3 takeaways from Kansas football players earning All-Big 12 Conference recognition in 2022

LAWRENCE — Kansas football saw a number of its players represented this week in the 2022 edition of the Big 12's all-conference teams.

Sophomore cornerback Cobee Bryant led the way, with first-team honors at defensive back. There were more on the All-Big 12 second-team, specifically junior quarterback Jalon Daniels, senior tight end Mason Fairchild, redshirt senior offensive lineman Mike Novitsky and redshirt junior defensive end Lonnie Phelps.

Super-senior offensive lineman Earl Bostick Jr., senior safety Kenny Logan Jr. (defensive back), sophomore running back Devin Neal and redshirt senior offensive lineman Dominick Puni were also honorable mentions. Neal (Offensive Player of the Year), Phelps (Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Defensive Lineman of the Year) and Puni (Offensive Newcomer of the Year) were honorable mentions for various other honors as well.

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And here are a few takeaways from the list of accolades.

Cobee Bryant’s play shines

As the Jayhawks (6-6, 3-6 in Big 12) went on to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2008, Bryant played a pivotal role. Understanding he missed a game due to injury, he still finished in the top 10 among Kansas players in tackles with 34. He also led the Jayhawks in interceptions and pass breakups with three and eight, respectively.

The competition for playing time at cornerback for Kansas will ramp up after their bowl game as the Jayhawks prepare for 2023. There are players on the roster developing, and the potential for newcomers to battle for roles as well. But as Kansas continues to develop as a program, it’s hard to see Bryant not playing a key part in that.

Kansas’ coaching staff clearly hit on a couple transfers ahead of this season

There was a lot made of the number and quality of transfers the Jayhawks’ coaches brought in ahead of the 2022 campaign. And while it will take more time to truly evaluate whether that class can be viewed as a success, the instant effect Phelps and Puni had is worth highlighting. Phelps started 11 of his 12 appearances after transferring in from Miami (Ohio) and Puni started all 12 games after transferring in from Division II Central Missouri.

Phelps, in his first season at a Power Five school, finished first among Kansas players in tackles for loss (10.5), sacks (seven) and quarterback hurries (five). Puni helped the Jayhawks’ offense take a significant step forward as a unit. Not every transfer has had, or will have, the effect of these two, but they showcased how Kansas’ coaches can go to lower levels of college football and find talent.

Kansas has a bright, immediate future at quarterback

Daniels was able to receive a significant honor despite missing multiple weeks this season due to injury. It leads one to wonder what would have been possible for him had he been able to remain healthy. But that is a debate for another day.

For now, Jayhawks fans can celebrate a player who’s thrown for 1,470 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight games. Daniels completed 65.7% of his passes, with just two interceptions, while also becoming a prolific talent running the ball — finishing with 404 yards rushing and six touchdowns, both second on the team. Should he choose, he could be around for more than just 2023.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 3 takeaways from Kansas football players earning All-Big 12 honors