The Kansas Jayhawks made headlines on Thursday by extending an offer to offensive lineman Corey Laga, who plays at Lemont High School in Illinois. This move comes at a pivotal time for the Jayhawks, as they have lost three of their last four games and face the possibility of missing out on a bowl game for the second consecutive season.
Despite the current challenges, head coach Lance Leipold has shown a knack for recruiting talent from the Chicagoland area, and bringing in Laga would be a significant addition. Having built a solid reputation for tapping into this region since his tenure at Wisconsin-Whitewater, Leipold is keen on securing Laga, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 250 pounds.
During his recent junior year, Laga played a crucial role in leading his team to a 5-5 record and a spot in the IHSA playoffs. Currently, he has received two offers, according to 247 Sports, but that number is likely to rise as more college coaches take notice of his abilities.
Laga has demonstrated his strength as a run blocker and possesses the athleticism needed to reach the second level to engage linebackers. Although he might be on the lighter side for a typical college tackle, a transition to guard could serve him well. This shift would allow him to utilize his quickness and explosiveness, particularly as a pulling guard in the run game.
As it stands, Laga”s recruitment is still in the early stages, and with only two offers to date, he may also draw interest from Northwestern. The Lemont area has previously produced talent that has made its way to Evanston, with the Nagel brothers being notable examples.
As the recruiting landscape evolves, fans and analysts alike should keep an eye on Laga”s progress and the potential for additional offers before he enters his senior season.
