5-Star Joshua Kaindoh Discusses Latest on His Recruitment

ORLANDO, Florida — The recruitment of 5-star defensive end Joshua Kaindoh has been a little quieter than the typical process for an elite prospect of his stature, as he has rarely taken visits to schools since transferring to Florida prep powerhouse IMG Academy last year.

However, that is about to change, as he plans to hit up a handful of schools in the coming months.

“[I want to get to] schools up north in the Big Ten, schools like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Maryland and Michigan,” Kaindoh told Bleacher Report.

While he has no leaders, the 6’6”, 250-pounder—who is originally from Essex, Maryland—admits that he is fond of the idea of returning up north for college.

In fact, when asked which coaches he communicates with most frequently, his list was dominated with staff members littered throughout the Big Ten.

“Larry Johnson at Ohio State. I really like Coach [Jim] Harbaugh and Coach [Greg] Mattison at Michigan, Coach [Sean] Spencer and Coach [James] Franklin at Penn State,” Kaindoh said. “I’m trying to start up the relationship with the new staff at Maryland. I have a really good relationship with Coach [Scott] Vallone from Rutgers and Coach Brad Lawing from FSU, Coach [Autry] Denson and Coach [Brian] Kelly from Notre Dame.”

While he’s in the process of nailing down exact dates for his upcoming visits, one school was singled out as a place he wants to get to first. 

“I am trying to get to Notre Dame during our next break. That’s one I really want to get to. I just want to get around because I haven’t really been anywhere,” Kaindoh said.

The nation’s top-ranked weak-side defensive end and the No. 21 player overall in the 2017 cycle was one of many prospects on hand who worked out at the Orlando Nike Opening Regional camp over the weekend.

As detailed by Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, an injury hampered Kaindoh in the latter part of drills. However, he’s still a prime candidate to earn an invite to The Opening later in the process.

As he switches his focus to his recruitment, Kaindoh has firm criteria regarding what he’s looking for in a program he feels will fit him the best.

"

Five-star defensive end Joshua Kaindoh showing he's one of the nation's elite at @TheOpening #OrlandoRegional pic.twitter.com/8sWqzPAEyZ

— Ryan Bartow (@RyanBartow) February 21, 2016"

“[I’m looking for a school with] the [best] mixture of academics and athletics,” he said.

With a reported 3.3 GPA, he’s very serious about finding success in the classroom.

While he’s currently a 5-star recruit on the field, he wants to add another title to the beginning of his name after his playing days conclude.

“I want to be a doctor,” Kaindoh said. “Right now, I’m thinking kinesiology with sports and stuff, or maybe pathology or neurology.”

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.