LAWRENCE — There's a wide range of experience at defensive tackle in Kansas State football this year, and that's interesting for Jim Panagos.
Panagos, who serves as the Jayhawks' interior defensive lineman position coach, transferred Javier Delritto, a redshirt senior from North Dakota State University. Panagos has several seniors returning in a group of redshirt juniors, including Keneen Caldwell, Tommy Dunn Jr., DJ Withers and Caleb Taylor. And in Blake Herold and Marcus Calvin, there are several redshirt freshmen with potential.
Which players will step up after the departures of Devin Phillips and Gage Keys? Will Kansas' defensive tackle develop into a strength for the Jayhawks on that side of the ball? These questions and more are on your mind as the University of Kansas continues its spring baseball practices.
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Here's what to think about the defensive tackle position as spring draws to a close.
Replacing Devin Phillips with Gage Keyes may be difficult.
Phillips' college career ended with the 2023 season at Kansas. Keyes opted to transfer to Auburn during the offseason. Both had starting experience for the Jayhawks last year and were among the team's top producers at defensive tackle.
Phillips is a particularly tough loss because, as Panagos explained, Phillips is able to control the interior and draw the attention of multiple offensive linemen. Panagos noted that they would lose Phillips' experience and huge size. It wasn't an easy task for Phillips last season.
The addition of Javier Delritto should be a valuable addition.
Dellitt may make the jump from an FCS program to an FBS program, but he also brings a wealth of experience as a starter and backup. Dunn has already highlighted Dellitto's speed on the ball, his explosiveness and how quickly Dellitt is learning Kansas' system. As long as Dellitto continues to develop physically, he should be able to be a significant contributor considering he is listed at 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds.
Panagos values the experience that Delit brings to the group. Panagos said the rookie has natural pass-rushing ability that no coach can match. Panagos added that Dellitto is becoming more familiar with the Jayhawks' system each day.
This could be a big year for Tommy Dunn Jr.
Dunn has gradually improved throughout his career at Kansas, and given the opportunity for playing time, 2024 could be his breakout year. He said he has become more comfortable because of the experience he gained in 2023, when he started a few games and appeared in 12 games. I have a better understanding of the speed and physicality of the game.
Dunn is trying to be more consistent this spring. He focuses on pass rush and getting off blocks. Panagos has higher standards than how Dan sees himself, and Dan strives to reach them.
Don't forget DJ Withers returns with plenty of starting experience
Along with Phillips, Wizards was one of the most regular starters at defensive tackle last season. Kansas plans to rotate players as the game unfolds, but experience like this is valuable for this position group. Panagos said the Wizards are stronger now and more confident than before.
Panagos noted that Withers and Dunn are both doing things that have never been seen before because they have experience. Maybe this pair will get more starting experience this year, maybe not. But either way, the Jayhawks will need them.
Here's what Jim Panagos saw from Blake Herold and Marcus Calvin.
Panagos is happy with Kansas State's depth right now, but made it clear that everyone needs to earn the right to play. If that means the Jayhawks' rotation goes to five or seven players, so be it. If Herold and Calvin can develop to a level where they can get a few reps in the game, that would be a huge asset to the team.
Panagos said he was happy with both. He pointed out that they have the ability and just need someone in charge. The current focus is on helping Herold and Calvin stop thinking and reach their true potential.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics for the Topeka Capital Journal. He has been named the National Sports Media Association's 2022 Kansas Sportswriter of the Year. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or @JordanGuskey on Twitter.
