Aqib Talib earned All-Big 12 First Team and second-team All-America honors in 2006, yet the Kansas secondary as a whole earned the distinction of worst in the nation, finishing the season ranked 119th out of 119 teams in passing yards allowed per game.

Granted, Kansas’ weak pass-rush frequently left inexperienced cornerbacks and safeties to fend for themselves against some of the nation’s elite receivers. But the blame for several of last year’s close losses rests squarely on the secondary — a unit that is older, wiser and healthier than it was one year ago.

“Last season we went through a lot of adversity because there were a lot of different injuries and a lot of changes that went on in our defense,” sophomore Darrell Stuckey said. “But now a lot of us are jelling. We have a lot more experience and more comfort out on the field. It feels a lot better.”

Stuckey, Kansas’ starting free safety, endured his fair share of adversity last season. He missed the first five games of the season due to injury and failed to get up to speed in the seven games he played. The Kansas City native, described by teammates as a hard-hitter, has a lock on the free safety job as long as he stays healthy.

At strong safety Kansas will replace Jerome Kemp, who exhausted his eligibility after last season. Though the potential replacements are untested, they could be an improvement. Juniors Tang Bacheyie and Patrick Resby are the top two options.

Bacheyie, a converted running back, has had the upper hand through the preseason, but Resby could see quite a bit of playing time in different packages. Having two high-caliber athletes at strong safety could ensure the team always has a fresh player on the field.

“It’s good to have depth in the defensive backfield because you never know when a player is going to go down,” Resby said. “That way a good player can step into a role and already know the plays.”

One cornerback position is as secure as secure can be. Talib, a junior who is on preseason watch lists for the Bronco Nagurski and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards, missed two games last season but still managed six interceptions. Coach Mark Mangino said Talib could be better than he was in 2006.

“Aqib is a big corner, but he still has quick feet and the hips to change direction really well,” Mangino said. “He’s a lot stronger than he was a year ago and he’s just as quick.”

On the other side of the field, things are less settled. Junior college transfer Kendrick Harper emerged from the spring as the starter but suffered an undisclosed injury on the first day of fall practices. Mangino said Harper could be back in time for the Big 12 Conference opener at Kansas State.

Chris Harris, a true freshman from Bixby, Okla., has stepped into Harper’s shoes as the starting cornerback. Mangino said Harris was confident and did not appear overwhelmed in early practices.

“At first I was just trying to get into the top three on the depth chart,” Harris said. “But when Kendrick went down I knew I had to play to start. I never thought I’d be in this situation, but I’m blessed to have the opportunity.”

Sophomore Anthony Webb and junior Gary Green should fill the roles of nickel and dime cornerbacks, respectively. Webb showed promise as a true freshman last season and Mangino said he had improved in the offseason.

Sophomore Justin Thornton, who played in all 12 games last season, is the top reserve at free safety. Thornton is lean at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. He struggled in coverage at times last season.

Football notebook

» At the Fan Appreciation Day scrimmage held on Wednesday, the offensive line looked a bit different than it has throughout the preseason. Senior Rameses Arceo took over for junior Adrian Mayes at left guard, leaving junior Chet Hartley at right guard.

Also, freshman Ian Wolfe practiced with the first team at right tackle and senior Cesar Rodriguez played with the second team. Juniors Anthony Collins and Ryan Cantrell stayed at their previous positions, left tackle and center, respectively. The changes may not be permanent. Mangino and his staff have just more than a week left to decide on a lineup.

» Just as fans were entering the stadium, junior defensive end Richard Alspaugh was leaving the field because of an injury. Trainers helped Alspaugh onto a golf cart and took him off the field. Alspaugh was a redshirt in 2006.

» Junior cornerback Aqib Talib put on a yellow jersey and lined up with the offense for a few plays late in the 11-on-11 action. Talib played primarily in the slot receiver position. Last season the All-Big 12 First Team nominee caught one pass, which was a touchdown, and played offense on a few occasions.

» Coach Mark Mangino addressed the fans, thanking them for their support. He said 38,000 season tickets had been sold for this season. Last year Kansas sold nearly 30,000 season tickets, according to KUathletics.com.

—Edited by Jeff Briscoe