MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kansas State head football coach Bill Snyder announced Wednesday a list of 29 student-athletes who have committed to be part of the Wildcat program next fall. The list includes 18 incoming freshmen, seven community-college transfers and three freshmen who have begun their first full-time semesters in the Spring of 2004.
"As has been the case each and every year, the true quality of this class will not be determined for a couple of years when each of these young men will have had the opportunity to mature into and become more familiar with our program," said Snyder. "However, this appears to be a talented group of student-athletes, all of whom seem to be quality young men with a competitive desire to contribute to the continued success of Kansas State football. They also appear, to a man, to have a genuine concern for their own academic successes."
Snyder also indicated that he was pleased with the position breakdown of the class as K-State appears to have filled needs in a variety of areas, especially on the offensive line.
"We were pleased with the scholarship distribution by position, being fortunate to gain commitments from nearly exact numbers needed at each and every position," said Snyder.
The class consists of 16 offensive players, 12 defensive players and one specialist. Seven of the newcomers are already enrolled in classes at Kansas State and will participate in spring drills.
2004 Kansas State Football Letter of Intent Signees
High School Signees (18)
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Elg. Hometown (Previous School)
Brett Alstatt TE 6-5 230 Fr. Hays, Kan. (Hays)
Jordan Bedore DE 6-3 255 Fr. Goodland, Kan. (Goodland)
Matt Boss OL 6-4 310 Fr. Cherryvale, Kan. (Cherryvale)
Aaron Darks LB 6-0 205 Fr. Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin)
Allan Evridge QB 6-1 205 Fr. Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista)
Vlad Faustin DE 6-4 230 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Pace)
Parrish Fisher RB 5-10 205 Fr. Richardson, Texas (Pearce)
Lester Graham LB 6-0 220 Fr. Fort Pierce, Fla. (John Carroll)
Ro Grigsby WR 6-4 185 Fr. Dayton, Ohio (Northmont)
John Hafferty OL 6-3 305 Fr. Alpharetta, Ga. (Chattahoochee)
Caleb Handy OL 6-1 305 Fr. Conway Springs, Kan. (Conway Springs)
Walter Hudson DB 6-0 190 Fr. Dallas, Texas (Wilmer-Hutchins)
Jared Parker PK 6-0 180 Fr. Ankeny, Iowa (Ankeny)
Nick Patton QB 6-3 190 Fr. Winfield, Kan. (Winfield)
Brad Rooker OL 6-6 260 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard North)
Ryan Schmidt OL 6-5 290 Fr. Boca Raton, Fla. (Boca Raton)
Gerard Spexarth OL 6-7 290 Fr. Colwich, Kan. (Andale)
Cedric Wilson WR 6-1 175 Fr. Fort Pierce, Fla. (John Carroll)
Community College Transfers (8)
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Elg. Hometown (Previous School)
Justin D'Arcy OL 6-5 305 Jr. Aptos, Calif. (Cabrillo CC/San Lorenzo Valley)
Surrell Davis DB 5-11 190 Jr. Compton, Calif. (San Mateo CC/Compton)
Yamon Figurs WR 6-0 175 Jr. Lakeland, Fla. (Garden City CC/Westwood)
Tearrius George DE 6-4 250 Jr. Spring Lake, N.C. (L.A. Valley CC/Pine Forest)
Bret Jones DB 6-2 190 Jr. Freehold, N.J. (CC of San Francisco/Freehold Regional)
Jesse Martinez P/WR 6-4 205 Jr. Napa, Calif. (Santa Rosa JC/Napa)
Maurice Porter DB 6-1 190 Jr. San Francisco, Calif. (CC of San Francisco/So. San Fran.)
Kyle Williams DB 6-1 195 Jr. Pine Bluff, Ark. (Navarro JC/Watson Chapel)
Grayshirts (3)
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Elg. Hometown (Previous School)
M.L. Latimore DT 6-0 266 Fr. Manhattan, Kan. (Manhattan)
John McCardle RB 5-9 195 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Millard North)
Alphonso Moran DT 6-0 270 Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Boca Raton)
2004 Kansas State Football Letter of Intent Signee Biographies
Brett Alstatt
Tight End
6-5, 230
Hays, Kan. (Hays)
Hays HS: One of seven Kansans in the 2004 recruiting class... Lettered and started three years at Hays High School, where he was a two-way performer (RB/LB)... Projects as a tight end at Kansas State... A first team 5A all-state and all-conference performer as a senior at linebacker by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle... Also tapped as an honorable mention all-state running back by the Wichita Eagle... Owns Hays High School records for single-season rushing yards (1,061), single-season points (96), career tackles (282), most touchdowns in a game (5) and longest kickoff return (97 yards)... Selected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Coached by Kent Teeter... Also lettered three years in basketball and four years in track & field... Placed fourth in the high hurdles at the 2003 state 5A meet and was the district champion.
