Wise, Armstrong give defensive line a chance to build
Wise and Armstrong played well as freshmen, have already added weight after one season
An assistant coach in the Big 12 told Jayhawk Slant the Jayhawks have the young talent on the defensive line to build with. Two players specifically mentioned were Dorance Armstrong and Daniel Wise.
The two freshmen saw a lot of action last year and showed improvement throughout the season.
Armstrong, a defensive end, played in all 12 games and started five. His best game came against Oklahoma where he had six tackles and two sacks.
Wise, who plays inside, had a sack in three straight games. He also led all defensive tackles with 26 tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss.
Wise and Armstrong will both benefit from an off-season in the strength and conditioning program. Armstrong said he has already seen gains working under strength and conditioning coordinator Je’Ney Jackson.
“He is a smart guy and knows what he’s doing,” Armstrong said. “He has us lifting when we’re tired and hurting. He knows how to get the most out of us and push us.”
Armstrong said he arrived weighing 215 pounds. Right now he is tipping the scales at 241. The plan is to keep adding weight and not lose any of his speed.
“It was hard and it took a lot of effort,” he said. “But I got it done and I’m trying to put on more. I would like to be around 255 pounds. I feel like I can keep my speed. So far I have kept my speed.”
Wise hasn’t put on as much as Armstrong but he might not have to. He has gone from 280 pounds to 290. But the extra muscle along with a year of experience will help battle opposing centers and guards inside.
“The offseason got me stronger and I have been able to move a little bit better with my weight,” Wise said. “I think the year under my belt is giving me a lot of experience especially in the Big 12. Last year playing as a freshman opened my eyes and going into this year I will be more prepared.”
Wise joked he learned some new moves during the Christmas break from his brother Deatrich Jr. who plays defensive end at Arkansas and led them in sacks last year.
The Jayhawks also added size on the interior signing Isi Holani and DeeIsaac Davis. Both players are over 300 pounds and will help bolster the depth and competition on the defensive line. They group is learning quickly from new defensive line coach Michael Slater.
“We have some bigger bodies in the middle and everybody moved around well,” Wise said of spring football. “I like the way it is looking for the future. Coach Slater is a great guy. He is a new improvement to the coaching staff. I like his coaching style and everybody has bought into what he is saying.”
As the players mature in the system and get more experience Armstrong likes the upside of the defensive line.
“I feel like we have bought into it,” Armstrong said. “We are more comfortable with each other and we know each other’s capabilities. We know we can be good we just need to keep working.”