Kansas · Big 12Kansas Gains Two Flexible Defensive Ends as David Santiago and Leroy Harris Develop
D.K. McDonald sees more than ordinary camp progress from two Kansas defensive ends. David Santiago’s pass rush and position flexibility expand the rotation, while Leroy Harris brings added size, speed and leadership to a group asking returning players to carry more responsibility.
AUG 22, 2026
Leroy Harris’ current weight after adding 20 pounds since last season.
Pounds Harris has added to his frame since last year.
Miles per hour Harris is reported to reach despite the added weight.
01 · The NewsWhat Happened
Kansas defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald praised defensive ends David Santiago and Leroy Harris for their progress during fall camp. McDonald said Santiago has improved as a pass rusher after settling into the defense and credited the redshirt junior with strong technique and intelligence. Santiago transferred from Michigan State and can play both defensive end spots. Kansas is using him more at the stud position, where the end carries more pass-rush responsibility. McDonald also pointed to Harris’ leadership as he enters a larger role for the Jayhawks. Harris has added 20 pounds since last season, reaching 270, while still running at 21.6 mph. McDonald said Harris is bringing other players with him and has made a significant offseason jump.
02 · The StakesWhy This One Matters
Santiago gives Kansas a movable piece on the edge. He can shift between the more physical end position and the spot that asks for more pass rush. That matters because the defense doesn’t have to keep him tied to one job when the front changes. Harris offers a different kind of gain. His added size gives him more presence against the run, while the reported speed keeps that weight from turning into a slow-down trade. His leadership also matters because McDonald described him as someone trying to pull teammates up to his level. The staff is getting two forms of progress from the same position group: Santiago broadens the calls, and Harris raises the daily standard. Neither development, by itself, proves the edge room is fixed.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
The easy read is that Kansas found two improved defensive ends. The more useful read is that the staff may have gained room to build the front around situations. Santiago’s ability to roll between spots can help Kansas change the pressure look without changing the player. Harris’ size and speed give the defense a potential answer when an opponent asks for both edge strength and pursuit. That flexibility only pays off if the rest of the rotation can hold up when those two move. The next step isn’t more praise from camp. It’s whether Kansas can keep the same pressure threat after Santiago shifts and whether Harris can turn practice leadership into reliable snaps.
“A defensive end who can move between spots gives McDonald more ways to set the front without giving away the rush plan.”
The Wire Desk04 · The PersonnelWhat Changes Now
McDonald’s comments point toward a broader edge rotation, though Kansas hasn’t announced a depth chart. Santiago’s versatility lets the staff move him between the two defensive end roles based on the call and the matchup. Putting him more often at the stud spot suggests the coaches see pass-rush value there, not just a need for a body who can line up. Harris’ development gives the other side of the rotation more weight and speed. That can help the defense play sturdier against the run without giving away pursuit. The projection is a cleaner division of labor: Santiago stressing the edge with rush ability, Harris carrying more physical work and communication. The risk is that flexibility turns into constant movement without a stable answer in either spot. Kansas needs both players to make the rotation easier to call, not merely more versatile on paper.
05 · The ChessboardWhat the Coaches Can Actually Change
The likeliest adjustment is to use Santiago at the stud position on passing downs, then move him to the more physical end spot when the front needs stronger edge play. That kind of rotation can change the rush picture without substituting. Kansas could also pair Santiago’s inside-out rush threat with Harris setting a firmer edge on the opposite side. Harris’ added weight may allow the Jayhawks to keep a heavier front on the field without losing chase speed. Those are projections, not announced plans. The key detail is whether the staff can create pressure from both sides after Santiago changes alignment. If the offense can identify the rush spot before the snap, the versatility loses some value. If the alignment forces protection changes, the camp progress is showing up where it matters.
06 · The ThesisThe Pate State Read
Kansas may have improved the edge room more through fit than through one headline player. Santiago’s value starts with the job he can handle. A defensive end who can move between spots gives McDonald more ways to set the front without giving away the rush plan. Harris brings the part that tends to travel better from camp to Saturdays: size, speed and the willingness to lead the work. That combination gives Kansas a credible path to better edge play. The counterweight is obvious. Coaches praise improvement every August, and praise doesn’t produce a sack or a stop. Santiago has to win when the protection knows where he is, while Harris has to hold up against stronger blocks at his new weight. The first real test is whether both can stay useful when the opponent attacks their assigned edge.
07 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Does Santiago’s stud role become a regular game-day assignment?
A consistent snap pattern there would show Kansas trusts his pass rush enough to build calls around it. Constant movement without a clear role would suggest the flexibility is still a camp tool.
Can Harris keep his speed against live run blocks?
If his added size holds up without reducing pursuit, Kansas gains a sturdier edge defender. If the weight shows up as slower recovery, the staff may use him more selectively.
Which end handles the physical side when Santiago moves?
That answer will show whether Santiago’s versatility strengthens the whole rotation or leaves another spot exposed. Kansas needs a dependable edge partner when the front shifts.