Personal: Brett Wesley Alstatt was born May 15, 1986, in Hays, Kan... Son of Wes and Trudy Alstatt... Father played college football at Fort Hays State and professionally for the Miami Dolphins... Sister, Kristin, is a member of the K-State crew team... Plans on majoring in computer information systems (CIS)... Enjoys outdoor activities, golf and skiing.
Jordan Bedore
Defensive End
6-3, 255
Goodland, Kan (Goodland)
Goodland HS: One of seven Kansans in the 2004 recruiting class... Lettered four years, starting two, at Goodland High School... A two-way performer who played fullback and linebacker as a prep... Projects as a defensive end at Kansas State... Earned first team all-state honors at linebacker in Class 4A from both the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle as a senior... An honorable mention all-state choice at running back by the Wichita Eagle... Also earned first team All-Northwest League accolades at both fullback and linebacker as a senior... A first team all-state and all-conference selection at fullback as a junior... Named to the Salina Journal's top 11 for all classes as a senior... Rushed for nearly 2,800 yards as a prep, including 1,200 as a junior... Finished with 145 tackles in 11 games on defense as senior... Selected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Coached by Tony Diehl... Also lettered four years in wrestling and three years in track & field... A two-time Kansas Class 4A state wrestling champion... Placed second in freestyle and third in Greco-Roman at the 2002 wrestling nationals... Set the school record in the discus with a throw of 165-2 and was the 4A state champion in the discus as a sophomore and junior.
Personal: Jordan C. Bedore was born Jan. 31, 1986... Son of Dustin and Barb Bedore... Father played college baseball, while mother was a collegiate volleyball player... Has two younger sisters... Cousin, Jesse Woodard, lettered as a tight end at K-State in 1996-97... Enjoys reading in his spare time... Undecided on a future major.
Matt Boss
Offensive lineman
6-4, 310
Cherryvale, Kan. (Cherryvale)
Cherryvale HS: One of seven Kansans in the 2004 recruiting class... Lettered and started all four years at Cherryvale High School... One of the most highly decorated signees in the 2004 class... Tabbed the No. 10 offensive lineman in the country by TheInsiders.com and No. 11 offensive lineman in the country by Tom Lemming... Considered the No. 2 player in the state of Kansas by Rivals.com... Rivals.com also has him listed as the No. 4 guard, No. 19 player in the Midlands region and No. 92 player overall in the country... A Top 100 Dream Team selection by Prepstar as the No. 13 offensive lineman in the nation... The 2004 Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year... Helped Cherryvale to a 10-1 record, average school-record 49 points per game and outscore opponents 540-27... Anchored defense that posted eight shutouts... A three-time All-Tri-Valley League selection... Earned second team all-state honors as a junior and first team all-state accolades as a senior from both the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle in Class 3A... Was also a first team all-league and all-area choice as a defensive lineman as a senior... Selected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Coached by Jon Guidie... Also lettered four years in track & field and one year in baseball.
Personal: Matthew Randal Boss was born Sept. 23, 1985, in Parsons, Kan... Son of Randy and Louise Boss... Has a brother and two sisters... Enjoys fishing... Plans to major in education.
Justin D'Arcy
Offensive Lineman
6-5, 305
Aptos, Calif. (Cabrillo CC/San Lorenzo Valley)
A late addition to the class who is enrolled in classes at K-State and will participate in spring drills.
Cabrillo CC: One of seven offensive linemen signed by Kansas State... Started every game during his two-year career at Cabrillo... Possesses surprising quickness for his 6-foot-6, 305 pound frame... An excellent pass blocker who gave up just two sacks while at Cabrillo... Earned first team All-Coast Conference honors as a sophomore and was named the team's most outstanding offensive lineman... Blocked for an offense that averaged nearly 200 yards passing and over 120 yards rushing despite finishing 3-7 in 2003... Helped Cabrillo to the 2002 Coast League title... Coached by Steve Cox.
San Lorenzo HS: A three-year starter on the offensive line at San Lorenzo High School... Earned all-conference honors as a junior and senior... coached by Doug Morris.
Personal: Justin Wayne D'Arcy was born Jan. 13, 1984, in San Jose, Calif... Son of John and Lee Ann D'Arcy... Has two sisters... Undecided on a major.
