Surprise Kansas Transfer Demanding Big Role With Stellar Summer Play
By Joe Summers
Kansas transfer DE Dylan Wudke is shining in summer practices, drawing major praise from defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator Taiwo Onatolu for his strong work.
The six-foot-four, 265-pound transfer from Youngstown State was a Second-Team All-MVFC selection in 2023, compiling 33 tackles with four sacks.
He's projected as a second-string player for the Jayhawks at the moment, though Onatolu's comments open the door for Wudke to take a significant role once the season gets rolling in just a couple of weeks.
Kansas Transfer DE Dylan Wudke Ready for Big Role
Onatolu, who also coaches the #KUfball D-Ends, said transfer Dylan Wudke has been one of the best surprises of camp so far. Kind of an under the radar guy who's sharp, experienced & plays tough.
— Matt Tait (@mctait) August 12, 2024
Despite dealing with a hamstring injury when he arrived in Lawrence, Wudke is now healthy and standing out in a talented Kansas defense.
"He's played a lot of football. He's played against Ohio State, a lot of big, big-time schools," Onatolu said of Wudke. "He's not afraid. He's an older guy. He's extremely mature...It's been a good competition, he's pushing guys...He's not going to make mistakes and he's going to be a physical player for us.”
Wudke's best season thus far came in 2022, notching 42 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and two deflected passes. The Jayhawks are widely expected to have one of the nation's best offenses led by Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal, so the major question mark around the team is whether the defense can keep up.
Players like Wudke will play a major role in ensuring the program can compete for a Big 12 Championship. He's played well against top competition, notably recording seven tackles against Kentucky last season.
If Wudke can deliver on his promise, he'll quickly become a name to remember for Jayhawks fans.
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