KFBCA Top 11: Damian Ilalio

The Kansas Football Coaches Association picked their All-State teams December 6th and 7th, including their Top 11. Kansas Pregame is providing capsules for each of the Top 11 selections. Check out Manhattan defensive lineman Damian Ilalio's capsule below and check back for more capsules throughout the week.

Damian Ilalio, DL, 6-2, 270, Manhattan, Sr.

Manhattan High’s Damian Ilalio spent much of his high school football career as a seemingly unstoppable force. If you’ve had the opportunity to watch Ilalio, who played both sides of the ball for the Indians, you can’t help but sympathize with the opposition when you see how quickly and, at times, effortlessly he can penetrate a gap (or if necessary create one) in the line. 

Through his junior and senior seasons, IIaIio recorded 129 total tackles, 35 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, and five fumble recoveries in 21 games from his defensive tackle position. His ability to disrupt a play in the backfield before it can even gain momentum is simply devastating.

Ilalio’s efforts during his final two years with Manhattan High led him to twice earn Centennial League Defensive Player of the Year honors and find his name on a treasure trove of all-state teams.

Manhattan coach Joe Schartz had nothing but praise for his talented senior. 

“Damian has a motor that won’t stop," Schartz said. "He is a tenacious competitor and an excellent young man. We used him in all positions on the D-Line and TE/ H-Back on offense. He made a difference at any position we played him. Damian has represented himself and his family well in his time at Manhattan High and I know he will do the same at KSU.”

Ilalio’s diverse talents and relentless style of play are not limited to the football field, which is unfortunate if you’re a 6A wrestler in the 285 pound weight class. He is currently the number top ranked wrestler in the class and has been on a warpath during his senior season after finishing last season runner-up in the same weight class.

After a dominant high school sports career at Manhattan High and a college search with a number of exciting opportunities, Ilalio decided to take his talents to…a different address in town. The 6-2, 270 pounder signed with the Kansas State Wildcats, keeping his services as an athlete local in Manhattan, Kan. Those who are familiar with the Wildcats’ system and who have had the pleasure of watching Damian IIaIio’s style of play will easily sense the kinship between their blue collar mentalities.

The KFBCA Top 11* and All-State selections consist of seniors from the Class of 2021 nominated and voted on by members of the Kansas Football Coaches Association. For more info about the KFBCA find them online at www.kfbca.com. 

*There are actually 12 Top 11 selections this year because of a tie in voting.