LAWRENCE — Kansas football defensive coordinator Brian Borland shared a sense of optimism, earlier this month, before the Jayhawks wrapped up spring ball.

Borland said they accomplished a lot of what they set out to do. He mentioned the players practiced hard, and competed each day. Not only does he feel good about which guys will give them a chance, but they devoted time to helping figure out how to develop the guys who are one and two steps back of those individuals.

But was there anyone who stepped up as a leader this spring? How well did one of the newcomers on the defensive line acclimate to his new school? And what’s Kansas’ plan in the transfer portal?

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Here are a few things to think about as Kansas’ defense heads toward the summer:

Here are a few people Brian Borland highlighted as leaders

Kansas’ defense lost a number of key pieces on defense from last season, which saw the Jayhawks reach a bowl game for the second-straight year for the first time in more than a decade. Linebacker Rich Miller and safety Kenny Logan Jr. were two leaders who are now embarking on their professional careers, and they aren’t alone.

So, there’s a void that needs to be filled.

Borland said redshirt senior linebacker Cornell Wheeler is someone the coaches challenged to step up, and who’s responded well. Senior safety O.J. Burroughs might not be someone Borland would expect to give a rousing speech in front of the team. But Borland has seen Burroughs become more vocal and not just lead by example. Even redshirt sophomore defensive end Cole Petrus is someone Borland highlighted, for how well Petrus has held himself and other players accountable.

Javier Derritt continues to progress after transferring in from North Dakota State

Redshirt senior defensive tackle Javier Derritt joined Kansas recently, making the jump up from FCS-level North Dakota State to FBS-level KU. Although Derritt has extensive experience in Division I, that’s something that takes time to acclimate to. And Borland noted he’s told Derritt it’ll take some time to fully get comfortable.

But while this was Derritt’s first spring ball with the Jayhawks, Borland didn’t shy away from highlighting him as someone who can help them this season. Borland praised Derritt’s quickness and athleticism, while mentioning there are things Derritt can do that are different from anyone else they have on the roster.

Kansas has a plan for the transfer portal

Kansas saw a couple of former junior college transfers elect to transfer away this spring, in safety Akili Hubbard and defensive end Davion Westmoreland. But neither player was set to be more than depth for the Jayhawks this season. There are players on the roster other schools might have liked to lure away, who are still in line to play at KU.

Borland said Kansas has a priority when it comes what positions they might address first, through the transfer portal. That, of course, depends on there being someone they think can come in and be able to play for them. Although Borland didn’t highlight one position over another, finding a pass rusher — potentially through developing someone already on the roster — has been a significant topic during the spring.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Cornell Wheeler continues to step up as a leader for Kansas football