Kansas football defensive end Jereme Robinson is back, and excited about what’s next

LAWRENCE — Kansas football defensive end Jereme Robinson had nothing but good news to share last week, during Big 12 Conference media days in Las Vegas.

Robinson, who’s coming off of a surgery, noted he’s at the ending stages of his rehabilitation process. He explained he’s received the all clear, feels good and considers himself refreshed. When fall camp begins for the Jayhawks, he expects to be practicing.

But Robinson understands the focus on Kansas’ defense in 2024, especially at his position, expands beyond just him. He isn’t the only player people are talking about, when it comes to which individuals the Jayhawks will look to in order to rush the passer this season. Whether it ends up being by committee or specific players, Robinson has an intimate knowledge of which people are in line to be relied upon.

Here are a few takeaways from what Robinson told reporters:

It won’t just be defensive ends who are putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks

A lot of attention is being placed on Robinson and his fellow defensive ends, but those aren’t the only players he expects to rush the passer. Robinson highlighted the defensive tackle position, and senior Caleb Taylor. Robinson highlighted the linebacker position, and redshirt junior JB Brown.

The need for someone to emerge as a pass rusher come, in large part, because of the departure of Austin Booker. Booker, who led Kansas in tackles for loss and sacks last season, decided to turn pro. The Chicago Bears selected Booker in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

These defensive ends are catching Jereme Robinson’s attention

No one who’s back from last season’s team collected more sacks than Robinson did, but Robinson won’t be the only one defensive coordinator Brian Borland and more are going to task to tally more. Asked which defensive ends could emerge this season, Robinson highlighted redshirt freshman Bai Jobe, redshirt senior Dylan Wudke and redshirt junior Dean Miller. Robinson noted he has a lot of eager teammates.

Two more to think about at defensive end are freshmen DJ Warner and Dakyus Brinkley. Both are high-profile members of the team’s 2024 recruiting class. When it comes to those two, and Jobe as well, Robinson said the main thing he tells them is to stay grounded and be ready for when their time comes.

Dean Miller earns more praise

Miller has been one of the more talked about players of Kansas’ offseason, when it comes to breakout candidates. Robinson praised how mature Miller is now, especially when it comes to Miller’s knowledge of their defensive scheme. Miller hasn’t had a significant role on the team across the past couple seasons, but has to change that in 2024.

Warner and Brinkley have a lot of potential, but don’t have any college experience yet. Wudke and Jobe were brought in as transfers to contribute, but both are going to be in their first seasons with the Jayhawks. Miller has multiple years of experience at his disposal.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.