Lyrik Rawls made a quick transition to KU from Oklahoma State
After transferring from Oklahoma State, Kansas safety Lyrik Rawls quickly settled into the program. Since arriving in January, Rawls said the transition felt natural and like he has been at KU longer than six months.
“Ever since I got here, I’ve been feeling like I’ve been here for two, three years,” Rawls said. “The way everybody brought me in and made it feel warm for me.”
His personality also helped bridge the gap with his new teammates.
“People were being open,” he said. “People were being welcoming. And I’m a people person, so it was pretty easy for me to build connections.”
Rawls flourished under Gildersleeve
One area Rawls focused on this offseason was physical development. Working under strength coach Matt Gildersleeve, he said he noticed a difference. One of the telling moments came when he compared photos of his body after being in Gildersleeve’s program.
“We had a comparison of when you got here and your recent one and I saw my body change,” he said. “I saw muscles I haven’t seen in a minute. I done lost some body fat, I done leaned up, and I’m feeling better than ever.”
Rawls credited Gildersleeve’s leadership style. KU’s Director of Sports Performance has said he wants the program to be player-led and that has worked.
“He leads people how he wants other people to lead other people,” Rawls said. “That’s something I picked from his leadership to help me put into the team.”
Taking on a leadership role
As he settles into his role in defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald’s system, Rawls likes the direction of the defense.
“Everybody’s coming from different positions and having to put pieces together,” Rawls said. “I feel like we’re all getting a great connection. I’m enjoying it. It definitely feels good for me and most of the other guys.”
Rawls is an outgoing player and starting in the spring he tried to take on a leadership role. With the Jayhawks breaking in a new secondary, he is trying to make his voice heard.
“I feel like I’m being so vocal with everybody and making sure my voice is heard every play, every point of the day,” he said.
Coming from a Big 12 rival, Rawls had a chance to compare how things work with different programs. Last season he was the highest-rated safety according to the PFF grades at Oklahoma State.
He quickly noticed the positive culture at Kansas.
“The culture here is very strong, and I feel like everybody pushes it and buys into it,” he said.
Rawls was recruited out of high school by Kansas but never visited due to COVID. Every day the team practices they can see the stadium renovations in progress. He is looking forward to playing in the new stadium.
“I’m ready to get in and especially to be one of the first people to open it up,” Rawls said. “I’m thankful to do that.”
In the safety room, Rawls sees high energy from the group. He pointed out Jacoby Davis as someone who has caught his attention.
“He’s a small guy, but he’s got a lot of energy inside,” Rawls said.
