Signing Day Coverage: Forts Hays Building Linebacker U

Signing Day 2021 has come and gone here is a look at a talented class of Kansas Athletes who signed with Fort Hays State University. The Tigers loaded up on recruits to play linebacker and could have a solid duo for their future passing game. LB, Jack Hileman, 5’8”, 195, Derby – Hileman is a difference-making linebacker. The Derby senior was one of the more talented defensive players I watched play in 2021. He had more than 100 tackles in his senior season for the Panthers, and he understands how to play winning defense. LB, Alden Knedler Alden Knedler 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Dodge City | 2021 State KS , 6’2”, 215, Dodge City – Knedler was a finalist for the Sports in Kansas Defensive Player of the Year. He is a quick, hard-nosed football player. Coach Chris Brown is going to enjoy watching his linebacking recruits run tackling drills. LB, Riley Eveland Riley Eveland 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Wamego | 2021 State KS , 6’10”, 210, Wamego – Eveland is a defensive leader and will complete for a linebacking role with the Tigers. He was a two-time all-state selection and a finalist for the Sports in Kansas Defensive Player of the Year. LB, Gavin Sproul Gavin Sproul 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Stanton County | 2021 State KS , 6’1”, 210, Norton– Sproul does not know the meaning of the phrase back-down. He plays full throttle and is going to grow, compete, and learn along with the other outstanding members of this linebacking recruiting class. LB, Kleyton Schreiber, 6’2”, 210, Stafford– Schrieber has played multiple positions, but Fort Hays has recruited him to play linebacker. He has played on the defensive line, at running back, and tight end. He projects as a possible outside linebacker or a stand-up pass-rushing defensive end. LB, Mason Murray, 6’2”, 195, Goodland– Murray is one of six linebackers in this FSHU recruiting class from Kansas. He led the Goodland defense in a very competitive Class 3A District. Murray’s skills will also improve competing every day in practice with this linebacking corps. WR, Jonah Ruder Jonah Ruder 6'1" | 190 lbs | ATH Stanton County | 2021 State KS , 6’0”, 190, Norton – Ruder could have the highest ceiling of this group. He is a stat monster in the passing game. He is a big target with great hands and best of all he knows how to find the end zone. QB, Kyler Semrad Kyler Semrad 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Goddard | 2021 State KS , 6’1”, 200, Goddard– Semrad and Ruder could be a formative duo in the passing game in the near future. Semrad has a quick release and has solid field vision. He posted big-time numbers in his career at Goddard. Semrad unofficially led all Class 5A quarterbacks with 2,637 passing yards in 2020. He also threw for 29 touchdowns. TE, Leyton Cure Leyton Cure 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Goodland | 2021 State KS , 6’3”, 215, Goodland – Cure is a talented football player who is a solid sign for the Tigers. If Cure lived on the Eastern side of the state he would have had a lot of other schools in on his recruiting. He is a big target with solid speed.  OL, Logan Bolinger Logan Bolinger 6'5" | 295 lbs | OL Maize South | 2021 State KS , 6’5”, 285, Maize South – Bolinger is a special offensive lineman. He is strong and has solid technique. Maize South had an explosive offense in 2021 and it started with solid blocking upfront. Bolinger is also a three-time academic scholar and will be a solid addition to the Fort Hays Campus. DL, Alec Younggren Alec Younggren 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Louisburg | 2021 State KS , 6’4”, 230, Louisburg– Younggren is a prime example of an athlete who has improved his football game with his wrestling skills. He has a powerful frame and knows how to use leverage to beat blockers or pass rushers. He has earned multiple honors for his work as an offensive lineman but is the defensive plan for the Tigers coaching staff. OL, Porter Dannevik Porter Dannevik 6'3" | 250 lbs | OL Lawrence | 2021 State KS , 6’3”, 270, Lawrence– Dannevik received multiple all-team honors after his senior season including three all-state selections by local media outlets.  He is a physical lineman who learned how to pass block for the Chesty Lions. OL/DL, Jonah Smith Jonah Smith 6'2" | 250 lbs | DL Plainville | 2021 State KS , 6’1”, 260, Plainville– Smith is a physical player, and being listed as an offensive and defensive lineman it appears that the Fort Hays coaching staff will let him compete for a spot on both sides of the ball. Smith was an all-state selection from multiple local media outlets. DB, Ryley Wheat Ryley Wheat 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB Lawrence Free State | 2021 State KS , 5’11”, 185, Free State– Wheat is a grinder who has worked hard to land at Fort Hays. Wheat is a team player and a gamer. He will be a solid addition to the football team and the Hays Campus.