Recruiting Report: Kyle Downs (2019)

Despite a tough season in the record book and an individual season that started slowly, Monticello junior <strong>Kyle Downs</strong> has college programs interested in looking at the soon to be three-year starter. A two-way player, a better team season and a possible position change during his senior year will make him an even hotter prospect than he has already become. In part because of their lack of experience, the Magic would only win one game during the 2017 season. "We had a lot of young guys, so a tough season was kind of expected," Downs admitted. "We had tons of juniors playing – we didn't have many seniors on the team. We struggled on the offensive line a little bit. We struggled in the passing game and defending the pass. At least now we have a lot of guys with a year under their belts, so I think we will take it up a notch next year." Despite the struggles, Downs saw things to build on. "Our offensive line could move people, and when our quarterback was on, we played well," Downs said. "Defensively, we usually did a good job up front, but we have a stud inside linebacker – Alex Otto – who would fly all over the place and make us look better than we are." Downs' junior season started slowly. "I sprained my ankle in one of our camps at the end of July. That held me out of two-a-days, so I didn't have much practice and wasn't able to build up my cardio. Going into our first game, I only had about one week of practice. I struggled because I had to play both sides of the ball. Offensively I played the whole game, and defensively I played every other drive. Towards the end of the season things picked up, and I kept getting better and better." As a junior, Downs played left tackle. "I feel I am a good pass blocker and I am physical, aggressive and mean. At defensive end, I am not the quickest, but I was good against the run and was able to stretch plays out along the line of scrimmage." He usually played the strong side defensive end. Next year he expects to continue to play both ways, but he expects to move inside to guard his senior season. "We have a taller guy coming in that is going to play tackle, so I am moving into left guard. I think it will be a good move for me. I am good at pulling – I did that a little bit at tackle. I think I should have been playing guard the whole time. At the next level, I am not tall enough to be a tackle. At guard, I will be quick and physical." Downs has been working on his pass rush techniques – specifically hand fighting and his pass rushing ability. Offensively he wants to work on his initial contact off the line of scrimmage and becoming a better finisher of blocks. The northstarfootballnews.com's 6th ranked junior has typically been in the weight room five days a week this winter. He works on his speed and agility two or three times a week. This spring he will be working out but also competing in track and field. "I throw shot put and discus," the 6'2" 265-pound junior said. "This will be my second-year throwing." Downs has had college programs across the Midwest looking at him. "I was invited to all but one of the Gophers' games last season. I got some junior day invites. Last week I went to Minnesota. I visited North Dakota a couple of weeks back. North Dakota State and Minnesota have stopped in to talk to my coaches. Iowa, South Dakota and South Dakota State have also contacted me." Downs doesn't know for sure but assumes he is being recruited on the offensive side of the ball. With the experience the Magic will be going into the 2018 season with, and the move to a position Downs feels he is better suited should help improve Monticello football and Down's options at the college level.