Wildcats Add Linebacker Depth: 13 Kansans Sign With Baker

Baker University has a new head coach in Miquel Regalado and has announced the addition of 13 high school prospects from Kansas for his first recruiting class.   The Wildcat staff stayed fairly close to home signing players from perineal Northeast Kansas powers Holton, Sabetha, and Rock Creek. They have added five players to their linebacking unit and a couple of running backs who should fit right in and compete for playing time.   [player_tooltip player_id='87703' first='David' last='Signs'], LB, 6'0”, 185, Wellsville   Signs is a powerful linebacker. He finished his senior season at Wellsville with a 103 tackles. He is smooth as a blitzer and can cover tight ends if needed. Signs played tight end at Wellsville as well, but it appears his first chance to break the Baker lineup will be at linebacker.   Gavin Blanchard, LB, 6'1”, 212, Lawrence Free State   Baker is getting a physical linebacker in Gavin Blanchard. He finished his senior season with 47.5 tackles, seven of which went for loss. He reads well, and finishes off tackles. He could be an early contributor on special teams for the Wildcats.   Kody Howard, LB, 5'10”, 195, Rock Creek   Howard is just a tough player and it will be interesting to see where he lands in Baker's defensive scheme. He led the Mustangs in tackles in 2022 with 92 total tackles. He could play linebacker or he could bulk up and play on the defensive line. This is a solid signing for Baker.   Therron Meade, LB, 5'10”, 160, Gardner Edgerton   Meade will look to blaze and early trail onto the Baker two-deep. Meade just looks like a football player. He projects as an outside linebacker who can cover, tackle, and blitz. He is a high-energy, high-motor, type of football player.   [player_tooltip player_id='87855' first='Matthew' last='Lierz'], LB, 6'0”,194, Holton   Lierz can bring the wood. He loves to stick opposing ball carriers. He could be a coverage backer or a safety in Baker's defensive scheme.   [player_tooltip player_id='511674' first='Garyson' last='Booth'], RB, 5'10”, 185, Holton   The Holton Wildcats are known for producing college-level running backs and linebackers. You can add [player_tooltip player_id='511674' first='Garyson' last='Booth'] to that list. Booth rushed for 1,688 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior. He has breakaway speed, follows his blockers, and hits the hole.   <a>Joshua Herrmann</a>, RB, 5'7”, 193, Sabetha   Herrman should be a solid fit for the Baker offense. He rushed for 824 yards and 11 touchdowns during his senior season at Sabetha. Baker uses a one-back, spread offense and Herrman can serve as a threat in the running game, but also as a pass catcher out of the backfield.   Braden Polifka, OL, 6'1”, 260, Quinter   Polifika is a highly skilled offensive lineman. He played center for Quinter. It is not yet known whether he will play center for Baker or change spots on the line. He is a brute and quick. He looks like he could play pulling guard, but he also takes care of the ball as a center and has consistent snaps.   [player_tooltip player_id='35678' first='Isaac' last='Klug'], WR, 6'0”, 180, Newton   Klug is a big target and could have an early impact on special teams. He finished with 21 receptions for 157 yards for the Railroaders in senior season. He has soft hands and runs solid routes.   Raymond Dominick, DE, 6'4”, 200, Spring Hill   Dominick is fast and strong. He will be a stand-up pass rushing defensive end.   John Pujado, DB, 5'10”, 160, Blue Valley West   Pujado is a gritty defensive back who is lightning quick. Once a Jaguar he will transition to playing for another feline with the Wildcats. He finished with 45 total tackles in 2022 with two tackles for loss. He also intercepted opposing quarterbacks twice and broke up nine pass attempts.   Landon Taylor, DB, 6'1”, 185, Paola   Taylor looks like he will probably play as a safety for Baker and look to contribute on special teams early.   Zachary Fisher, DB, 6'1”, 205, Onaga   Fisher was a “Mr. Everything” type of player for Onaga. He played multiple positions for the Buffaloes and it appears that he will focus early in cracking in with Baker on the defensive side of the football.

Baker University has a new head coach in Miquel Regalado and has announced the addition of 13 high school prospects from Kansas for his first recruiting class.