Kansas Prime Beef in Classes 2A and 1A

As defensive schemes evolve defensive ends and linebackers fill the up the highlight reels. Kansas, a proud beef-producing state, has backers and ends scattered all over the Preseason Class of 2021 Top 200. This scouting report focuses on some of the best defensive stars from the smaller schools in Kansas. <strong>DL, [player_tooltip player_id="35350" first="Christien" last="Hawks"], 6’6”, 250, Norton Community (Ranked No. 10)</strong> – Hawks is a beast and fast off the line. He could play on the defensive line or linebacker. He also plays tackle of offense and has serious run blocking skills. He was an honorable mention player for the 2019 Class 2A All-State Team. <strong>DL, [player_tooltip player_id="35475" first="Colton" last="Crook"], 6’2”, 240, Valley Heights (Ranked No. 136)</strong> – Crook plays low and with balance. He knows how to fill a gap and finish tackles. He could be a game-changer for a defense at the next level. <strong>LB, [player_tooltip player_id="35485" first="Gerardo" last="Rathburn"], 5’5”, 150, Belle Plain (Ranked No. 146)</strong> – Rathburn also plays running back for Belle Plain, however, his college future more than likely will be at linebacker. He flows to the football well and has great closing speed. <strong>LB, [player_tooltip player_id="35487" first="Evan" last="Haines"], 6’1”, 170, Valley Heights (Ranked No. 148)</strong> – Haines’ best asset his is speed. He is a two-sport athlete who could also get recruited to play basketball. He lines up at tight end on offense. If he continues to grow and adds weight, he could be a playmaker at defensive end. <strong>LB, [player_tooltip player_id="35514" first="Beau" last="Baker"], 6’0”, 225, Lyndon (Ranked No. 175)</strong> – Baker was named to the 2019 1A All-State Team as a defensive lineman. He could also be recruited to play basketball. Is a solid junior college recruit who is a leader on and off the field. <strong>DL, [player_tooltip player_id="35529" first="Gus" last="Campa"], 6’1”, 240, Sacred Heart (Ranked No. 190)</strong> – Campa does a great job of initiating the first contact and getting opposing blockers off balance. He currently is playing defensive end, but might benefit from a move to tackle at the collegiate level. <strong>LB, [player_tooltip player_id="35535" first="Phoenix" last="Carpenter"], 5’11”,240, Neodesha (Ranked No. 196)</strong> – Carpenter was an honorable mention linebacker on the Class 2A All-State team. He also plays fullback. Depending on program needs he could fit in multiple roles for junior colleges.<img class="size-medium wp-image-32546 aligncenter" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Jenkins-Elite-HS-Camp38-300x254.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="254" />