Brian Borland Predicts Surprise Kansas Football Breakout Player for 2024
By Joe Summers
The Kansas Jayhawks are less than one month from their season-opening matchup against Lindenwood and Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland identified one surging player fans should watch closely throughout the campaign.
Redshirt sophomore safety Mason Ellis hasn't yet played in a game for the Jayhawks. Even still, Borland believes he could carve out a significant role on defense and at the very least, should be a major contributor on special teams.
For a Kansas defense that needs to improve if the program has legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations, Ellis is someone who could quickly become a favorite among the fanbase.
Brian Borland Identifies Kansas S Mason Ellis as Potential Breakout Player
High praise from Borland for safety Mason Ellis. Says he's one of the three fastest players on the team and the strongest defensive back on the team. There's a chance for him to carve out a role and he's a lock to be a huge piece of #KUfball's special teams...
— Matt Tait (@mctait) August 1, 2024
The six-foot-two, 200-pound defensive back out of Mulvane, Kansas, was a three-star recruit who immediately impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and versatility.
Borland said Ellis is "one of the three fastest players on the team and the strongest defensive back on the team." Considering the level of talent Lance Leipold has brought to Lawrence over the last several years, that's high praise for a guy who hasn't played a snap yet.
.@MSwain247 and I will probably talk about this on the pod. But we've talked about how Kansas' deeper roster should help on STs. Mason Ellis (23), a young S who ran in the 4.4s at KU camp in HS, knocks this ball free from the group and backup LB Cornell Wheeler (44) recovers. pic.twitter.com/XEWOYTVfV3
— Kevin Flaherty (@KFlahertyKCSN) October 29, 2023
Expectations are the highest they've been for this program in over a decade. Jalon Daniels is one of the most exciting players in the country despite his ongoing back concerns, and numerous other Jayhawks look like potential breakout candidates.
If someone like Ellis, who played QB as well in high school, turns into a difference-maker, then the sky's the limit for Leipold's squad. During his senior year, Ellis compiled 37.5 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and four interceptions en route to First-Team All-Conference honors.
Kansas' defense and special teams units need someone to break through and become a surprise star. Judging by Borland's words, Ellis just may be that guy.
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