Something new has been added to the Kansas University football defense’s nickel package, and that’s just fine with Greg Tyree.

Last year in passing situations, Brandon Perkins came in as a rush end and Kenneth Thompson was inserted as the fifth defensive back.

Perkins and Thompson are back in their customary roles this season, but Tyree has been added to the mix as another pass rusher.

“I’m very excited about it,” Tyree said.

He’s excited because for the first time in his five years with the KU football program Tyree knows he’ll be on the field more than he has been in the past. Until this year, he’s been a special teams player and a back-up linebacker.

“Our nickel package is going to be used a lot,” Tyree said.

Like last Saturday night, for instance. Every time Tulsa was likely to have to pass, Kansas defensive coordinator Bill Young sent in the special defense hoping to put additional pressure quarterback James Kilian.

For the most part, it worked, too. Kilian was sacked seven times and forced into several hurries.

“We were more aggressive,” Tyree said. “We just went all out, and I thought that was a big factor.”

With Toledo, another pass-minded team coming to town today, KU’s nickel package will be under the microscope once again. The Jayhawks could be in for a long night if they don’t harass Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski like they did Kilian.

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“They’re getting a lot of attention for their quarterback and wide receivers,” Tyree said, “so we’re going to have to step it up a notch.”

Unlike when he was playing linebacker and had distinct responsibilities based on keying certain offensive alignments, Tyree’s new job is much simpler.

“It’s mainly to rush,” he said. “But it’s not one exact thing. Sometimes I rush outside and sometimes I rush inside.”

Although short for a defensive end at 6-feet, the 245-pound Tyree has always been blessed with above average speed.

Now that speed is being put to use in a different role and Tyree not only likes it, he thinks it improves the defense.

After holding Tulsa to fewer than 150 yards of total offense, the Jayhawks’ defense looked light years better last weekend than it did last year.

“We have big expectations,” Tyree said. “We hope to do big things, and put KU on the map.”