum. The guy who was most consistent for us was Josh Williams.

Outlook on Jordan Tavaii…

Jordan needs to get stronger and better with his technique. The use of his hands. He has a good feel for the game and how to take on blocks. He can get his body in a position to make plays but his technique has to improve.

Outlook on Kevin Young …

Kevin needs to work on his flexibility and his quickness. He plays strong and he has good explosion off the ball. He just needs to be more flexible where he can get off the block and go make the play.

Outlook on Keon Stowers …

He needs to work on his overall knowledge of playing the position. His technique and he has a great motor. He has good athleticism and moves well. Just his technique and learning how to play that position.

Outlook on Keba Agostinho …

He has to continue to put on more size if he wants to play in the interior. Also I want him to work on his interior pass rush from the inside.

Safeties coach Clint Bowen

Outlook on Tevin Shaw …

With Tevin it is just gaining a better understanding of the safety position. We had him in there during camp and continue to develop his overall awareness of that position and how to play it.

Outlook on Dexter Linton …

Dexter has made nice progress throughout the year and he has turned into a guy that we can count on and depend on. He needs to develop and play with more urgency.

Outlook on Ray Mitchell …

Ray needs to get stronger. He's a tall, lean guy. He needs to develop better strength and that will help him. Once he gets stronger and more physical that will help him along the way.