2025 Kansas State recruiting update: Cornerback
On the Kansas State roster: Zashon Rich (true freshman), Donovan McIntosh (redshirt freshman), Kanijal Thomas (sophomore), Jordan Dunbar (junior), Tyler Nelome (junior), Darell Jones (junior), Jacob Parrish (junior), Justice James (senior), Keenan Garber (super senior)
Needs: 2
Relevant K-State targets/commits: JoJo Scott, Martel Jackson
Kansas State style preference
Cornerback is another position at Kansas State that length is really valued. Julius Brents posted a ridiculous wingspan at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis to get him drafted in the second round, in addition to crazy measurables.
They have to be sticky in coverage, but that can be said about any time for any team. However, the Wildcats do run more man coverage in the back end, even with safeties, so it probably is a bit more necessary at K-State.
Speed is a trait that is a common denominator in the cornerbacks Kansas State has landed as well. Jacob Parrish, Donovan McIntosh, Keenan Garber, Kanijal Thomas and Darell Jones are some of the fastest players on the entire roster.
Roster outlook
The cornerback room is in a good spot in 2024, but there are some question marks about the future.
Parrish has played in 26 of the 27 games in his young career at K-State. He totaled 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, half of a sack, four interceptions and a team-leading 13 passes defended last season. His four interceptions ranked No. 4 in the Big 12 and No. 19 in the country.
Garber returns to Kansas State for his super senior season looking to cap off a very under-appreciated career. After spending his first 3.5 seasons at wide receiver, he finished his first full season as a corner in 2023. The Lawrence native played in all 13 games with four starts.
Justice James will be in contention to be the primary backup to Garber and Parrish in 2024. He played in 11 games in 2023 and recorded nine tackles. Kanijal Thomas also saw action as a true freshman in 2023. He played in seven games and should compete for more playing time this upcoming season.
Rice transfer Jordan Dunbar is a late addition to the cornerback room and is an intriguing addition. He arrives at K-State after starting 21 games and playing in 25 total for the Owls. He was an All-Conference USA freshmen team selection in 2021 after 30 tackles and nine pass break-ups.
Dunbar posted 25 tackles and 10 pass break-ups in 202 and was named an All-Conference USA Honorable Mention choice. He redshirted at Rice before entering the transfer portal last season.
Redshirt freshman Donovan McIntosh did not play last year. However, the light has started to kick on for the St. Louis native, and he’s someone that could crack the rotation as well. Tyler Nelome played in just one game last season after transferring in from SEMO.
Darell Jones has battled injuries his entire Kansas State career. Zashon Rich made it to campus in June but sources are high on his ability.
Recruiting update
After landing just one cornerback in the 2024 class, K-State has already secured two in 2025. The first was Martel Jackson of Derby High School. He was offered at the first camp on May 30, scheduled an official visit shortly after and committed June 9.
Jackson has great track times and was encouraged by other Power Four programs to camp before committing to the Wildcats.
Florida native JoJo Scott was the second cornerback to announce his commitment to Kansas State. He took an official visit June 14-16 and committed while at breakfast in Manhattan on June 16. Wisconsin, Nebraska and Kansas were also making aggressive pushes for him.
K-State has wanted a third cornerback but has come up empty. Sammy Etienne picked West Virginia and Cameron Jamerson chose TCU. If another target is identified, it likely won’t be until much later in the cycle.
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