photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas cornerback Hasan Defense talks with Prinz Kande, a member of the defensive staff, right, during spring football practice on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

Injuries and lack of experience have made cornerback the position with the least depth during Kansas’ spring football practice, which has made a productive spring from junior college transfer Hasan Defense all the more important.

Defense, a 5-11, 180-pound sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla., spent one season at Kilgore College and has three remaining years of eligibility. He was chosen sixth overall when assistant coaches Tony Hull and Kenny Perry chose sides for Saturday’s spring game at Memorial Stadium, 1 p.m. kickoff, free admission.

“It definitely feels pretty good,” Defense said of being chosen that high. “It makes me feel that my hard work and dedication are being recognized, so that’s always good to hear.”

Defense shared what he thought earned him the honor of going so high in the spring draft.

“I’ve shown I’ve been able to make plays, whether it’s on defense or on special teams,” he said.

Only the first 10 selections were made public. Wide receiver Daylon Charlot was not among the first 10 picks, but Defense cautioned not to read too much into that.

“He’s given me the most trouble,” Defense said. “He’s a really good receiver. Coming from ‘Bama, he has a lot of things that most receivers don’t have and a lot of ways that he beats me, and that teaches me to make my game better.”

Such as?

“He uses his hands very quickly and efficiently to get away from the DB and that teaches me to use my hands better,” Defense said.

Defense won’t be matched up against either Charlot or big-time playmaker Steven Sims, the No. 1 overall selection of the spring draft. All three are playing for Team Jayhawks, coached by Hull. Peyton Bender will be throwing to Charlot and Sims.

Las Vegas casinos don’t carry betting lines on the Kansas spring football exhibition, but if they did, the guess here is Team Jayhawks would be favored over Perry’s Team KU.