Freshmen Spotlight: ’29 Prospects Making Defensive Impacts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not many freshmen see varsity action, but those who do are truly special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether it's a small-school prospect getting to play early, a youngster stepping up due to unexpected injury, or a big-school phenom who coaches wait to get reps, they still deserve a little love from Prep Redzone Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at the state leaderboard of top tackles from the Class of 2029. As always, this is not an all-inclusive list, as some schools do not share public statistics, and some athletes do not have complete information online.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jared Aschenbrenner</strong>, DE, 5'10”, 175, Trego, '29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aschenbrenner has registered 25 tackles and eight tackles for loss in four games for the Golden Eagles. He has also made six receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown. At the same time, rushing for 72 yards and two scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><strong>Owen Clark</strong>, LB, 5'9”, 165, Norton, ‘29</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Norton freshman linebacker has made 22 tackles in five games played. He has also recovered one fumble and made two TFLs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Xzavier DelaTorre</strong>, LB/DB, 6'0”, 180, Southwestern Heights, ‘29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DelaTorre, through five games, has gobbled up 24 opposing ball carriers. He has also been credited with two TFLs, one quarterback sack, two pass breakups, and one interception for the Mustangs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jace Gaither</strong>, LB, 6'0”, 210, Columbus, ‘29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaither has averaged one tackle for lost yardage in each of his five games played and has recorded 32 total tackles for the Titans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preston Jenkins</strong>, LB, 5'8”, 171, Halstead, ‘29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins has wrapped up ball carriers 24 times for the Dragons in three games played. He has recorded one TFL and has rushed for 67 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryder Kolterman</strong>, DB, 5'8”, 145, Onaga, ‘29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Onaga freshman is having an impact on both sides of the ball for the Buffaloes. Through four games he has collected 30 total tackles, 332 rushing yards, and 237 passing yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Envy Oberbeck</strong>, LB, 5'8”, 140, Humboldt, ‘29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the first name of Envy, this Humboldt freshman must bring a little swag to the gridiron. He has recorded 18 tackles in five games played for the Cubs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cayden Schwab</strong>, LB, 6'0”, 200, Clay Center, ‘29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schwab has recorded 18 tackles in three games played for the Tigers. He has also registered two TFLs and four quarterback hurries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colton Whitaker</strong>, DB, 5'8”, 140, Osawatomie, ‘29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitaker has seen action in five games for the Trojans. He has recorded 15 total tackles, one quarterback sack, one TFL, and two hurries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->