Aaron Darks
Linebacker
6-0, 205
Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin)
Lufkin HS: One of the state of Texas' top linebackers... Rated as the No. 28 inside linebacker in the nation and the No. 63 player in Texas by Rivals.com... An All-Midlands region selection by Prepstar... Received three stars from Max Emfinger, who rated him among the top 45 weakside linebackers in the nation... A member of both the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram state top 100... Helped lead Lufkin to a 9-2 record and a berth in the state playoffs... Recorded 66 tackles during 2002, earning first team 11-5A all-district honors as well as first team all-conference accolades... Was the unanimous pick by the media for 11-5A Defensive Preseason Player of the Year honors and a preseason Texas Super Team member after recording 65 tackles and five sacks as a junior... Helped lead the Panthers to a 12-3 record in 2002 and the state semifinals... A member of Lufkin's 2001 5A state championship team... Coached by John Outlaw.
Personal: Aaron Rydell Darks was born Nov. 30, 1985, in Lufkin, Texas... Son of Timothy Houston and Beverly Darke... Has two sisters... Undecided on a major.
Surrell Davis
Defensive Back
5-11, 190
Compton, Calif. (San Mateo CC/Compton)
San Mateo CC: A two-year letterman and starter at San Mateo CC as a defensive back... Will join the Wildcats in time for fall camp... Ranked as the No. 71 overall junior college player by JCFootball.com... Earned all-state and all-Region II honors as selected by the coaches... A second team All-America selection by the Juco Football Network... The Golden Gate Conference MVP in 2003... A two-time All-Golden Gate Conference first team choice... Set a San Mateo CC record with 14 career interceptions, including six as a sophomore... Ranked second in the state in picks as a freshman and eighth as a sophomore... Helped San Mateo CC to a 10-1 record in 2003 and a 20-17 victory over San Joaquin Delta College in the Silicon Valley Bowl... Selected as a team captain for the 2003 season... Coached by Larry Owens.
Compton HS: Lettered all four seasons and started for three-plus years while a prep at Compton High School... Earned first team All-CIF Southern Sections honors as a senior at defensive back... Selected to the Long Beach Press-Telegram's all-county team... Also named first team all-league as a junior and senior.
Personal: Surrell Lee Davis was born March 31, 1983, in Compton, Calif... Son of Debbra Grant... Has a brother and two sisters... Cousin of Oakland Raiders defensive end Delawrence Grant... Plans on majoring in criminal justice and working with youngsters following college.
Allan Evridge
Quarterback
6-1, 205
Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista)
Papillion-LaVista HS: Lettered and started two years a Papillion-LaVista High School... Named to the Lincoln Journal-Star's Super State (all classes) first team and Class A all-state first team at quarterback... Also received Class A first team all-state accolades from the Omaha World Herald... Earned all-district and All-Metro first team honors as a senior... Was an all-district, all-conference and all-state honorable mention selection as a junior... Served as the Monarchs' team captain as a senior... Tabbed as the No. 66 quarterback in the nation by TheInsiders.com... Named the No. 21 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 8 player in the state of Nebraska by Rivals.com... An All-Midlands region selection by Prepstar... Passed for 1,400 yards and rushed for another 587 to lead LaVista in total offense with 1,987 yards as a senior... His 427 yards of total offense per game was a LaVista school record... Passed for over 900 yards and rushed for 600 as a junior... Coached by Gene Suhr... Also lettered in track & field as a sophomore.
Personal: Michael Allan Evridge was born June 24, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany... Son of James and Lori Evridge... Father is in the U.S. Air Force, while mother is an auditor... Has two brothers... Enjoys skiing, jetskiing, boating fishing and hunting... Undecided on a future major.
Vlad Faustin
Defensive End
6-4, 230
Sunrise, Fla. (Pace)
Pace HS: A three-year letterwinner and starter at Pace High School... A first team 3A all-state selection at defensive end as a senior by the Florida Sports Writers Association... Considered one of the top 50 prospects in Miami-Dade County's class of 2004 by the Miami Herald... Helped lead Pace to a 12-3 record during 2003 and a Florida Class 3A state title... Recorded 112 total tackles, including 16 sacks as a senior... Finished with 82 total tackles with four sacks as a junior, helping the Spartans to a 12-1 record and a berth in the third round of the state playoffs... Coached by Joe Zaccheo... Position coach was former Wildcat Mario Smith... Also competed in track & field as a prep, twice qualifying for the state meet in the discus and earning all-state accolades.
Personal: Vladimir Faustin was born July 2, 1986, in Brussels, Belgium... Parents are Miriette Dorval-Larsen and Robert Larsen... Has two sisters... A second-degree black belt in karate... Enjoys training, conditioning and reading philosophy in his spare time... Relative of Nadine Faustin, who represented Haiti in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is expected to compete in the 2004 game in Athens, Greece... Plans on pursuing a degree in bio mechanics or kinesiology.
