Recruiting Notebook: Kansas State trending well with local targets

KANSAS STATE RB PICTURE

It wasn’t long ago that Kansas State received commit No. 5 in the 2024 class when Blue Valley running back John Price made the call for the Wildcats. It gave K-State their second in-state pledge of the class, adding to Mill Valley offensive tackle Gus Hawkins.

The other three members of the Kansas State class are Pennsylvania offensive lineman Ryan Howard and Colorado natives Jake Stonebraker and Blake Barnett.

K-State has only signed one high school back in the last two classes. The intention was to add more than just Joe Jackson in the Class of 2023, but it didn’t materialize for the Wildcats with either one of John Randle, Jr. or Dylan Edwards.

Expect that to change in 2024. The plan is to not be content with just Price. Kansas State would love to sign two backs, assuming it is the right two. And for what it is worth, Price was aware of that at the time he committed to Chris Klieman and company.

LOCAL RECRUITING NOTE

There is a chance that the 2025 crop in the Sunflower State is a loaded one. Three homegrown products have already received offers from K-State in Derby tight end DaSaahn Brame and Kansas City-based defensive linemen Jayden Woods and Julian Marks.

While we thought that the toughest one for the Wildcats to land and be the steepest uphill battle for was Marks, KSO has learned that isn’t the case. There is two reasons for that, and one is pretty good and the other one a bit unfortunate.

As we have shared before, Woods’ father played at Kansas State and was forced off the team so his experience isn’t as glowing as others. That doesn’t mean it will directly influence his son’s decision, but it wasn’t the smoothest ride.

However, Marks’ latest visit to K-State was an extremely positive one. It was as moved as he has been by a visit thus far. Klieman and the Wildcats may have even risen up to the top spot on his list, according to sources.

Like with the two others, we expect Marks’ recruitment to be a national one.

2024 TARGET TRENDING UP FOR K-STATE

How about another Kansas State target from Kansas City? It was once thought that elite edge rusher Jayshawn Ross of the 2024 cycle would be leaving the region. He had zeroed his sights on some schools with bigger brand recognition.

However, because of a newfound interest to stay closer to home and his star having faded just a bit, programs in the area have shot up his board. Many with intel on his recruitment suggest that the teams positioned the best for his services are Kansas, Missouri and K-State.

Expect all three to receive official visits from the St. Pius X star after he took trips to all three for football practices during the Spring.

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