KU football players say this athlete could breakout in 2024

LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - Kansas football's defensive backfield lists two of the best in the nation: Big 12 Preseason All-Conference members Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson.

However, when asked about a breakout candidate at Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas, two Jayhawk defenders quickly named another DB.

"O.J. Burroughs," senior defensive end Jereme Robinson said. "O.J., he's a really good player. He's a smart player. He loves playing football. And he's I think this is going to be the year for him."

Burroughs is entering his fourth year of college football, where he's played in all 38 games at safety in his three years with the Jayhawks.

Dotson, who finished with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups in 2023, shared Robinson's sentiment about his fellow defense back.

"O.J. [is] definitely one of those guys who can step up big this year," Dotson said. "His knowledge...he might not be the biggest, but he's not scared of nothing, and he knows the defense inside and out."

Burroughs recorded one interception in 2023 to go along with 51 tackles. He led the team in solo tackles (9) and total tackles (13) in the Jayhawks' game at Texas.

"O.J. has played a fair amount of football for us. You know, he's not the biggest safety in the conference by any stretch," head coach Lance Leipold said. "I think he's worked extremely hard at being a better tackler. The thing that everybody likes about O.J. is that he, you know, he's a pretty savvy football player. He sees him and breaks on the ball well."

For more Kansas football content from the Big 12 Media Days, click here.