Senior end Charlie Dennis is one of the few returning starters on the defensive line. Dennis had six tackles for loss and an interception in his first season at KU after transferring from Butler County Community College. While at Butler, he helped his teamto a national championship in 2000 and a win in the Empire State Bowl. Dennis is a Jayhawk scholar and team leader.

Last year
Started all 11 games on the right side at defensive end, and concluded the season with 44 total tackles, six for 20 yards in losses. He notched three quarterback sacks to tie for second best on the defensive unit. Dennis is also credited with one pass interception and one fumble recovery. He had two tackles for loss against Colorado and Iowa State, each. The Cyclones were his favorite victims, when he scored a season-best nine total tackles. Dennis twice was defensive player of the week in 2001 (vs. UCLA and Iowa State).