Great Bend had one of their best seasons in school history and a big reason for their success stemmed from their very athletic and aggressive defense. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Kale Kern Kale Kern 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Great Bend | 2027 State KS teamed up with his All-State older brother in Trenton Kern Trenton Kern 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB/DL Great Bend | 2026 State KS to form arguably the best linebacking unit in the state. The elder Kern will represent Great Bend in the Shrine Bowl this coming summer.

Kern is also a very good student and holds a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

He is best described as a physical downhill linebacker who can bring the pain. Sure and fundamental tackler who led all of 5A in tackles with 137 on the season. He diagnosis run plays very quickly. Plays his gap(s) at a high level and gets off blocks very effectively. Does not run around incoming blockers. Explosive defender who can play either inside or outside but more suited as a inside linebacker. Prototype college linebacker build. Overall Kern is one of the better linebackers in all of the state and comes in as the #1 linebacker in our rankings for 2027.

This past fall he had not only had those 137 tackles but also chipped in 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

He was named Honorable Mention All-State 5A at linebacker, first team All-Non Senior All-State 5A and lastly first team All-Western Athletic Conference at the same position.

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19474795/6933aa67227a8d2f14ef0da0

Last update I talked about Kale’s older brother Trenton who is one of the most elite defensive prospects in the State of Kansas for the 2026 class. The younger Kern is following in the same footsteps as his brother.

Already just as big as Trenton, Kale stands 6-foot-1, 215-pounds as he enters his junior season for the Panthers. It will be quite interesting to watch his development this coming summer.

The Great Bend linebacker looks the part physically but also shows very good athletic ability from his outside linebacker position. He definitely is the type of defender that can play sideline to sideline and also capable of dropping back effectively to defend in the pass game.

He was honored as a Second Team All-Western Athletic Conference, even after missing four games this past season. This past fall he had 41 tackles (33 assisted and 8 solo), picked off two passes and scored a touchdown.

Kern also participates in track and field and takes care of business in the classroom, where he holds a 4.0 GPA. He will be one of the most highly sought after linebackers in the state when it comes to the 2027 class.

If you’re looking for a athletic linebacker that can really bring the pain, look no further. Kern has the ideal frame, length and strength of a big time college linebacker. Shows good sideline to sideline capabilities due to his athleticism. Sets the edge very nicely and also shows the ability to drop into coverage when called upon. You can tell he is well coached due to his overall technique. A very willing blocker and physical fullback on the offensive side of the ball.