(Austin Kanouse 6-4 272 Jr. OL/DL South Kitsap) |
The Kitsap Penninsula used to be loaded with talent, especially at South Kitsap (Port Orchard) High School. In recent years the Wolves haven’t attracted a lot of recruiting attention outside of some of the smaller regional schools. However, that has already begun to change with the likes of OL/DL Austin Kanouse whose father, Adam, played on some of the most powerful teams of the late 1980s and who seems to have passed his talents onto his son.
At 6-4″, 272 pounds, Kanouse already has the requisite size to attract college coaches, but then when you throw in his non-stop motor and improving strength, he’s going to be a line prospect to watch this spring and summer.
“Last year, I played mostly guard, but I did play some tackle and center too,” Kanouse told Northwest Elite Index recently. “With injuries, I was forced to sorta move around, if we needed an experienced guy outside or were facing a really good pass rusher, I was more than happy to make the move”.
As a defensive tackle Kanouse was a run-stuffer inside for the Wolves who went 6-4, losing in the first round of the playoffs. He used his motor and athleticism to post solid numbers and while he has the size and skill to play on that side of the ball in college, most schools are looking at him as a offensive lineman.
“Most of the schools that are recruiting me like me at either center or guard,” Kanouse said. “I’ve visited a few of the schools that are recruiting me — Washington a couple of times, Washington State for their Junior Day and Idaho for their Junior Day.
“With Washington, coach (Dan) Cozzetto invited me over to watch a couple of their spring practices and I did that this past week. I got to meet him in person and some of the staff there. I went to their camp last year so they are a little familiar with me already.”
This offseason Kanouse said he’s been hard at work on his technique as well as his footwork, and he hopes that helps him this coming season.
“It’s my senior season so I want to be as much of a leader as I can,” Kanouse said. “I want my footwork to be better so I can stay light on my feet and I want to be physical with my hands and be better with my hand-fighting.”
Kanouse said there is a possibility he will end up at the NEI Combine at Penninsula (Gig Harbor) High School on April 29th and we hope to see him there so we can get an even better look at what he can do against some of the top competition in the state.
Junior Highlights – http://www.hudl.com/athlete/723016/austin-kanouse