Yamon Figurs
Wide Receiver
6-0, 175
Lakeland, Fla. (Garden City CC/Westwood)
An explosive wide receiver and return specialist who signed in December... Is currently enrolled in classes at Kansas State and will participate in spring drills.
Garden City CC: Earned All-Jayhawk Conference honorable mention honors at receiver as a sophomore... Had 25 receptions for 480 yards with six touchdowns... Ranked eighth in the Jayhawk Conference in receiving yards per game despite playing in a run-oriented offense that averaged only 127.0 passing yards per game... Also ranked 10th in the conference in all-purpose yardage (97.9 ypg), fourth in kickoff return average (28.1) and seventh in punt return average (12.9)... Had one kickoff return for a touchdown... Led GCCC in receiving yards, yards per catch (19.2) and was third in the team in touchdowns (7)... Coached by Bob Larson.
Westwood HS: Prepped at Westwood High School in Fort Pierce, Fla., where he was a three-year starter... Earned all-conference and all-area honors as a senior... Football coach was Kezen McMan... Also lettered in track & field and basketball... Ran an 11.01 into a stiff headwind to place second in the 100 meters at the 2001 Florida state 2A meet.
Personal: Yamon Figures was born Jan. 10, 1983, in Fort Pierce, Fla... Nickname is "Yo"... Son of Roslyn Fraizer... Has three sisters and a brother... Plans to major in family studies and human services.
Tearrius George
Defensive End
6-4, 250
Spring Lake, N.C. (L.A. Valley CC/Pine Forest)
L.A. Valley CC: A two-year starter at L.A. Valley CC... A preseason All-State selection after earning all-conference honors as a freshman... Received a four-start rating and was rank as the No. 27 non-high school prospect by Rivals.com... Received three starts from Max Emfinger and was ranked among the top 15 strong defensive ends in the nation... Coached by Ron Ponciano.
Pine Forrest HS: Prepped at Pine Forest High School in North Carolina.
Personal: Tearrius George was born Dec. 3, 1982 in Fayetteville, N.C... Son of Aldwyn George and Velda Brown... Plans on majoring in business.
Parrish Fisher
Running Back
5-10, 205
Richardson, Texas (Pearce)
Pearce HS: Lettered three years and started two at J.J. Pearce High School... Selected the No. 24 running back in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 91 running back by TheInsiders.com... Tapped as the No. 47 player in the state of Texas by Rivals.com... A Prepstar All-American... Ranked as the No. 17 player in the Dallas Metroplex by the Dallas Morning News and the No. 43 player in the state of Texas... A 2003 honorable mention 4A all-state selection by the Texas Sports Writers Association... A two-time first-team all-district and all-city pick... District, city and team offensive MVP as a senior... Also served as team captain... Rushed for 1,914 yards as a senior and 1,700 yards as a junior... Accounted for 33 rushing touchdowns in his two years as a starter, including 17 in 2003... Had 19 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown as a senior after hauling in four catches for 80 yards as a junior... Led Pearce to an 8-4 record and a berth in the 2003 Class 4A Division I Region II semifinals... Coached by Bobby Reyes.
Personal: Parrish Anthony Fisher was born Nov. 2, 1985, in Monterrey, Calif... Son Jeff Fisher and Sheril Gardner... Has one brother... Plans on majoring in communications and hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting following college.
Lester Graham
Linebacker
6-0, 220
Fort Pierce, Fla. (John Carroll)
John Carroll HS: Earned three letters and was a two-year starter at John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce, Fla... Joins fellow K-State signee and cousin Cedric Wilson in the Wildcats' class of 2004... Played both linebacker and fullback as a prep... Named to the Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers All-Area Team at fullback... Also earned a spot on the all-state Class 2B second team at linebacker... Recorded 81 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions on defense while rushing for 1,297 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense... Helped guide the 11-2 Golden Rams to district and regional titles en route to their first state semifinal appearance since 1970... Topped 200 yards on the ground in both the regional semifinals and regional championship games... Had an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown in the state semifinal game... Named team captain of the Outback Steakhouse All-Star Game... Coached by Lenny Jankowski... Also lettered two years in baseball and one in track & field.
Personal: Lester Leon Graham was born Dec. 30, 1984 in Fort Pierce, Fla... Son of Lester Graham (deceased) and Carolyn Williamson... Has two brothers and two sisters... Enjoys fishing... Undecided on a major.
