Abdoul Kafando
Abdoul Kafando
About Abdoul
Expert Analysis
Brendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Off of the heels of a successful season that saw the East Orange Jaguars finish one game away from playing for a state championship, a defensive anchor in Abdoul Kafando Abdoul Kafando 5'10" | 195 lbs | LB East Orange | 2026 State NJ is back. Kafando is a tough hitter, laying into bak carriers like a ton of bricks – a mentality he also carries with him on kickoff. Kafando will advance forward at the snap of the ball to prioritize run support first. Effectively plugging holes, Kafando is sent on blitzes and often forces bounces by taking away his gaps; on the other hand, when he does get through the hole he breaks down to ensure textbook-wrapped tackles.
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Kafando brings an old-school edge to the linebacker position. He’s 5’11”, 200 pounds, with a stocky, robust frame built to live in the trenches. But it’s his instincts that pop. Kafando triggers downhill fast, diagnoses plays easily, and consistently blows up runs before they develop. He’s relentless when blitzing and shows a knack for slipping through traffic to find the football. Last season, he racked up 72 tackles, six sacks, 10 TFLs, and even chipped in a defensive score. He plays with an edge, has a motor that doesn’t stop, and already has the production to back it up. With another offseason of growth and film study, don’t be surprised if he crosses the 100-tackle mark and earns his first offer this fall.
Coaches please evaluate my film!
Class of 2026
ILB/Edge
3.8GPA
72 Tackles(15 solo)
6 sacks
10 Tfls
2 fumble recoveries
1 defensive touchdown— Abdoul Kafando Abdoul Kafando 5'10" | 195 lbs | LB East Orange | 2026 State NJ (@AbdoulKafando7) December 14, 2024
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
A returning linebacker, and a bit of a thumper, is Abdoul Kafando Abdoul Kafando 5'10" | 195 lbs | LB East Orange | 2026 State NJ . Kafando was credited with 54 tackles (10 solo) and 8 tackles for loss last year. Kafando tackles like a throwback mike backer. Ball carriers better be prepared because at any moment a ton of bricks can be propelled at you, wrapping you securing to the ground. Kafando does a nice job plugging gaps too. We see when he blitzes it seems more to take away a gap and force a bounce; and when playing back and to his gap he will fill the hole and secure it before joining the gang pursuit. Kickoff teams best have their head on a swivel too, as Kafando is looking for the highlight kill shot for unaware players flying to the ball. I would love to see Kafando improve his foot speed just a bit. He has the willpower and desire to chase sideline-to-sideline, but pairing that with his thump as a tackler and East Orange might have a modern-day 1950’s style linebacker on their roster.
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