Kansas Football Recruiting 2013: Defensive Backs

The defensive backfield was a huge concern by the end of the season. Greg Brown was departing, Tyler Patmon isn't expected to return and both Kansas safeties were graduating. That left Kansas with a host of young and completely unproven talent trying to fill an area that has been a pretty big weakness for several years now. It is worth mentioning that this might not have been a weakness had we not taken such a dramatic detour toward poor coaching for two years. All you have to do is look at Chris Harris who nearly made the pro bowl for the Broncos, but was constantly overlooked and misused following his fast start under Mangino.

Weis and co have gone largely the junior college route with this position and some of that talent signed in December with two remaining for today. There has been some back and forth with Kevin Short as of yesterday, but as of last night it is being reported that he should stick with Kansas.

Short can play a multitude of positions from corner to safety to return man to wideout. New Mexico promised him some opportunities and that nearly turned his commitment but it sounds like Kansas intends to give him those same opportunities in Lawrence. Some have said that he will be the best return man on the roster once he steps on campus, that's going to be a nice boost if true. He also obviously brings great size, and he chose Kansas over New Mexico, Syracuse and Arkansas. Another BCS level talent coming in from the junior college level.

For as steady as the Kansas commitments have been at nearly every other position, the two late defensive back signings have not. Johnson flirted with Illinois on multiple occasions and even Texas Tech late. He ultimately stuck with Kansas and reaffirmed his commitment this past week. Johnson is a big physical safety prospect that has the potential to step in and start right away just like the rest of the players at this position. He is also more than a 2/2 junior college player which comes as an added bonus and a good find by the staff. Johnson was a junior college All American, played for a JUCO national champion and he'll be a very solid addition to what could be a great JUCO defensive back class.