Kansas Football: Interview with Osawatomie Star 2022 DL/OL Kaden Fields
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Kaden Fields is a wrecking force on both sides of the ball for the Osawatomie Trojans. Through his first three seasons of high school, he has made a name for himself on the offensive line and as a defensive tackle machine. During his senior campaign, Fields racked up 64 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Over the course of his high school career, Fields has registered 203 total tackles with one more season remaining. He has also 11 individual honors through his first three seasons at Osawatomie including All-State Honorable Mention on offense and Tri-County first team on defense.
The 6’5″, 295, wrecking ball has tremendous size and strength while also possessing good athleticism, footwork, and physicality. This Class of 2022 prospect currently has two college offers but is also drawing interest from Kansas State and North Dakota State.
Not only does Fields star on the gridiron but also on the baseball diamond and basketball court. In the classroom, he holds a 3.0 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Kaden to talk about his stellar high school career and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Kaden, how would you grade your individual performance during your junior season?
I would give myself a 7 out of 10. I did really well for playing defensive end full time this year.
What would you say was your best game and why?
I would have to say against Prairie View or Bishop Ward. Prairie View because I had 13 tackles or Bishop Ward because I had two sacks for a combined 20 yards for loss. My all-time favorite game would have to be sophomore season against Girard because I had 21 tackles and two interceptions.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My confidence and my size. Nobody in my league can touch me. They can’t block me and they can’t get past me.
Did you receive any individual honors?
Yes, this year I received first team All-League offense and defensive honors. I also received Tri-County first team defense and offense along with All-State honorable mention on offense.
What do you like most about playing on the offensive line?
My favorite part is when we call our play formally called “wing toss counter”, which is a counter play from the 8-toss. They now call it the “Kaden Special” because no matter who’s in on the defensive line, I pull on the play and layout anyone in my way. It’s fun.
What do you like most about playing on the defensive side of the ball?
Defensively, I love making big plays. I love to hear my name called on the intercom and I love when the offense has to gameplay around me.
What are some challenges you faced in the 2020 season?
We had a lot of young players who were often scared and inexperienced. We also had a lot of injuries so it was hard to get people in the right spots.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I stopped worrying about the score and I just focused on my gameplay, trying to make the best plays I could. I had to work extra hard to pick up the slack from other players.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I’ve looked up to J.J. Watt and Ray Lewis for years now.
What do you like most about playing at Osawatomie?
The relationship I have with the head coach. I look up to him more than anyone could ever know. He is a great role model and like a father to me.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I start varsity for the basketball team and I used to throw track, and now I play baseball.
What is your favorite subject and why?
Surprisingly, it’s chemistry. I was afraid of it at first but it’s super easy, fun, and I’m one of the best ones in my class at it.
Do you have any college offers?
I have offers from Butler Community College and Coffeyville Community College.
Are you receiving interest from any other schools?
I receive emails, letters, and phone calls from Kansas State and I’m also receiving attention from North Dakota State.
What is your GPA?
3.0.
What are your goals for the offseason?
I want to get stronger and faster. My mechanics are great, so if I just can get faster, I’ll be unstoppable on the line.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Success is not owned, it’s leased and rent is due every day.”- JJ Watt.
Thank you for your time today.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Osawatomie OL/DE Kaden Fields visits Missouri
Photo credit: Miami County Republic; Osawatomie star Kaden Fields makes a tackle