We here at Sons of Montezuma are putting into focus our top San Diego State Aztecs football players for you to to know in the upcoming 2025 season. Next up is Offensive Lineman, Bayo Kannike.
- Name: Abayomi Kannike
- Position: Offensive lineman/Right Tackle
- Class: Senior
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 300 lbs
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Previous School: Utah Tech
As the San Diego State Aztecs enter the 2025 football season under head coach Sean Lewis, their aim is to have an explosive, fast-paced offensive identity. Few incoming transfers are more crucial to that success than right tackle Bayo Kannike.
A redshirt senior from Utah Tech, Kannike is being counted on to come in for an offensive line that must protect new quarterback Jayden Denegal & Bert Emmanuel Jr. and fuel the Aztecs’ up-tempo attack. Though Kannike may still be growing into his role, the combination of his size, athletic traits, and raw potential gives SDSU a fighting chance on the right side of the line.
At 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, Kannike possesses prototypical right tackle size. His long arms allow him to get hands on defenders early and redirect edge rushers before they can turn the corner. His frame should naturally give him leverage and the ability to wall off defenders in pass sets.
Though not being able to find too much film on Kannike online, the ability to engage at the line and finish blocks appears to be there. No doubt SDSU coaches are banking his abilities provide the perfect fit for SDSU’s run schemes, especially on the edge where his size can collapse defensive fronts.
Kannike coming from Utah Tech an FCS program, leads that he is still developing technically but his promising footwork and fluid movement for a lineman his size is something to build upon. He moves well laterally and if he can climb to the second level he can be an asset in their screen game and perimeter run plays.
The gamble is that as a lineman still refining his craft, Kannike will be counted on getting in sync with timing in his pass sets. Can he provide the first punch off the line in passing situations, which savvy edge rushers will try to exploit with counter moves. Continued reps and coaching are critical for his growth.
Coach Schmidt will be counted on to develop Kannike and make sure his play isn’t too tall, especially in short-yardage or goal-line situations. Lowering his pad level and improving balance will help him finish blocks more consistently against low-leverage defenders.
With only playing at the FCS level under his belt, Kannike hasn’t consistently faced high-level speed rushers or complex blitz packages. His learning curve this season will include adjusting to the variety of looks he’ll face week to week, especially from defensive ends who exploit inexperience.
Though still developing, Bayo Kannike has all the tools to become a dominant force at right tackle for San Diego State. His size, mobility, and growing confidence position him to make a major leap in 2025. If his pass-blocking fundamentals can be steady, Kannike could be a key reason the Aztecs’ offense thrives in the trenches this fall and provide the template for how SDSU can find diamonds in the rough for future O-Line composition.
Stay tuned as we list more crucial Aztec Warriors that will be looking to make a big impact this 2025 season. The list isn’t in any specific order—but let us know in the comments what you think of each player as the list unfolds.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
2 Responses