​FRISCO, Texas — Leroy Harris III described it as an honor, to have the chance to represent Kansas football at Big 12 Conference media days.Harris, speaking in July in Frisco, Texas, enjoyed the experiences that came along with it. Getting to preview the Jayhawks’ game this season that will be played in London, was exciting, too. He’s excited to be able to go overseas this year and experience the culture there.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis season, Harris has a new defensive ends coach in Joe Dineen who’s been pushing him to take his game to the next level. Harris, himself, wants to showcase his versatility, his ability to drop back in coverage, rush the passer or set the edge. The junior defensive end wants to prove that he can be an asset as a professional in the NFL, regardless of the different styles of defense he would join.RELATED: What Cam Pickett is saying ahead of Kansas football’s 2026 seasonHere are some more takeaways from what Harris had to say:Harris enjoyed a breakout season with Kansas in 2025, leading the team in sacks after transferring in from Chattanooga despite the team’s campaign coming to a disappointing end. Why he came back, in his mind, was a no-brainer decision. He believes in the coaching staff, feels the defense fits him and wants to show what he can do with his athleticism.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHarris acknowledged there are always going to be people trying to pry someone like him away from KU, but he didn’t spend much time thinking about it. He appreciated how the Jayhawks welcomed him, and has aspirations of being viewed as one of the best players to ever come through the program. Maybe that leads to him jumping from college to the professional ranks after that season, and maybe not, but if not he’s ready to continue to play for Kansas.Harris noted that if he’s not going to be picked in one of the first couple rounds, then it makes sense to come back to college and continue to develop.Harris detailed that he’s improved the most with his pass rushing. As someone who was more of a safety and outside linebacker in high school, he detailed, transitioning to being a defensive end in college has been something he’s continued to work at. Now he has the opportunity to build on that in 2026, and potentially be an All-Big 12 Conference talent.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHarris said he played last year at around 250 pounds, and has been able to put on some weight in the offseason and get to the 270-pound range. Anything that’s 265 pounds and higher, is what he’s working with the nutritionist to stay at. From his perspective, if you can put on weight and still get faster, then that’s a good thing.Currently, Harris is listed at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds.On defense, Harris pointed to redshirt junior defensive end David Santiago (Michigan State transfer). Among the linebackers, Harris mentioned redshirt junior Quincy Davis (New Mexico State transfer) and redshirt se