Jayhawks' McDonald Says Transfer DE Santiago Stood Out in Camp
Kansas defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald said Michigan State transfer David Santiago had the best fall camp of any defender on the team. Santiago, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end, recorded 1.5 sacks and 24 tackles last season with the Spartans. McDonald noted Santiago complements the pass rush and brings physicality to the edge.
Santiago's path to Lawrence included a two-year stint at the Air Force Academy, where he emerged as a starter and recorded 3.5 sacks with five tackles for loss before transferring to Michigan State. His production with the Spartans—24 tackles and 1.5 sacks across 12 games—earned him a spot in Kansas' defensive rotation despite being listed second-string on the initial depth chart.
McDonald intends to deploy a four-man rotation at defensive end featuring Santiago, Leroy Harris III, Dak Brinkley, and Alex Bray. Santiago's pass-rushing ability positions him for significant snaps in obvious passing downs, while his military academy background has translated into leadership qualities that McDonald says are increasingly visible as he settles into the program.
This story could resonate beyond Kansas fans, as it highlights the growing importance of the transfer portal in reshaping college football rosters. Players like Santiago, who develop at smaller programs or military academies, now have clearer pathways to Power Four competition, potentially altering how coaches evaluate and recruit. For fans, it underscores how quickly team dynamics can shift, though individual camp praise does not guarantee regular-season production.