2014 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year winner Joe Dineen has signed with the University of Kansas. Dineen is in his senior year at Lawrence Free State, and has chosen to be a Jayhawk over many other Division-I schools.
“KU is home to me, I grew up a Jayhawk fan and I want my family and friends to be able to watch me play,” Dineen said.
Dineen maintained a 3.38 GPA in the classroom and was a volunteer around the community. He rang the bell for Salvation Army trying to collect money, as well as a mentor to kids with special needs and was a youth football referee in the community.
The senior Firebird helped lead his 6A powerhouse to the sectionals where they lost to Olathe Northwest. Dineen passed for 1,568 yards and 18 touchdowns completing 54 percent of his passes. The 6-2 Sunflower League Player of the Year also ran for 726 yards on 122 carries for 10 touchdowns. Dineen also played free safety where he racked up 73 tackles, forced two fumbles, and recorded one interception.
“I always knew football was the one for me. Always has been my favorite,” Dineen said.
Dineen was a three-star recruit according to ESPN.com. He chose to be a Jayhawk over Arkansas, Iowa State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Rice. Dineen made an oral commitment to the University of Kansas back on May 29 of last year. After making numerous visits he figured Lawrence was the place to stay when he signed his letter of intent to play for coach Charlie Weis and Kansas next year.
Dineen had played with his senior class for a very long time, he will never forget their unbelievable journey to the 6A sectionals this past year.
“When I walked off the field for the last time with the teammates I played with since third grade was the highlight of my high school career that I’ll always remember,” Dineen said.
Dineen will follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by playing for KU. His great-grandfather also played for the Jayhawks, but for basketball under legendary coach Forrest “Phog” Allen back in the 1930s. So he does have some crimson and blue in his blood. Both of his parents were also Division I athletes.
“I’ve had a ton of great influences. My dad, my grandpa, and all my coaches,” Dineen said.
