Sports in Kansas Football Player to Watch: Cooper Ohnmacht, Great Bend, Sr. ATH | 6-0, 185
Few players in Kansas can match the all-around talent and athletic résumé of Cooper Ohnmacht. The 6-foot, 185-pound standout has developed into one of the state's premier multi-sport athletes, excelling on the football field, track and basketball court while earning national recruiting attention. A four-star football prospect and ranked among the nation's Top 300 players, Ohnmacht enters his senior season after being named the Sports in Kansas Big Classes Defensive Player of the Year and earning First Team All-WAC honors for the second straight season.
Ohnmacht's junior season showcased his ability to impact every phase of the game. He finished with 52 receptions for 755 yards and eight touchdowns, added a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown, and totaled more than 1,200 all-purpose yards. Defensively, he recorded 57 tackles, five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and blocked a field goal while helping Great Bend to an 11-1 season and a trip to the state semifinals. His combination of playmaking ability, instincts and athleticism makes him one of the most dynamic players in Kansas regardless of position.
His accomplishments extend well beyond football. Ohnmacht is a two-time state champion in the triple jump, a three-time WAC champion in both the long jump and triple jump, a multiple-time state medalist and regional champion. He has also earned First Team All-State recognition in track, First Team All-WAC recognition in basketball, and has consistently excelled in the classroom as an Honor Roll student and First Team All-WAC Academic selection throughout high school.
College recruiters have taken notice, with scholarship offers from Kansas State, Wisconsin, Louisville, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Kansas, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, Iowa, Iowa State and several others before Ohnmacht decided on Kansas State at the next level. Despite all of the individual accolades, Ohnmacht's focus remains on leading Great Bend during his final high school season. "I'm extremely excited and blessed to get to go out and perform for my family, friends, coaches and teammates one last time," he said. "I want to continue growing every day while helping my team achieve its goals each week. We have a young group, and I'm looking forward to stepping into an even bigger leadership role while helping set them up for the future."
With elite athleticism, proven production and one of the strongest recruiting profiles in the state, he enters his senior season as one of Kansas' premier players to watch.
Coach Beck
"Athletically, sophomore year he took a huge jump. We knew Cooper would play at the next level. 1 step, 381/2 inches vertical.
"Ian Premer was a great resource for Cooper prepping him for questions college coaches might ask. Cooper was ready to answer those questions. It's a job interview for a 17-year-old. I was glad Cooper followed his heart at a place that felt like home. It was a huge relief."
"They ask about academics and how they lead their team. They get to know the player as a person. It's a huge college investment."
Field safety. Cooper rangy and athletic, capable of covering the wide side of the field. Cooper will get better tackling in space because he's so athletic.
"We'll utilize Cooper in the best possible way. We'll disguise him and get 1-on-1 matchups. We'll have to develop confidence in the receivers around him. 13 catches 180 yards vs. Buhler. Cooper will play every offensive position which is a lot of fun.
Ian
"At the next level, you've got to take advantage of your opportunities. They're excited. Notre Dame's tight end coach thank you so much for sending us such a coachable player. They love him.
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