KU linebackers looking to maintain standard set by Rich Miller and Craig Young

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - KU football's linebacker room enters 2024 without Rich Miller and Craig Young, two graduated players who were defensive cornerstones in their time at Kansas.

Replacing players with so much game experience is no easy task, KU linebackers coach Chris Simpson said Tuesday. The Jayhawks have the experience, he says, they'll just be doing things 'by committee' to fill Miller and Young's absence.

"There will be some guys who we have to go through some growing pains with, just because they haven't played a ton," Simpson said. "Through the second half of last year, Cornell [Wheeler] started playing quite a bit, Taiwan Berryhill played the entire season."

In addition to Wheeler and Berryhill, KU's linebacker room is packed with veteran players. Senior JB Brown, redshirt-junior Jayson Gilliom and redshirt-junior Tristian Fletcher are not new by any means.

Berryhill, now a redshirt-senior, has spent his entire collegiate career at KU. He said there are a lot of seasoned defensive players on KU's roster, himself included, who are looking to maintain the standard players like Miller and Craig established.

"It takes a lot," Berryhill said of sticking to that standard. "It really feels like you focus on the big things, but it really takes a lot to key in on those little details. To be on time, to weighing in on time, handling your business before we start practice."

KU opens the season against Lindenwood on Aug. 29 at Children's Mercy Park.