Kansas football: Kene Anene offers low-risk, high-reward for Jayhawks O-line
Kene Anene committed to Kansas football yesterday, and he could offer long-term upside for the Jayhawks.
The Kansas Jayhawks have reeled in some impressive recruits in the month of June, with two 4-stars and several 3-stars pledging their commitment to the university. However, the coaching staff will also need to develop these prospects, and offensive guard Kene Anene is a player with tremendous upside in the future.
This isn’t to call Anene a “project” player, as he offers a diverse skill set to Kansas football with his current level of play. However, given his physical tools, he has the potential to develop into an All-Conference lineman. Kansas is not investing too much into him, but the potential is clearly there.
Anene, a 3-star offensive lineman from Minnesota, is a physical freak. He stands at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, and has a 7’0″ wingspan before even reaching 18 years old. Anene joins Harrison Utley as the recruiting class’s offensive lineman commits, and both could be integral pieces to the team soon.
READ: Damani Maxson commits to Kansas
247 Sports ranks him as the No. 156 interior offensive lineman in the Class of 2024, giving him a prospect grade of 82. He isn’t the most highly touted recruit, but offensive lines coach Scott Fuchs has done a great job developing his players. Earl Bostick Jr. signed an NFL contract as an undrafted free agent, while Mike Novitsky is a Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection.
There is a lot to be excited about when watching Anene. He has violent hands and can create large gaps for running backs. For a junior in high school, he is uncharacteristically strong.
Although he might be a work in progress, he is a diamond in the rough who could be a big part of KU’s future. Coaches can teach technique and footwork, but they can’t teach the size that Anene possesses.
His Hudl highlight reel can be viewed here.
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