Ro Grigsby
Wide Receiver
6-4, 185
Dayton, Ohio (Northmont)
Northmont HS: A two-year starter at Northmont High School... A Prepstar All-Midwest region selection... Earned first team all-state honors as selected by The Associated Press and OhioPrepScene.com in 2003... Was also a first team all-area selection and a first team Greater Western Ohio Conference choice... Selected to play in The Grange Insurance North-South (Ohio) All-Star game... Finished senior season with 67 receptions for 1,244 yards and 13 touchdown to lead the Greater Western Ohio Conference in receiving yardage... Had 103 yards on eight receptions with two touchdowns and a 97-yard kickoff return for a TD in the Thunderbolts 52-35 Division I playoff victory over Mason... Other top games include a 10-catch, 160-yard, two-touchdown effort vs. Springfield South... Coached by Lance Schneider... Also lettered two years in basketball and two years in track & field.
Personal: Romunn Grigsby was born March 3, 1986, in Dayton, Ohio... Son of J.D. and Wanda Grigsby... Has a brother and three sisters... Undecided on a major.
John Hafferty
Offensive Lineman
6-3, 305
Alpharetta, Ga. (Chattahoochee)
Chattahoochee HS: A four-year varsity player who was a starter three seasons at Chattahoochee High School... A Prepstar All-Southeast region selection... Listed as the No. 44 guard in the country by Rivals.com... Received 2003 Georgia 5A all-state honors from the coaches... An Atlanta Journal-Constitution top 50 pick and Georgia Insiders top 100 prospect as a senior... An honorable mention Class 5A all-state selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution... Also earned Atlanta Journal-Constitution North Fulton Big 11 honors and was named to the AJC's North Fulton all-area team... Selected to play in the Georgia North/South All-Star Game... Graded out at 93 percent during senior season... Holds the Chattahoochee HS squat record with a left of 600 lbs... Finished first at the Nike Camp at Auburn with 43 reps at 185 lbs in the bench press... Max bench press is listed at 425 lbs... Has excellent feet and has been timed at 4.87 in the 40... Earned honorable mention all-state accolades as a junior, propelling him to 5A preseason all-state honors from Georgia High School Football Magazine prior to senior campaign... Coached by Bill Waters... Also lettered two years in swimming and two years in track & field.
Personal: John Joseph Hafferty was born Oct. 17, 1985, in Kingston, Penn... Son of John and Adrienne Hafferty... Father was a three-year starter at center for K-State from 1976-78, earning All-Big Eight Academic honors in 1976 and 1978... Has one sister and one brother... Chattahoochee's 2003 homecoming king... Plans on majoring in business and possibly attending grad school or law school following graduation.
Caleb Handy
Offensive Lineman
6-1, 305
Conway Springs, Kan. (Conway Springs)
Conway Springs HS: A three-year starter at Conway Springs High School... Earned a three-star rating as the No. 5 center in the country from Rivals.com... Also Rivals.com's No. 7 player in the state of Kansas... Earned All-Midlands region honors from Prepstar... The No. 124 offensive lineman in the country by TheInsiders.com... A top 200 national selection and the No. 3 center in the country according to recruiting analyst Max Emfinger... Earned honorable mention 3A all-state honors from the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Wichita Eagle as a senior... A two-time first team All-Central Plains League selection... Selected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl, the Down Under Bowl and the Kamehameha Pigskin Classic... Helped lead Conway Springs to three straight Kansas Class 3A State titles, including a perfect 14-0 record in 2003, and 27 consecutive wins to close out his career... Coached by Mark Bliss.
Personal: Caleb W. Handy was born March 4, 1986, in Wellington, Kan... Son of Kerry and Vonda Handy... Has one sister and one brother... Enjoys hunting and fishing... Undecided an a major.
Walter Hudson
Defensive Back
6-0, 190
Dallas, Texas (Wilmer-Hutchins)
Wilmer-Hutchins HS: Prepped at Wilmer Hutchins High School in Dallas, where he was a four-year starter for the Eagles... Earned All-Midlands region honors from Prepstar... The No. 17 cornerback prospect in the country according to Rivals.com... Named the No. 74 player on Rivals.com Texas top 100 chart and No. 15 on the Dallas Morning News Area Top 100 Area 100 list... A member of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram state top 100 list... Also on the roster of Rivals.com Midlands Sweet 66 as the No. 51 prospect... A 2003 first team Class 3A all-state selection as voted on by The Associated Press... Earned all-district honors as both a junior and senior... Named the district Junior of the Year... Selected to play in the 2003 Texas Coca-Cola High School Football All-Star Game... Helped Wilmer-Hutchins to a 7-3 record as a senior... Recorded over 100 tackles and had three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, during 2003... Also led Wilmer-Hutchins in receiving yards, recording 278 on 15 catches, despite seeing limited time on offense... Coached by Mike Robinson.
