College Note - Kansas O.J. Burroughs

Spring ball for Kansas football in 2023 was always going to be a critical one for safety O. J. Burroughs.

Burroughs, with two years of experience in tow, is preparing for his junior season with the Jayhawks. After starting one of his 12 appearances in 2021 for a team that went 2-10, he started all 13 in 2022 for a team that improved to 6-7 and went to the program's first bowl game since 2008. Now, he's a veteran.

But then came the news that senior safety Kenny Logan Jr. and redshirt junior safety Marvin Grant will be limited for much of the spring due to injury. Then came the realization that, despite Burroughs' playing experience, he was going to have to take up a role he hasn't necessarily had to all that often before.

And Burroughs isn't shying away from the added responsibility he has. "Without those two older guys, it kind of gives me the chance to get out of my comfort zone and just lead all the younger guys," said Burroughs, who tied for second on the team in interceptions this past season. "Because I'm one of the most experienced guys out there.

So, it's kind of take that next step, just as a teammate, as a player, as a leader, just making sure I do - I bring my best every day to encourage and bring the best out of the other guys in the room. " Burroughs already understood the position he'd now found himself in, but defensive coordinator Brian Borland also addressed it with him prior to spring ball. It's up to Burroughs, among others, to set the standard the team is striving to meet.

- Topeka Capital Journal .