D.J. Withers says this is closest team he has seen at KU
As Kansas defensive lineman D.J. Withers prepares for his final season as a Jayhawk, he is looking for improvement on getting to the quarterback and a working with new defensive coordinator DK McDonald.
Withers is excited about playing in the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
“I am excited to play in it. I cannot wait,” he said. “They renovated a bunch of stuff. The stadium, the locker rooms, the meal rooms, all of that. So, I just cannot wait for the fans to see it.”
Individually, Withers is focused on taking his pass rush to the next level. Last season he led all defensive tackles with 15 pressures and looks to push that number up.
“Just continue to improve that,” he said. “Try to push, get more sacks than I did last year. Disturb the quarterback more than I did. Get more pressures, more hurries.”
He credits defensive line coach Jim Panagos for elevating his game and his improvement on the interior.
“It is more intense,” Withers said of Panagos. “He is on us a little bit more and it is creating a good, competitive environment for the defense.”
Withers said he has become a student of the game under Panagos.
“Coach P has been helping me a lot in the film room,” he said. “Teaching me how to watch film, what I need to do. Seeing it on film and then on the field helps me make plays and be in the right spot faster,”
This is the most transfers the Jayhawks have brought in from the transfer portal. But with the new faces Withers can’t see a different because everyone is close.
“Even with all the transfers, this is the closest I feel like the team has been in a minute,” he said.
Kansas kicks off its season in Week 0 against Fresno State. Since they are playing early there will be three bye weeks. Withers likes the way the schedule lays out.
“Yeah, good for my body,” he said. “Glad we got that three bye week system.”
