Kansas has added another piece to their defensive front. Central Connecticut State transfer defensive tackle Clifton Thompson has committed to the Jayhawks, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Thompson gives Kansas another interior option, as the program continues to reinforce a defensive line that has already been tested early this season. The addition comes at a useful time for Kansas, as they’ve dealt with depth concerns up front since before the season began.
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Tulane transfer Tre’Von McAlpine was ruled out for the year before the opener, immediately putting more pressure on the rest of the defensive front. Kansas has managed the loss better than expected through three games, with several players stepping into larger roles and helping turn the unit into one of the team’s early strengths.
Leroy Harris III has been one of the biggest reasons why. He’s totaled 15 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles through three games, while consistently making an impact against the run. Michigan State transfer David Santiago has also produced from the edge, with 13 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.
Inside, Kansas has leaned on a rotation featuring Blake Herold, Marcus Calvin, Eamon Smalls and Kevin Oatis. Thompson now gives the Jayhawks another body to work into that group as they try to stay fresh through Big 12 play.
Meanwhile, Kansas is coming off a 24-17 loss to Arizona State in the inaugural Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium in London. The Jayhawks outgained the Sun Devils 414-228 and held Arizona State to just 3.5 yards per play, but three turnovers proved costly.
Arizona State did not turn the ball over and capitalized on several Kansas mistakes to build a 24-7 lead before the Jayhawks attempted a late comeback. Tate Nagy provided two of Kansas’ biggest plays, first returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown before later catching a 38-yard scoring pass.
Kansas also added a 46-yard field goal with 3:51 remaining to cut the deficit to seven, but Arizona State was able to run out the clock. The loss dropped Kansas to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Big 12 play.
Even with the result, the defense continued to show encouraging signs. Harris and Santiago both recorded sacks in the first half, with Harris also forcing a fumble for the second straight game.
After an open week, Kansas is hosting Middle Tennessee on Oct. 3 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Thompson’s commitment gives the Jayhawks another reinforcement for a defensive front that has already been asked to absorb injuries and heavy responsibility early in the season.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X (formerly Twitter) account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.