Five Western Kansas Linebackers to Watch (Pt. 1)

As we enter the summertime, I'll start showcasing positional groups which could be a mixture of Western Kansas 11-Man prospects or 8-Man kids throughout the state. This will be the part one write-up for the linebacker positional group and be on the look-out for part two in a near future.   Many of these prospects I will get a good look at this coming camp/combine/7v7 season and I also look forward in seeing them perform with their respective high school teams this coming fall. The football season as a whole will be here before you know it.   So without further adieu, let's get into the these hard hitting linebackers from this great State of Kansas.   Once again profiles for each of these athletes have been created on Prep Redzone and can be claimed by using the following link.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospects-index/#claim-profile-anchor">https://prepredzone.com/prospects-index/#claim-profile-anchor</a>    We will start off with the cream of the crop when it comes to linebackers in Western Kansas, let alone the State of Kansas. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Kern is one of those throwback lunch pail type of linebackers that absolutely gobbles up a big number of the tackles, even if he plays on a loaded Great Bend linebacker group.   Possessing the strength college coaches look for with a 315-pound bench, 330-pound clean and lastly a 550-pound squat. Also shows the speed to play sideline to sideline from his middle linebacker position. Always putting himself in the right spot to make any given tackle.   He also stars as a elite wrestler (two time 5A state placer) and baseball player (5A All-State performer) for the Panthers. There isn't much Kern can't do in general.   This past fall he had a staggering 113 tackles (43 solo and 70 assisted), five tackles for loss and three sacks. Pretty impressive numbers when you consider he plays alongside his brother [player_tooltip player_id='1124985' first='Kale' last='Kern'] and Conner Holliday who put up big numbers themselves from their linebacker positions.   Kern was honored as a First Team 5A All-State and First Team All-Western Athletic Conference performer as a linebacker.     If you are looking for a big powerful linebacker, look no further than the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Tafoya. The Liberal middle linebacker brings a world of hurt to opposing offenses due to his size, strength and hard hitting style of play. His lateral movement is very impressive for a player of his size. Also an effective fullback for the Redskins.   This past fall he had 90 tackles in 10 games. He also recorded seven tackles for loss and two sacks on the season.   Much like [player_tooltip player_id='1083225' first='Trenton' last='Kern'], Tafoya will be getting plenty of looks from FBS, FCS and D-II programs from all corners of the country.   This past season he was a Honorable Mention 5A All-State and Second Team All-Western Athletic Conference honoree at linebacker. Keep an eye on him throughout the summer and this coming fall when it comes to his play and offers. He also carries a 3.6 GPA in the classroom.     One of the top linebackers in all of 8-Man football. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Herd is a tackling machine for the Timberwolves.   He also excels in track and field and on the basketball court (First Team All League). So far in this track season he tops 1A in the Javelin with a throw of 180-03. Which is also the #18 throw in all of Kansas. Pretty impressive considering this is his first year doing track and field.   He has helped lead South Central to a state basketball championship appearance and helped his football team reach the state semifinals this past season.   On the season Herd put up huge tackling numbers with 121 tackles (32 solo and 89 assisted), 16 tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception. He should put up big numbers next season alongside another stud linebacker in Coda Lindsay.   He was named First Team 8-Man I All-State linebacker and First Team All-Southern Plains Iroquois at both offensive line and at linebacker.       Goss is a part of a impressive linebacking core along with [player_tooltip player_id='1634903' first='Micah' last='Galvan'] for the Bearcats. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound linebacker played both sides of the ball for Ellsworth but it was on defense he made the biggest noise this past fall.   He was First Team All-North Central Activities Association at both linebacker and fullback but was a Honorable Mention All-State 2A linebacker.   As a defender he had 62 tackles (47 solo and 15 assisted) and six tackles for loss. As a fullback he chipped in 63 carries for 273 yards and six touchdowns. Was also known as a punishing blocker.   Be on the look-out for Goss this summer and fall, as he looks to continue to get bigger, faster and stronger. He is also known as a top notch basketball player on the hardwood.       Bretz was one of the main defensive heartbeats for the 8-Man I state champion Hoxie Indians.   Standing at 6-foot-0, 200-pounds, he showcased very good instincts and quickness from his linebacker position.   He put up big time tackling numbers with 106 tackles (35 solo and 71 assisted), nine tackles for loss and three interceptions.   He was named First Team All-Mid Continent League and Honorable Mention All-State 8-Man I as a linebacker.   If the Indians are to go back-to-back this coming season, Bretz will be a big reason for that success. I definitely look forward in being able to see him perform once again this coming season.    Be on the look-out for the second part of the linebacker positional watch in the next week. Where I was be bringing the masses more linebackers from the 11-Man and 8-Man ranks. It doesn't matter if the prospects come from the 2026, 2027 or 2028 classes, I will be showcasing them. Again if you knows of anyone that fits that bill and needs the proper attention, reach out to me at @Coach_Mitchum on X.

As we enter the summertime, I'll start showcasing positional groups which could be a mixture of Western Kansas 11-Man prospects or 8-Man kids throughout the state. This will be the part one write-up for the linebacker positional group and be on the look-out for part two in a near future.