Kline enjoying the recruiting process

Chardon linebacker Chase Kline has landed scholarship offers from Iowa State and Syracuse and has attracted attention from several other Power 5 schools.


Chase Kline’s junior year didn’t go quite as planned.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker from Chardon, Ohio first suffered an injury that required surgery and sidelined him for three weeks. He returned in time for the Hilltoppers’ playoff run that ended with an upset loss to Warren Harding in the regional semifinals.

“We got cut short in the second round,” Kline said. “We should have gone to states.”

Kline, who recorded 122 tackles, eight sacks and broke up a handful of passes in just seven games, believes the ‘Toppers are poised for a return to the postseason in 2017.

“I think we can do it,” he said. “Guys need to step up though.”

Kline broke both of his thumbs in a 62-7 win over London South. The injury required surgery but he returned after just three weeks of recuperation.

“I snapped them but I finished the game,” Kline said. “I came back all taped and padded up, looking like had clubs as my hands.”

Kline’s performance as a junior helped him to draw attention from college football coaches.

Iowa State and Syracuse extended early scholarship offers and a host of others have shown interest including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan State, Indiana, Louisville, Stanford and Miami (Ohio).

He plans to see several of those schools this spring and summer.

“Nothing is set in stone, I will visit schools though,” he said. “I have been invited to Nike and Under Armour All-American camps and will be attending those.”

Coaches love what they see out of Kline on the field at either inside or outside linebacker.

“I bring violence and speed as a linebacker,” Kline said.