Fifth-year senior D.J. Withers talks KU defense, QB Daniels and NFL aspirations
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- D.J. Withers enters final KU season aiming to lead defense and boost draft stock.
- Jayhawks focus on ball pursuit and consistency under new defensive coordinator.
- QB Jalon Daniels faces high expectations after strong preseason showing.
Kansas defensive tackle D.J. Withers has experienced five preseason camps under fifth-year Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold.
This one began on July 24, about a week earlier than usual, because of an Aug. 23 opening date against Fresno State. It “has been the hardest,” the 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive tackle from Little Rock, Arkansas said Thursday afternoon at KU’s annual football media day in the team’s indoor practice facility next to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
It’s been the most challenging of the last five years not because of the weather — it’s been steamy most August days during all five of his seasons as a Jayhawk.
And it’s not tougher because of the length of practice or any new drills.
In Withers’ words, it’s simply because “it’s before my senior year. I’m trying to get everywhere and not take any of it for granted. And as hard as this camp is, it’s hard to see it go, because I never get to do this again. It’s been pretty hard mentally, but physically it’s probably been one of my best camps.”
Withers, who led KU’s defensive tackle group with 15 pressures in 2024 — he was fourth overall on the team in sacks with three and totaled a career-high 21 tackles — said that as a team leader he does “feel different because, growing up in the program, there has always been somebody older than me. For me to be the oldest now, it’s a little different. Following my role models from throughout the program, just following in their footsteps has helped me a lot.”
To improve on last year’s 26 points allowed per game, the KU defense is working on “pursuit, getting to the ball. We’ve got to get the ball back to the offense,” Withers said.
He said the defense, led by new coordinator D.K. McDonald, has faced a stern challenge this training camp going against sixth-year senior quarterback Jalon Daniels every day.
“I think he’s going to be great. I see so much improvement from him,” Withers said. “I can’t wait to watch him this year. He’s looking so good at practice. Can’t wait to watch him.”
Daniels’ most productive season was in 2022 when he threw for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns with four interceptions. He also rushed for 425 yards and seven TDs.
A year ago he threw for a career-high 2,454 yards with 14 TDs. He suffered 12 interceptions while also rushing for 439 yards and six scores.
“I think he’s good all around,” Withers said of Daniels. “I don’t think it matters (run or throw). He can do both and that is what is making him the quarterback he is.”
Daniels, 6-0, 220 from Lawndale, California, and Arkansas native Withers both, of course, have NFL aspirations. Asked what he personally needs to do to play at the highest level, Withers said: “Dominate. Dominate on this level. That’s my main goal is to dominate.”
He has spoken to Jayhawks currently in NFL training camps, a group that includes Devin Neal of the New Orleans Saints and Cobee Bryant of the Atlanta Falcons who have been hobbled by injuries and Mello Dotson of the Carolina Panthers.
“They do,” Withers said of Jayhawks in the pros believing they can make their respective teams. “But it’s just … they tell me, ‘You’ve just got to work hard. It’s a lot of hard work. It’s special teams, all of that. Just try to get on the field any way you can.’’’
Of course, there’s a final season of college to be played before he focuses on the draft.
“Kansas winning all the games they play, that’s what I got. Kansas winning every game,” Withers said with a smile in offering a prediction on the 2025 campaign.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 6:30 AM with the headline "Fifth-year senior D.J. Withers talks KU defense, QB Daniels and NFL aspirations."
