Why Josh Kaindoh could be the next great Florida State defensive end

After seeing him, it doesn’t take long to realize what made Josh Kaindoh such a highly-coveted recruit.

Measuring in at an impressive 6’6, 250 pounds, Kaindoh, a consensus five-star, finished the 2017 recruiting cycle as a top-ten overall recruit, coming in as the No. 3 weak-side defensive end as well as the No. 2 player from Florida in the 2017 class.

Kaindoh may be listed as a Florida recruit, but that is only due to the fact that he spent the two years of his high school career at IMG Academy in Bradenton. Originally, Kaindoh is from the Baltimore (MD) area, providing explanation for his original commitment decision.

Before committing and subsequently enrolling at Florida State, Kaindoh committed to Maryland on April 30th of 2016. However, the Terrapins’ underwhelming season, in addition to Kaindoh’s official visit to FSU for the Wake Forest game last October, pushed him to decommit from the Terps in late November, switch his pledge to the Seminoles on December 23rd, and early enroll at FSU after his appearance in the Under Armour All-American Bowl.

In addition to FSU, Kaindoh held offers from some of the best programs in the nation, including Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Florida, Miami, LSU, and Georgia.

With the departure of DeMarcus Walker after the 2016 season, there is an open starting position on the FSU defensive line entering the 2017 season. Especially considering that he is an early enrollee, expect Kaindoh to compete for the starting job with redshirt freshman Janarius Robinson as well as probably either Brian Burns or Josh Sweat, who will move over from the buck linebacker position. Whether Kaindoh lands the starting spot or not is yet unknown and likely will be until the final stretch of fall camp.. That being said, on a defensive front that rotates as much as Florida State’s, I would say it’s a safe bet that he will see the field to some extent in his true freshman season.

Included below is our scouting report on Kaindoh, from a high school coach on our staff.

Josh Kaindoh is a five-star for good reason. The first thing to jump out from his senior film is his ability to get off the ball. Kaindoh explodes out of his stance through his ankles, legs, and hips like an elite pass rusher should. What separates him from some of the other edge rushers in this class is his ability to run the hoop and use physicality as a counter to offensive tackles who quick set. Kaindoh is a ferocious finisher when he gets to the ball carrier or quarterback.

He also has the ability to be strong against the edge rush— Kaindoh’s an advanced prospect due to his time spent in IMG’s weight program.

In his senior highlight film you see him putting offensive tackles on roller skates, which is a sign of his pure strength. Kaindoh also plays with great leverage, which is important in the zone-read era. Along with the ability to leverage the ball on the edge, Kaindoh shows the footwork and hip speed needed to change direction and pursue ball carriers looking to get outside. If you watch his feet closely, you notice a good base that allows him to hold his ground against run blocks and use his upper body strength to shed blockers. Josh Kaindoh’s combination of length, speed, and power remind me of Jason Pierre Paul.