Friday Film Session: 2024 Defensive Lineman
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I will be honest, if I had my pick of which position on the field to watch game film on it would be defensive linemen and linebackers. I still enjoy the violence of the game and those two positions are…
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Continue ReadingI will be honest, if I had my pick of which position on the field to watch game film on it would be defensive linemen and linebackers.
I still enjoy the violence of the game and those two positions are usually home to fire-breathing disrupters.
For this edition of “Friday Film Session,” I watched film on seven defensive linemen from last week’s updated Kansas Class of 2024 rankings. Two of them have recently committed and the other five have college offers but have yet to commit.
Brody McManamon Brody McManamon 6'1" | 245 lbs | DL Blue Valley West | 2024 State KS , DL, 6’1”, 245, Blue Valley West
McManamon is a run-stopping defensive tackle. He can shoot a gap like Robin Hood shot arrows. He has quick feet and quicker hands. He is currently ranked No. 55 by Prep Redzone. He finished his senior season with 42 total tackles, two sacks, 12.5 TFLs, one interception, and one forced fumble. McManamon has multiple offers but has yet to commit.
Kainen White Kainen White 6'1" | 265 lbs | DL Field Kindley | 2024 State KS , DL, 6’1”, 265, Field Kindley
White is being recruited by multiple JUCO programs. He is best suited as an interior lineman but is quick enough to move to an end. He is aggressive and gets off the ball quickly. He plays with good pad level and beats blockers with his strength and solid block-fighting technique. He is currently ranked No. 108 in the Class of 2024.
Jalen Wilson Jalen Wilson 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Bishop Miege | 2024 State KS , DL, 6’1”, 240, Bishop Miege
Wilson is a versatile lineman who can play as an interior lineman or edge rusher. He also played offensive guard for the Stags, but he looks more dangerous as a defensive player to me. Wilson has at least one Division II offer in pocket and is currently ranked No. 125 overall.
Jamond Lane Jamond Lane 6'0" | 280 lbs | DL Washburn Rural | 2024 State KS , DL, 6’0”, 280, Washburn Rural (Washburn)
Lane is a beast in the interior and has legs like tree trunks. He announced on January 11, a commitment to Division II Washburn University. He has plus-speed and if he gets a hold of a ball carrier that player is going to the ground. More than likely he will stay on the defensive side of the ball for the Ichabods, but he has the speed to be a pulling guard as well. Lane is ranked No. 161 by Prep Redzone Kansas.
Cortez Velasco Cortez Velasco 6'2" | 265 lbs | DL Shawnee Mission West | 2024 State KS , DL, 6’2”, 265, Shawnee Mission West
Velasco plays with a mean streak. He is physical and has plus speed for his size. Velasco is extremely versatile and played some tight end for Shawnee Mission West. I am guessing he is destined to be an edge rusher, but he can lineup all over the field and if football does not pan out for him, he could be destined to be a professional wrestler. Velasco is ranked No. 172 among his Class of 2024 peers and has at least two offers from DII and JUCO programs.
Christian Gonzales Christian Gonzales 6'1" | 270 lbs | DL Shawnee Heights | 2024 State KS , DL, 6’1”, 270, Shawnee Heights (Washburn)
Washburn is loading up on local defensive line talent. The Shawnee Heights senior is ranked No. 198 and will have a chance to compete with or against Lane for playing time. Gonzales is more of a run-stopper than Lane. Both can eat up space, double teams, and ball carriers. The high school rivals could become an interesting defensive duo that MIAA coaches may one day have to game plan against.
Drake Kotzman Drake Kotzman 6'6" | 335 lbs | DL Girard | 2024 State KS , DL, 6’6”, 335, Girard
Kotzman is a behemoth of a prospect. At 6-foot-6 and 335 lbs. he draws attention just based on his natural size. However, this young man can play football. He is strong, takes on blockers, and moves quickly for his size. The Trojan senior has offers from NAIA and JUCO schools. The key issue with him is how he evolves and develops. Will he get stronger, quicker, or both? Ranked at No. 272 Kotzman is an under-the-radar gamechanger.