Kansas Class Of 2027 Defensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 Kansas Class is deep with prospects who made a difference in varsity games last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the third report highlighting tackle leaders from the Class of 2027. It includes six ranked prospects who finished with at least 70 tackles during their sophomore seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is not an all-inclusive list as some schools do not post stats publicly. Stats for this report were found on Max Preps. Also, I did not include athletes with missing information on their Max Prep profiles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1530406' first='Fabian' last='Ortiz'],</strong> LB, 5'8”, 165, Dodge City, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ortiz is ranked No. 203 overall by Prep Redzone. He finished his sophomore season with 74 tackles. His speed makes him a threat to disrupt the opposition's backfield. He recorded nine tackles for lost yardage and one quarterback sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113257' first='Gavin' last='Larson'],</strong> LB, 5'9”, 165, Hesston, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Swather linebacker is currently ranked No. 82 overall in the Kansas Class of 2027. He racked up 74 tackles in 10 games. He is a ball hawk who recorded two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and five pass break-ups. Larson is a three-sport prospect who also plays baseball and basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='944905' first='Drake' last='Blasi'],</strong> LB, 5'9”, 165, Maize, &nbsp;‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blasi finished his sophomore campaign with 73 tackles in 10 games. He registered five TFLs, and was credited with seven quarterback hurries. He is ranked No. 63 overall by Prep Redzone and is an outfielder and pitcher for Maize's baseball squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1530407' first='Tucker' last='Haas'],</strong> RB/LB, 5'11”, 160, Sterling, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haas is ranked No. 204 in the Kansas Class of 2027. He recorded 73 tackles in 10 games as a sophomore. He recorded one quarterback sack and caused one fumble for the Black Bears. He carried the ball 16 times and scored one touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1530402' first='Luis' last='Martinez'],</strong> LB/WR, 5'7”, 125, Southwestern Heights, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinez is a quick and versatile athlete. He finished his sophomore season with 72 tackles in nine games for the Mustangs. He registered five TFLs, two quarterback sacks, and forced two fumbles. On the offensive side of the ball, Martinez made eight receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He also toted the rock 50 times for 234 yards. He also plays guard on the basketball court. Martinez is ranked No. 202 by Prep Redzone Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1515789' first='Ethan' last='Curry'],</strong> DB, 5'10”, 170, Lawrence, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curry is ranked No. 183 overall.  He finished his sophomore campaign with 70 tackles in nine varsity games. He recorded one interception, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery for the Lions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->