Five Western Kansas Defensive Ends to Watch

So far I have covered positional groups pertaining to linebackers and secondary players hailing from Western Kansas. In this update we will dive into five defensive ends every college and fan should have their eyes for the coming seasons.   We are exiting the June camp-combine season and heading right into a busy July, we are seeing plenty of kids busting their tails to get showcased to the masses. Offers are starting to roll in for so many kids. These five defensive ends are doing their part and I'm eager to follow them further the remainder of the summer, as they progresses into the fall.   Represented in this article are kids from the Heart of America, the Central Kansas League, the Hi-Plains League and two from the Western Athletic Conference.   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>    The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Pfannenstiel has really seen his recruitment ramp up this summer. He has so far picked up FBS offers from the likes of Kansas and Illinois but many other programs are heavily after him, namely Kansas State and Wisconsin.   I'm looking for big things from dynamic pass rusher this coming fall as the transitions to 2A power Hoisington from Russell. This past season while playing for the Broncos he had 51 tackles (16 solo and 30 assisted), nine tackles for loss and six sacks on the season.   Those efforts were good enough for him to be honored as a First Team All-Mid Continent League performer and a Honorable Mention All-State 2A defensive lineman.   Pfannenstiel also takes care of business in the classroom, where he holds a 3.9 GPA.   Barton County has really started to bring out some big time talent. Led by Notre Dame bound [player_tooltip player_id='1229117' first='Ian' last='Premer'] from Great Bend in the 2026 class. Pfannenstiel and GB's [player_tooltip player_id='933826' first='Cooper' last='Ohnmacht'] have already picked up FBS offers in the 2027 class.     Colleges are always looking for a prospect to develop that has all the size, speed and athletic ability waiting to be untapped. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Hammersmith fits that bill.   Known for his prowess in track and field already, he is just scratching the surface when it comes to football.   This past season he had 61 tackles (30 solo and 31 assisted), five tackles for loss and three sacks. He was honored as a First Team All-Heart of America League at defensive end and Honorable Mention 1A All-State at the same position.   Possessing a 36 inch vertical, he has put up some big time track numbers already in his career. In the high jump he has cleared 6'8" and in the long jump (where he placed 2nd at state), he has jumped 22'4.75 in that event.   The sky is the limit for Hammersmith, either it is on the football field or on the track when it comes to college.     The 6-foot-2, 220-pound rush end is looking to help lead back the Indians to the 5A State Championship after falling to St. Thomas Aquinas this past season.   Loving brings a good frame for college coaches to work with as a he fills out his body further in the strength department. Possessing a 6-foot-7 wingspan, he shows the ability to use his length and reach to be an effective pass rusher.   This past fall he had 26 tackles (11 solo and 15 assisted), 3.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss.   With the graduation of Wyatt Kirkpatrick<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/wyatt-kirkpatrick/"></a> (Fort Hays State signee), Loving and fellow defensive line mate [player_tooltip player_id='944910' first='Tanner' last='Geist']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tanner-geist/"></a> are primed to put up big numbers on the defensive side of the ball come fall. Be on the look-out for him this coming fall. He has already started seeing college offers head his way this summer and he carries a 3.571 GPA.     The Lakin Broncs are looking to built upon their 6-3 record that say them fall short to Halstead in the 2A state playoffs. Even with graduation of linebacker Colter Oldham, the defensive front should be in great hands with Bemis and defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1325116' first='Norian' last='Cantu']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/norian-cantu/"></a> .   He not only starred as a defensive end where he picked up Second Team All-Hi Plains League honors but was also a First Team honoree from his offensive tackle position.   On defense he showed his explosiveness and big play making abilities by making 44 tackles (19 solo and 25 assisted) but a staggering 8.0 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss.   Once Bemis continues to fill out his 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame, he should really catch the attention of college recruiters in due time as a pass rush specialist.         The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Smith is a two-way player for the Red Demons as he plays both as a defensive end and as a tight end.   He only had two catches for 30 yards due to being mostly a blocker at end but should be more of a receiving threat this coming fall.   Due to injury of another defensive end, he ended up starting four games at that position. He made quick work of his opportunity and had 32 tackles (11 solo and 21 assisted), six tackles for loss, and three sacks. It is on the defensive side of the ball where we should see the biggest jump for him this coming season being the full time starter there.   Unfortunately, he is recovering from his own ACL injury from this past season and should be 100% come fall. He is described as a vocal leader and communicator by those around him, he is also a very good student. He carries a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.      Having covered the linebackers, the secondary and defensive end positions, be on the look-out for our next positional update showcasing the top defensive tackles in the Western half of the state. Once again I'm eager to get out and see new kids I am unaware about and start giving them the proper pub they deserve. If you knows of anyone that fits that bill and needs the proper attention, reach out to me at @Coach_Mitchum on X.

So far I have covered positional groups pertaining to linebackers and secondary players hailing from Western Kansas. In this update we will dive into five defensive ends every college and fan should have their eyes for the coming seasons.