Kansas football pipeline runs through Desert Edge as 3rd player commits

A football pipeline is running strong from Goodyear, Arizona to Lawrence, Kansas.

Desert Edge edge rusher Deshawn Warner on Saturday, among friends, family, coaches and teammates at the Goodyear Community Center, picked up a Kansas Jayhawks hat to announce his college commitment.

That makes three 2024 Desert Edge football players, all on the defensive side of the ball, to commit to Kansas.

Cornerback Aundre Gibson, Warner's cousin, was first to commit to Kansas in March. That was followed by linebacker/safety Jonathan Kamara.

And now Warner, a fierce, fast, physical pass rusher, who can turn the game with his pressure on quarterbacks. Warner also had Washington, Oregon State and Texas among his finalists. He teased the Kansas hat, first picking it up, then starting to put it down, before putting it on his head to an eruption of cheers.

"We talked as athletes about being a family at the next level," Warner said. "What's more family than the guys you played high school with. We've talked about playing together."

This isn't the first group of high school teammates following the same path. A couple of weeks ago, Glendale Apollo running back Adam Mohammed, along with offensive linemen Matthew Lado and Michael Watkins, all committed at the same time on an Instagram live to the University of Arizona.

Desert Edge co-head coach Marcus Carter, who specializes on defense, said that it's special to have three guys who started high school football together on the same side of the ball to go to the same college.

"It's a unique opportunity," Carter said. "I'm so happy. It's easier for me and my family because we only have to go to one spot (to see all three play) to support our guys. Kansas did a great job. Shout out to (defensive backs coach Jordan) Peterson, (head coach Lance) Leipold. They're starting something special out there."

Carter said he tries to build relationships with all college coaches. The atmosphere at Kansas motivates him and his players.

"I'm happy for DJ," Carter said. "This is his day. We're all family at DE."

Kamara said during their high school career they all wanted to keep it together in college, but added, "It was (Warner's) decision at the end of the day."

Kamara said there is special relationship with the Kansas coach.

"They treat us right," Kamara said. "They have a special plan for us."

Warner, Kamara and Gibson all took their Kansas visit together.

"They treat us like family," Warner said. "There were times on the visit when we didn't even talk about football."

Gibson started the Kansas trend. He's happy they'll still be together beyond high school.

"These are my guys," Gibson said. "I grew up with them. I'm excited."

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kansas football pipeline runs through Desert Edge with 3 defenders