Leroy Harris III wants opposing teams to ‘feel his presence’

For junior defensive back Leroy Harris III, fall camp was all about sharpening his skills that earned him Big 12 honors in the 2025 year. This process begins with his mindset going into the new season. “You got to be a playmaker,” Harris said. “I want the other team to feel my presence when I’m playing.” There are many ways opposing teams will be able to feel Harris’ presence, besides the obvious, his 6 foot 5 inch frame. Pieced together with his weight of 270 pounds, Harris is a hard player to miss and an easy red dot in opposing offensive film rooms. Outside of his physical presence, Harris believes his on field play is enough to make the opposing offense feel his presence. “I’m also very fast on my speed of the edge and just being able to use my athleticism,” Harris said. Harris doesn’t believe he’s the only person that could make a difference for Kansas this season. He has confidence in his entire defense. “From top to bottom, we got a lot of versatility,” Harris said. “We set hard edges and get in the backfield so that helps to give us a good defense.” Using his knowledge from his first year as a Jayhawk in 2025, Harris is looking forward to playing with the same guys again this year. It will also help their play on the field. “In this past we worked off each other very well,” he said. “Just with the rush lane integrity, if someone gets high, the other guy is going to fall in. We’ve seen that during fall camp, hopefully that can transfer into the season.” Along with the on-field chemistry, Harris mentioned how the defense has grown together off the field also. Part of the growth included a movie night held in late August. “Just hanging around each other and stuff,” Harris said. “Enjoying the game we love, having fun.” Last season Harris graded out as the highest-rated defensive player according to Pro Football Focus. Defensive ends coach Joe Dineen watched Harris develop last season. There are still things to work on, but when Harris plays to max level he has a high ceiling. “I think the big thing with Leroy is focusing on his technique,” Dineen said. “You know, with that size, with that athletic ability, if you can match that and pair that with great technique and great violence, then the sky is going to be the limit.”