Kansas Defensive Lineman Juju Marks Is A "Physical Specimen"

St. Thomas Aquinas Head Coach Randy Dreiling gives insight into star defensive lineman Juju Marks

During the “Grill and Chill” recruiting cookout last month, Notre Dame extended an offer to Overland Park (Kan.) St. Thomas Aquinas defensive lineman Julian “Juju” Marks. On film, Marks brings a lot of upside to the field as a scheme diverse defensive lineman.

According to St. Thomas Aquinas Head Coach Randy Dreiling, Marks is still just figuring how good he can be. The upside is, however, quite impressive.

"Obviously the first thing you notice is his length,” Dreiling told Irish Breakdown. "That’s what everyone loves. If you liked his film from last season, then you’ll like it twice as good this year

"When he came to us, I don’t think he had ever played football before,” Dreiling continued. "He was as raw as you could possibly get. He’s still learning just how good he can be.”

This off-season has been solely focused on improving as a football player. Previously, other sports had Marks’ attention, which really explains his massive rise over the last few months.

"Last year, he was playing AAU basketball,” said Dreiling. "This year, he’s here much more and focused on football. That type of attention will allow him to take a huge step. We expect a lot out of him this year. When he’s here, he works his butt off. He’s very respectful, really a great young man. We love working with him.”

From a projection perspective, there is a lot you could get out of a talented athlete who is 6-7 and 260 plus pounds. Just what spot he will play long term is a bit of a question mark. That potential, and alignment versatility, might be the most tantalizing thing that Marks brings to the table.

"That’s the thing you don’t always get, the ability to add a lot of weight,” Dreiling explained. "He’s a pretty skinny guy right now. If he works at it and adds good weight, his body is going to be incredible. If he puts the strength and muscle on, he will be a physical specimen.

"Juju is going to do what’s best for our team this year,” he continued. "That’s really the whole team’s attitude. Obviously you aren’t going to put a 325 pound kid at defensive end. He’s going to play inside for us, as a shade nose. In our odd front, he will be a defensive end. He brings a lot of versatility to the table.”

Perhaps the scariest part for future opponents of St. Thomas Aquinas, we haven’t seen nearly the best of Juju Marks. This season will give a glimpse into his overall potential.

Marks has been one of the bigger risers on the defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting class. He has been reeling in a long list of impressive offers and it's only growing. His current list includes Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, Auburn, Oregon, Tennessee, Ole Miss, TCU, Washington, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Louisville, Kansas State, Missouri, UCF, Northwestern and Kansas among others.

The Kansas native is considered a four-star recruit by On3, Rivals and ESPN. On3 currently has him rated the highest, sitting as the No. 170 overall player and No. 16 defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting class. Rivals sees him similarly, ranking as the No. 195 overall player and No. 14 defensive lineman.

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