Kansas defensive coordinator Clint Bowen talks the defensive unit in the Jayhawks 31-24 loss to Iowa State, Saturday, Nov. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

The defensive playbook has been installed and athletes on coordinator Clint Bowen’s side of the ball have no problems getting lined up or identifying assignments. Still, following Kansas football’s 13th preseason practice Monday, Bowen explained what the defense has shown him has left him underwhelmed.

“We’re a long way away from where we need to be. We’re still having to get on the guys too much about chasing the ball. Getting on the guys too much about a constant effort to rip the ball out. There’s a few things that I truly believe we should be ahead of where we are right now,” Bowen began.

By and large, KU’s defensive coordinator thinks his Jayhawks haven’t displayed “the edge” he’s looking for with any consistency.

“Call it whatever you want. Competitive toughness. That you’re going to find a way to get your job done no matter what,” Bowen said. “We have some guys that are playing with that type of edge about them.”

The good news for the assistant head coach is he and co-defensive coordinator Kenny Perry, linebackers coach Todd Bradford and defensive line coach Jesse Williams still have close to three weeks of practices left to continue driving that message home, before the Jayhawks’ Sept. 2 opener versus Southeast Missouri State.

“And that’s our mission for this week,” Bowen added.

Of course, coaches always can send a player to the sidelines when he fails to meet expectations. Even so, Bowen emphasized how important it is for each player to experience every rep possible and maximize it.

“The reality is you need them all. You need them all to embrace it, and I think we have to do a better job as coaches getting them to understand the importance of it, and how it affects games,” the coach explained.

Admittedly, Bowen thinks fatigue tends to set in somewhat a couple weeks into August practices.

“Kids get tired a little bit and the edge falls off,” he said. “But we can’t allow it to happen. We’ve got to continue to develop the habits.”

The Jayhawks still have 10 practices left before they enter game-week preparation for SEMO. Redshirt junior defensive tackle Daniel Wise said this stage of the preseason presents challenges for the uninitiated.

Kansas defensive tackle Daniel Wise throws down a sled during practice on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017 at the grass fields adjacent to Hoglund Ballpark.

“I think it’s the toughest part for most people. But since this is my fourth year here I’m the vet. I know it’s the most critical point of camp where you have to grind it out,” Wise said. “Everybody’s going through the same thing. Everybody’s got little nicks here, bangs there, just tired. So this is the part where we know you’ve got to grind it out, this close to the season.”

Wise added it’s up to him, redshirt junior linebacker Joe Dineen and other veterans to make sure the younger players follow their lead.

“Maybe they’re feeling down or trying to feel sorry for themselves,” Wise said of the easy route this time of year. “It just happens when you’re younger. They probably don’t know any better. So we just remind them. Coach reminds them this is the part of camp where we grind it out.”

To that point, Bowen identified Wise, Dineen, junior linebacker Keith Loneker Jr. and sophomore safety Bryce Torneden as a few players who have an inherent motor, “show up every day” and deliver the effort and focus he seeks.

“But those guys aren’t without their (subpar) plays, as well,” Bowen said. “It’s just a mentality.”

Bowen won’t be happy with his defensive unit until he sees ideal technique, pad level, explosive position and effort, as well as the Jayhawks trying to rip the ball out while going in for a sound tackle.

“Every year, every spring, every fall, it’s the number one objective to get done — that you have to play defense in an on-the-edge mentality,” Bowen said, “and if you don’t then there’s gonna be problems.”