As the Kansas football program continues to make headway, Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks have excelled on the recruiting trail. The coaching staff has put together the highest-rated class since recruiting rankings have existed for the upcoming year.
The prized possession of the recruiting class is Desert Edge High School defensive end Deshawn Warner. He is the best high school commit Kansas has ever reeled in, according to 247 Sports. However, he skyrocketed the ranks after a strong performance in the All-American Bowl, leaping from 148th to 67th in the country with a 96 prospect grade.
These are the final rankings, so the Jayhawks officially have their best signee ever. With the boost, Warner is now listed as the seventh-best edge rusher in the country and the second-best player in all of Arizona. During his senior year, he totaled 63 tackles, 16 sacks, and two interceptions, leading his team to the Arizona state championship.
Warner was the fourth biggest riser of those who participated in the All-American Bowl. Here is the scouting report analyst Hudson Standish gave him when he evaluated him two weeks ago.
"Checked in at 6-foot-3, 217 pounds with 33-inch arms at the All-American Bowl. Established himself as one of the most productive edge-rushers in the 2024 cycle after an ascendant senior season where he racked up double-digit sacks and forced nine turnovers leading Desert Edge High School to a state championship appearance. Consistently displays encouraging awareness around the ball which led to a staggering six pick-sixes during his high school career. Redirects extremely well in pursuit and has plenty of bend to dip under or around bigger offensive tackles. Owns an impressive multi-sport profile highlighted by 45-8.75 feet Shot Put and 41-2 feet Triple Jump personal bests which directly translate to his upper and lower body explosiveness on tape. Should be viewed as a day one Big 12 contributor who could eventually become an NFL Draft selection."
Considering how much national recognition Warner is receiving, it's hard to envision a scenario where the coaching staff doesn't attempt to get him on the field in 2024. Kansas football has a lot of ground to cover with sack leader Austin Booker leaving for the NFL, and even as a freshman, Warner could help fill that void.