Personal: Walter Devon Hudson was born Feb. 9, 1986, in Dallas, Texas... Son of Arthur and Michelle Hudson... Has one sister and one brother... Plans on majoring in criminal justice.
Bret Jones
Defensive Back
6-2, 190
Freehold, N.J. (CC of San Francisco/Freehold Regional)
Originally signed in December but will not join the team until fall camp.
CC of San Francisco: Started two seasons for the Rams... The No. 76 overall junior college prospect in the country by JCFootball.com... Received 2003 first team All-America honors from the JC Football Network... Named to the 2003 All-California Team as selected by the coaches... An All-Region I choice... A first team All-NorCal Conference selection and the league's 2003 defensive MVP... Helped lead the Rams to the 2003 national title with a perfect 12-0 record... Served as one of CCSF's co-captains... Had three interceptions during 2003... Coached by George Rush.
Freehold Regional HS: Prepped at Freehold Regional High School in Freehold, N.J., where he was a two-year starter at quarterback and defensive back... Earned All-Shore League, all-district and all-region honors as a senior on defense... Completed 61 of 99 passes for 900 yards and five touchdowns as a senior... Also ran for five scores... Had four picks on defense... Helped lead Freehold Regional to its first New Jersey state playoff berth in 25 years... Coached by Larry Boice.
Personal: Bret Andrew Jones was born Oct. 7, 1984 in El Paso, Texas... Son of Claude Jones... Has one sister and one brother... Attended the same high school as Bruce Springsteen... Plans on majoring in elementary education.
Jesse Martinez
Punter/Wide Receiver
6-4, 205
Napa, Calif. (Santa Rosa JC/Napa)
Signed in December and is currently enrolled at Kansas State... Will participate in spring drills with the Wildcats.
Santa Rosa JC: Started as both a freshman and sophomore at wide receiver and punter at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he was a teammate of current Wildcat Joe Lawson as a freshman... Earned All-Mid Empire Conference first team honors at wide receiver as a sophomore... Was a first team all-league punter as a freshman... Hauled in 40 receptions for 683 yards and 16 touchdowns and averaged 37.3 yards on 36 punts as a sophomore... As a freshman, ranked 11th in the state in punting, averaging 39.3 yards per punt... Helped lead Santa Rosa to a perfect 11-0 2003 season and a Mid Empire Conference championship... Coached by Keith Simons.
Napa HS: A two-year starter at Napa High School... Earned all-conference accolades as a junior and senior... Coached by Jerry Dunlap.
Personal: Jesse Jerome Martinez was born May 12, 1983, in St. Helena, Calif... Son of Teresa Martinez... Has one sister... Plans on majoring in social science.
Jared Parker
Place-Kicker
6-0, 180
Ankeny, Iowa (Ankeny)
Ankeny HS: A two-year starter at Ankeny High School... Rated as the No. 11 place-kicker in the country by Rivals.com... A second-team Class 4A all-state selection by the Des Moines Register... Earned first time all-conference accolades as both a junior and senior... Connected on 7 of 9 field goals, with a long of 49 yards vs. Southeast Polk, and 39 of 40 PATs during the 2003 regular season... Finished fifth in the state in kick scoring with 54 points... Helped Ankeny to an 11-1 overall record and a berth in the Class 4A state semifinals after winning the Central Iowa Metro league with a perfect 9-0 mark... Was good on seven attempts, including a 54 yarder vs. Des Moines North, and 32 of 33 PATs as a junior... Place ninth in the state in kick scoring with 53 points... Coached by Jerry Pizzetti... Is the third Ankeny kicking product in the last six years to earn a Division I scholarship, joining Todd Sievers (Miami, Fla.) and Kyle Schlicher (Iowa).
Personal: Jared Blake Parker was born June 3, 1986, in Des Moines, Iowa... Son of Randy and Chris Parker... Has one sister and one brother... Undecided on a major but would like to attend graduate school to study physical therapy or medical school to become an orthopaedic surgeon.
Nick Patton
Quarterback
6-3, 190
Winfield, Kan. (Winfield)
Winfield HS: Lettered and started two years at Winfield High School... A Top 100 Dream Team selection by Prepstar... One of Prepstar's top five quarterbacks in the Midlands region... The No. 68 overall player in the nation and the No. 12 rated quarterback by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming... Tapped as the No. 16 quarterback in the nation by TheInsiders.com... Rivals.com's No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the country and its top rated player in the state of Kansas... Ranked as the No. 97 overall player in the nation and No. 22 prospect in the Midlands region by Rivals.com... Received a five-star rating as one of the top 100 players in the country from recruiting analyst Max Emfinger... An honorable mention Class 5A all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Wichita Eagle as a senior... Earned all-league honors as both a junior and senior... Selected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Passed for 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 339 yards and eight TDs as a senior... Also considered to be the top defensive back prospect in Kansas by Tom Lemming after totaling 30 tackles and picking off eight passes during 2003... Coached by Brian Shaw... Also lettered in basketball.
