Kansas Tackle Leaders: Eight-Man Gems
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We are far enough along in the season to really begin digesting the statistical leaders in the state. Note not all teams make their stats public, also some teams who do make their stats public are sometimes 48 hours behind…
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Continue ReadingWe are far enough along in the season to really begin digesting the statistical leaders in the state.
Note not all teams make their stats public, also some teams who do make their stats public are sometimes 48 hours behind in reporting based on the stat app used.
Another pet peeve of mine is that I won’t include a player who I can’t find a height and weight for.
Here are eight defensive players who are among the unofficial league leaders in tackles through three games played.
Chance Jermark Chance Jermark 5'8" | 165 lbs | LB St. John's/Tipton | 2024 State KS , MLB, 5’8”, 165, St. John’s/Tipton ‘24
Jermark has been in full-on beast mode for three weeks. He has racked up 64 total tackles, 10 of those for lost yardage. He also has three sacks and a fumble recovery.
Josh Ferguson, LB, 6’2”, 210, Thunder Ridge, ‘24
Ferguson has been bringing the Thunder through three games. He has 49 total tackles, five of which are tackles-for-loss. He also has three sacks and a fumble recovery in three games played.
Gage Gradig, DE, 6’3”, 198, Lakeside (Downs), ‘25
Gradig, a junior defensive end, has a high number of tackles for the position he plays. He has been a playmaker for the Knights through three games with 45 total tackles (just nine short of his 2022 total), seven tackles-for-loss, and five sacks.
Gabe Smith Gabe Smith 5'9" | 200 lbs | LB Lakeside | 2025 State KS , LB, 5’9”, 185, Lakeside (Downs), ‘25
Smith is tied with Gadig for the Knights’ leader in tackles with 45. He has three tackles-for-loss and one sack. He is not as big as Gradig, but is quick and can cover the receivers.
Brayan Rodriguez Brayan Rodriguez 5'10" | 160 lbs | LB Rawlins County | 2024 State KS , LB, 5’10”, 160, Rawlings Co., ‘24
Rodriguez is a high-energy linebacker who leads the Buffaloes with 38 total tackles. He has seven tackles-for-loss and one fumble recovery for Rawlings Co.
Jaden Nuss, RB, 6’2”, 176, Hill City, ‘24
Nuss has been a stalwart on both sides of the ball for the Ringnecks. He leads Hill City with 37 total tackles and has rushed for 365 yards in three games. I know you were doing the math in your head that’s an average of 100-plus yards rushing per game and more than 10 tackles a game.
Gus Hanson, DE, 6’0”, 155, Rawlings Co., ‘24
Hanson is a fast defensive end who is disrupting offenses in 2023. He has six tackles-for-loss and two sacks already in three games. He is second on the team with 36 total tackles.
Carter Stansbury, OLB, 5’11”, 180, Little River, ‘24
Stansbury leads the Littler River Redskins in tackles with 36 total tackles. He is averaging three quarterback hurries per game and owns four sacks in three games.