Photo illustration by Travis Rosenau Minnesota Valley Lutheran’s Malachi Kohls was named the 2022 All-Journal Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday.

NEW ULM — Minnesota Valley Lutheran head football coach Jim Buboltz described Malachi Kohls, the unanimous 2022 All-Journal Defensive Player of the Year, as a player who grew into the game.

“When he showed up on campus here as a freshman, he was all of 5-foot-7 and 135 pounds,” recalled Buboltz. “Then he started growing into his body and as a sophomore we saw it — we saw that work in the weight room, his preparation and tenacity. He grew into the game.”

Literally.

Kohls, who totaled 113 solo tackles, 13 sacks, an interception and three fumble recoveries this year is now is 6-foot-5, 245 pounds.

“I can credit my parents for that (growth) spurt, “Kohls said as he joins teammate Landen Merseth as winners of the All-Journal Journal Defensive Player of the Year award.

Merseth won the award last season.

Kohls credits his motivation for the game to his coaches and friends — especially Merseth.

“They pushed me to be a better player and a better person.” Kohls said. “And then there was that self-motivation too. I wanted to put myself where I wanted to be.

“Coach (Dave) Bendix taught me so much and my friend Landen is an amazing player. We are always trying to push each other.”

Buboltz said that Kohls, who carries a 3.96 GPA in the classroom, consistently got better every game this season.

“Whether it was putting a hand in the ground as a defensive tackle or as stand-up linebacker spot,” Buboltz said. “He was going to find the ball — he really embraced the physicality part of the game of football.”

Buboltz said that Kohls, along with Merseth and Cole Thompson, will leave a legacy at Minnesota Valley Lutheran of hard work and dedication.

“And Malachi is only going to be getting better and better each year that he plays football,” Buboltz said. “Some college is going to get a really, really good football player.”

Kohls ends his career at MVL with a career mark of 204 solo tackles, 20 sacks and six fumble recoveries.