A Promising Outlook
Coach Jim Panagos, Kansas football’s defensive tackles coach, has praised the steady improvement of his unit even after the injury sidelined veteran Tre’von McAlpine. The group is navigating a transition while maintaining a competitive edge.
Redshirt juniors Blake Herold and Marcus Calvin are stepping into leadership roles, learning to communicate with the right tone and sharpening their technique. Both have focused on hand usage, pass‑rushing moves and building confidence on the line.
New Faces Bring Fresh Energy
Transfers Eamon Smalls from UAB and Jibriel Conde from Grand Valley State are adapting to Division I play. Smalls is gaining confidence in his responsibilities, while Conde is honing consistency and narrowing his focus to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the larger stage.
Panagos’ rotation strategy hinges on trust; players earn minutes by executing their assignments flawlessly. This approach allows the staff to match talent with game situations and develop each athlete’s strengths.
Beyond the newcomers, the program’s broader defensive tackle cohort benefits from personalized coaching plans that target individual weaknesses and build on each player’s unique skill set, positioning the unit for a stronger future.