Signing Day Coverage: Ten Washburn Signees

Signing Day 2021 has come and gone here is a look at a talented class of Kansas Athletes who signed with Washburn University. <strong>DE, [player_tooltip player_id="35402" first="Cole" last="Knappen"], 6’2”, 230, Mill Valley </strong>– Knappen arguably has the highest ceiling of the in-state players signed by Washburn. His senior season was cut short due to an injury. He is a physical specimen who loves to hit people. He will have a strong locker room presence and is coming from a tradition of winning from Mill Valley. <strong>RB, [player_tooltip player_id="35369" first="Tyler" last="Bowden"], 5’8”, 170, Tonganoxie </strong> – Bowden is one of the more gifted running backs from the Class of 2021 and a great sign for the Ichabods. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards and for 37 touchdowns for the Tonganoxie Chieftains. Bowden played for Free State High School before transferring to Tonganoxie. <strong>DB, [player_tooltip player_id="35470" first="Jayden" last="Rainer"], 6’2”, 195, Hayden</strong>– Rainer is a big-hitting explosive ballplayer. He was a turnover machine for Hayden during his senior season with two forced fumbles and two recover fumbles. He also totaled 49 tackles, four sacks, and nine quarterback hurries. He is another guy who could compete for a spot in the Ichabod return game. <strong>DB, L.J. Butcher, 5’10”, 175, Pittsburg </strong>– Butcher was one of the more exciting players I watched in 2021. Coach Craig Schurig dipped into his Southeast Kansas ties to grab this Purple Dragon. He is listed as a safety, but could be a special team return man and could compete for a running back position. He is a multi-talented athlete who brings a wide variety of football skills to the table. <strong>TE, [player_tooltip player_id="49724" first="Nick" last="Hogan"], 6’5”, 235, Eisenhower (Goddard)</strong>– Hogan played quarterback during his senior season at Eisenhower, but he was recruited to play tight end. He is a huge target and will be a talented weapon for Ichabod quarterbacks. <strong>TE, [player_tooltip player_id="86316" first="Daniel" last="Kufhal"], 6’4”, 235, Free State </strong>– Kufhal is a raw talent with a big upside. He is being recruited as a tight end and is one of three possible tight ends in the Class of 2021 for Washburn. He projects as more a run-blocking tight end as opposed to Hogan. <strong>TE, Trey Pivarnik, 6’4”, 225, Hayden– </strong>Pivarnik knows how to play football and be a leader on and off the field. He was an all-city selection in Topeka. He projects as a pass-catching tight end and could line up in a receiver position. Pivarnik can be a stick-moving possession receiver. <strong>OL, [player_tooltip player_id="35452" first="Rhett" last="Brown"], 6’2”, 300, Goddard</strong> – Brown is a strong young man who will only get bigger and stronger. He is was an all-AVCTL first-team all-league pick. He also is a powerlifter and thrower in track-and-field. He will compete for a position on the offensive line for years to come. <strong>OL, [player_tooltip player_id="104525" first="Nate" last="Harding"], 6’1”, 255, Maize</strong>– Harding received multiple all-team honors after his season including an all-state selection. He is a physical lineman who learned how to pass block for an explosive passing game at Maize. <strong>OL, Gabe Havlovic, 6’4”, 280, Bishop Carroll</strong>– Washburn added another tough Kansas lineman in Havlovic. The Bishop Carroll senior will compete with Brown and Harding for playing time. Watching those three knock horns during an Ichabod practice will be a site to see. &nbsp;