Athan Kaliakmanis, a four-star dual-threat quarterback, is officially a Golden Gopher. Kaliakmanis committed verbally back in March of 2019. The Antioch, IL native also had offers from Tennessee, Iowa, Purdue, and Boston College, among others. Here’s some of what 247sports’ Allen Trieu had to say about Kaliakmanis in September of 2018:
“Shows the arm talent to make all the necessary throws. Snappy, quick release with good ball speed and consistent zip on his short to intermediate passes. Keeps plays alive and can make throws from odd angles without setting his feet. Calm under pressure and does not panic. Good with his feet, but not likely to be a consistent running threat in college. Still needs to keep working on reading defenses and making quick decisions.”
You can read Trieu’s whole report here. For a more recent report, SI.com profiled him this summer.
A Time Gap
Illinois cancelled high school football this fall, so there are no senior stats for Kaliakmanis. He missed most of the 2019 season after breaking his collarbone in October. As a sophomore in 2018, he completed 120 of 188 pass attempts for 2,084 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also ran for 610 yards and 11 touchdowns. A multi-sport athlete, Kaliakmanis also plays varsity basketball and runs on the track team.
At 6’4″ and 190 pounds, there’s definitely room for Kaliakmanis to pack on some weight. His slight frame is less surprising when you realize that he just turned 17 in late August. I’d imagine he’s one of the youngest 2021 recruits at any school. With another year of eligibility for Tanner Morgan, and two heralded redshirt freshmen on the roster, Athan Kaliakmanis should have plenty of time to get bigger and stronger.
Athan’s brother Dino Kaliakmanis has signed with Minnesota as well. The 6’2″, 188-pound wide receiver is considered a three-star prospect by 247sports. The St. Paul Pioneer-Press ran an article about the brothers on Tuesday that you can read here.
(Photo courtesy Chicago Tribune)