Personal: Nicholas Jerome Patton was born May 20, 1985 in Arkansas City, Kan... Grandparents are Harold and Mary Gross... Has one brother, Tim (16)... Is undecided on a major.
Maurice Porter
6-1, 190
Defensive Back
San Francisco, Calif. (CC of San Francisco/South San Francisco)
Signed in December and is currently enrolled at Kansas State... Will participate in spring drills with the Wildcats.
CC of San Francisco: A two-year starter at City College of San Francisco... The No. 14 overall junior college player by Rivals.com... Ranked as the No. 80 overall JuCo prospect by TheInsiders.com... Considered the top JuCo cornerback in the state of California... Earned All-NorCal Conference honors as a sophomore... Helped lead the Rams to the 2003 national title with a perfect 12-0 record... Coached by George Rush.
High School: Prepped at South San Francisco High School.
Personal: Maurice Porter was born Nov. 11, 1982 in San Francisco, Calif... Son of Maurice Sr. and Denise Porter... Has three sisters, including a twin... Undecided on a major.
Brad Rooker
Offensive Lineman
6-6, 260
Omaha, Neb. (Millard North)
Millard North HS: A three-year starter at Millard North High School in Omaha, Neb... Played tight end and defensive end as a prep but projects as an offensive lineman for Kansas State... Named to the 2003 Lincoln Journal-Star Super State (all classes) second team as a defensive lineman... Was also on the Lincoln Journal-Star's Class A first team defense... Earned all-metro (Omaha) and all-district honors... Was considered the top tight end prospect in the state of Nebraska heading into the 2003 season... Helped Millard North to the 2003 Nebraska Class A state championship and a perfect 13-0 record... Played along side fellow K-State signee John McCardle in 2002, helping block for McCardle's Class A record 2,300 yards rushing... Coached by Fred Petito... Also a standout basketball player, earning four letters and 2003 honorable mention all-state accolades.
Personal: Brad Rooker was born May 20, 1985, in Omaha, Neb... Son of Dave and Shirley Rooker... Has one brother... Plans on majoring in business and pursuing an MBA following graduation.
Ryan Schmidt
Offensive Lineman
6-5, 290
Boca Raton, Fla. (Boca Raton)
Boca Raton HS: A two-year starter at Boca Raton High School... Joins former teammate and Alphonso Moran at K-State... A Prepstar All-Southeast region selection... Named to the Florida Class 4A al-state second team... Selected by the Palm Beach Post as its 2003 Lineman of the Year... Also a first team all-conference, all-area and all-county honoree... Recorded over 35 "pancake" blocks as a senior... Coached by Rick Swain.
Personal: Ryan Schmidt was born Aug. 30, 1986, in Boynton Beach, Fla... Son of Steve and Tammy Schmidt... Has one sister and one brother... Plans to major in business.
Gerard Spexarth
Offensive Lineman
6-7, 290
Colwich, Kan. (Andale)
Andale HS: A three-year starter at Andale High School... Considered the No. 42 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 7 prospect in the state of Kansas by Rivals.com... Earned All-Midlands region honors from Prepstar... Ranked No. 124 nationally among offensive linemen by TheInsiders.com... Selected to the Kansas Class 4A all-state first team by the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Wichita Eagle as a senior... Earned first team All-Chisholm Trail League honors as both a junior and senior... Selected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Has also played tight end... Coached by former Wildcat Gary O'Hair... Also lettered in basketball and track & field... Earned honorable mention all-state honors in hoops... Is considered one of the country's top prep hammer throwers, ranking No. 29 as a junior... Set the Andale school record in the hammer with a throw of 177-0.
Personal: Gerard Spexarth was born Nov. 14, 1985... Son of Fred and Barbara Spexarth... Has three brothers and one sister... Brother, Robby, throws for the Wichita State track & field team... The youngest of five children... Plans to major in engineering.
Kyle Williams
Defensive Back
6-1, 195
Pine Bluff, Ark. (Navarro JC/Watson Chapel)
Navarro JC: A two-year letterwinner at Navarro (Texas) Junior College... Started as a sophomore... Considered a five-star prospect and the No. 5 cornerback in the country by recruiting analyst Max Emfinger... Selected as the No. 14 junior college player in the country by Rivals.com... JCFootbal.com's No. 80 overall junior college prospect... An honorable mention team All-America selection by the Juco Football Network... An All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference selection in 2003.
