RCT Signing Day Extravaganza: Defensive Backs

Last but certainly not least the final breakdown is the defensive backfield.  It's no secret in the spread you need defensive backs.  You need good ones, you need versatile ones and you need a lot of them.  Kansas appears to have fulfilled those needs with this group.

Get ready for this one there's a bunch.  Prinz Kande, Tyler Patmon, Dexter Linton, DJ Beshears, Calvin Rubles, Darian Kelly and arguably the most excited about becoming a Jayhawk of all of them Rashawn Copeland. 

jump into the post for more breakdown, video and interviews...

Prinz Kande

The highest rated of any of the incoming defensive backfield is safety Prinz Kande.  Prinz is a 4 star talent out of perennial power Trinity High School in Euless Texas.  Kande stands 6' 185 and brings 4.5 speed to the position.  Kande is one of only two players to ever start as a freshman within the Trinity program and has the opportunity to be an absolutely huge pickup for the Jayhawks. 

Kande is a fairly reserved guy and despite having many coversations with his teammate and one time Kansas commit Earnest Norman, I have never been able to line anything up with Prinz. 

Prinz had a variety of solid offers including Wisconsin, Utah and Nebraska but chose Kansas early and didn't budge on the decision. 

Kande is the #16 rated safety in the country by Rivals and was recruited by defensive coordinator Clint Bowen.

Link to highlight video of Kande

Dexter Linton

Dexter Linton is another incoming defensive back with high expectations.  Linton joins fellow Bowie High teammate Christian Matthews in his journey to Lawrence and at 6' 185 with 4.4 speed will be another force to be reckoned with in the future of the Jayhawks secondary. 

Linton is another recruit out of the Dallas Fort Worth area and Kansas went toe to toe with some big programs for his services.  Nebraska, Purdue, Okie State, Wisconsin, Texas Tech and Louisville all reportedly offered this 3 star prospect. 

In the end David Beaty landed another one for the Jayhawks and secured Dexter's commitment and like so many others in this group he has never waivered.

Tyler Patmon

One of the unsung members of the class but a RCT favorite is Tyler Patmon.  Patmon joined us early in the season to talk about his commitment and the Cedar Park Texas recruit assured us his commitment was solid and he's been true to his word. 

Patmon will likely play the corner spot for the Jayhawks and while I don't have any footage to speak of on him I did get a chance to talk with him about signing with the Jayhawks.

Tyler Patmon Signing Day Interview

Patmon is another 3 star defensive back coming into the Kansas program and chose the Jayhawks over offers from Big 12 opponent Iowa State among others.

DJ Beshears

This one came late in the process and came as a bit of a surprise to everyone.  As we learned from the guys over on Jayhawkslant, despite his clear ability as a slot reciever Beshears joins the class with his eye on the cornerback position.

At 5'9" 185 with solid spead and great hips the Kansas staff must have felt at least to start out with that he can best serve the program on defense.  Perhaps a sign of what they learned from Daymond Patterson's contributions this year.

Beshears committed to Iowa State early on but with the departure of Gene Chizik the Kansas staff brought DJ in for a visit and he committed to Kansas prior to his departure. 

It hasn't been too long since we've seen this one but here's another look at his highlight tape.  Again mostly offense but you get an idea of what he brings as an athlete.

Video Link

Of course there is this one as well that shows his ability to go up and get the ball.