A New Chapter in Lawrence
At the recent Big 12 Conference media days in Dallas, junior defensive end Leroy Harris III stepped onto the stage not merely as a player but as a voice of optimism for the Kansas Jayhawks, an honor he described as a personal milestone.
Harris took the opportunity to outline his vision for the 2026 season, emphasizing a blend of individual development and team ambition that he believes will position Kansas as a formidable contender in the league.
Versatility and Weight Growth
Working closely with new defensive ends coach Joe Dineen, Harris has embraced a regimen that blends technical refinement with physical transformation, adding roughly ten pounds during the offseason to target a playing weight of 265 pounds or higher under the supervision of a personal nutritionist.
The 6‑foot‑5, 260‑pound prospect says the added mass will enhance his ability to set the edge and generate pressure, while his skill set remains deliberately broad, allowing him to drop back into coverage, rush the quarterback, or function as a hybrid edge‑rusher depending on game situations.
London Test and Season Opener
A centerpiece of Harris’s narrative is the upcoming neutral‑site game in London, a global showcase that will precede the regular‑season kickoff at home against LIU on September 4, an event he views as a litmus test for the Jayhawks' readiness on an international stage.
Teammates to Watch
Harris highlighted a cluster of peers — David Santiago, Quincy Davis, Bam Crouch, Jalen Todd, Dylan Edwards, Yasin Willis, Nik McMillan, Nahzae Cox, and Cam Pickett — each of whom he believes will play a pivotal role in shaping the team's fortunes and providing the depth needed to sustain a competitive campaign.
Looking Ahead
Beyond personal statistics, Harris articulated a broader aspiration: to be remembered as one of the standout players in Kansas history, a goal he ties to his confidence in the coaching staff and the defensive scheme that aligns with his strengths, while also keeping the door open for an NFL transition if draft projections warrant a return to college.