Watson Chapell HS: Prepped at Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, Ark., where he was a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter... Played both quarterback and defensive back, earning All-Southeast Conference honors and receiving all-state consideration... Coached by Kent Baggett... Also receive all-conference accolades in baseball and lettered in basketball.
Personal: Kyle Emanuel Williams was born Aug. 20, 1984 in Pine Bluff, Ark... Son of Themanuel and Velma Williams... One of nine children... Undedecided on a major.
Cedric Wilson
Wide Receiver
6-1, 175
Fort Pierce, Fla. (John Carroll)
John Carroll HS: A four-year starter and wide receiver and free safety at John Carroll High School... Joins cousin Lester Graham in K-State's 2004 recruiting class... Considered the No. 37 athlete in the country by Rivals.com... Named to the Class 2B all-state second team by the Florida Sports Writers Association.... In 2002, he was selected to the Class 2A second team after leading the conference in both receiving yards (708) and touchdowns (10).... Had an area-leading 653 yards receiving during regular season and finished senior campaign with 43 catches for 851 yards and six touchdowns... Also had 49 tackles as a defensive back in 2003... Helped guide the 11-2 Golden Rams to district and regional titles en route to their first state semifinal appearance since 1970... Owns the school and county record for most career receiving yards... Finished high school career with 116 receptions for 2,293 yards and 21 touchdowns... Served as team captain as both a junior and senior... Selected to play in the 2003 Outback Steakhouse All-Star Game... Coached by Lenny Jankowski... Also lettered in baseball and track & field... Earned all-area recognition as a sophomore and junior as an outfielder... Competed in the 100, 200 and 400 meters and well as the long jump and triple jump... Placed second in both the long jump (23-6) and triple jump (47-0) at the 2003 Florida Class 2A high school meet.
Personal: Cedrick L. Wilson was born April 21, 1985, in Fort Pierce, Fla... Son of Johnny and Angela Wilson... One of seven children... Undecided on a major.
M.L. Latimore
Defensive Tackle
6-0, 266
Manhattan, Kan. (Manhattan)
Manhattan HS: A three-year starter at Manhattan High School... Son of K-State defensive tackles coach and former Wildcat Mo Latimore... A 2002 first-team all I-70 selection and a second team all-state choice... Played in the 2003 Kansas Shrine Bowl all-star game... Helped lead the Indians to consecutive state 6A championship game appearances in 2000 and 2001... Coached by Butch Albright... Also lettered in basketball.
Personal: Marion L. Latimore II was born Dec. 12, 1984, in Manhattan, Kan... Son of Mo and D'Anne Latimore... Has one sister... Plans to major in education and coach football following graduation.
John McCardle
Running Back
5-9, 195
Omaha, Neb. (Millard North)
Millard North HS: Three-year starter at Millard North High School in Omaha, Neb., where he was a teammate of current K-State signee Brad Rooker... Played quarterback as a prep, but projects as a running back on the collegiate level... Earned first team all-state honors from both the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald as a junior and senior... Also an all-metro and all-district selection... Tabbed as an academic all-state performer by the Omaha World Herald... Rushed for a Nebraska Class A state record 2,300 yards in 2002... Coached by Fred Petito... Also lettered three years in track & field, running in the 100 and 200 meters.
Personal: John McCardle was born Dec. 7, 1984, in Omaha, Neb... Son of Paul and Pam McCardle... Has two brothers and one sister... Undecided on a major.
Alphonso Moran
Defensive Tackle
6-0, 270
Delray Beach, Fla. (Boca Raton)
Boca Raton HS: Originally committed to Kansas State in February of 2003... Will reunite with former Boca Raton teammate Ryan Schmidt... Ranked 65th in nation among defensive tackle prospects by Rivals.com... Two-time All-State player in Florida... Named to the Super Eleven by Sun-Sentinel newspaper... Member of Palm Beach Post Perfect 10 list... Selected to start in Florida Outback Bowl all-star game in January 2003... Named all-conference three straight seasons... Lettered four seasons in football and once in wrestling... Only player in school history to start all four years in football... High school football coach was Brian Dodds... Also coached by former Wildcat defensive tackle Andrae Rowe.
Personal: Born Jan. 5, 1985, in Delray Beach, Fla... Parents are Alphonso Moran and Gwyn Jackson... Has two sisters and one brother... Also considered offers from Indiana, North Carolina and South Florida... Greatest sports thrill was making a sack and having a teammate return the fumble for a game-winning touchdown.
-KSU-
