Most Crucial Jayhawks: No. 11 – DL Keon Stowers
photo by: Nick Krug
Kansas defensive lineman Keon Stowers celebrates with the fans on the field following the Jayhawks' 31-19 win over West Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at Memorial Stadium.
Here’s this week’s final installment in our summer series that examines the Jayhawks who stand to have the biggest impact for KU football this fall. Check back beginning Monday for Nos. 10-6.
No. 11: Keon Stowers, Senior DL
He brings all he has every day in practice and in the weight room and does it with the sort of enthusiasm that he brings teammates along with him. He very badly wants to win and this is his last chance to do so as a college football player. He has the confidence and desire to hold teammates accountable and isn’t afraid to speak up when he sees a teammate slacking. He played high school football for a powerhouse in Rock Hill, S.C. and has no taste for losing.
Beyond his intangibles, which are many, Stowers has the most tangible strengths of any of KU’s defensive linemen. He’s 300-plus pounds and the more he adds weight from year to year, the more sculpted he looks as his conditioning gets better and better and better. His size and explosiveness make him a legitimate NFL prospect.
Stowers’ highly charged determination never was more evident than when he intercepted a pass against South Dakota and turned into a massive running back, cutting through traffic and making it all the way to the end zone for an apparent 42-yard touchdown. A penalty turned it into a 10-yard return, but didn’t remove the mark that return left on everyone who saw it. The guy plays with a ton of fire. Stowers also had two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
A nice guy with an outgoing, friendly personality, Stowers plays football with a very nasty edge. He was one of the team’s four captains a year ago and took the responsibility very seriously. He’s headed for a big senior year.
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