--- Brandon Banks, 6-0, 180, DB | Watch Video
--- Josh Berard, 6-2, 220, LB | Watch Video
--- Dustin Bell, 6-0, 180, DB | Watch Video
--- Javonta Boyd, 6-3, 290, DL | Watch Video
--- Kwamaine Brown, 5-8, 185, RB | Watch Video
--- Daniel Calvin, 6-4, 310, DL | Watch Video
--- Jarell Childs, 6-3, 216, RB | Watch Video
--- William Cooper, 6-5, 260, OL | Watch Video
--- Logan Dold, 6-1, 200, RB | Watch Video
--- Ethan Douglas, 6-6, 285, OL | Watch Video
--- Antonio Felder, 6-3, 245, LB | Watch Video
--- John Finau, 6-1, 295, DL | Watch Video
--- Tony Gillespie, 6-1, 298, DL | Watch Video
--- Brandon Harold, 6-5, 260, DE | Watch Video
--- Jack Hayes, 6-4, 270, DL | Watch Video
--- Adrian Hilburn, 6-2, 190, WR | Watch Video
--- Blair Irvin, 5-11, 185, DB | Watch Video
--- Joseph Kassanavoid, 6-6, 215, QB | Watch Video
--- Collin Klein, 6-4, 202, QB | Watch Video
--- Billy McClellan, 5-9, 180, DB | Watch Video
--- George Pierson, 6-0, 180, P | Watch Video
--- Ulla Pomele, 6-1, 235, LB | Watch Video
--- Edward Prince, 6-5, 280, OL | Watch Video
--- Aubrey Quarles, 6-2, 190, WR | Watch Video
--- Hansen Sekona, 6-0, 230, LB | Watch Video
--- Kenny Session, 5-8, 190, RB | Watch Video
--- Blake Slaughter, 6-0, 219, LB | Watch Video
--- Attrail Snipes, 6-1, 180, WR | Watch Video
--- Daniel Thomas, 6-2, 227, RB | Watch Video
--- Grant Valentine, 6-3, 240, LB | Watch Video
--- Wade Weibert, 6-5, 300, OL | Watch Video
--- Braden Wilson, 6-4, 220, ATH | Watch Video |
| Brandon BANKS | WR
5-8, 170 | Garner, N.C. (Bakersfield College) | Watch Video BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE: Speedy wide receiver is a three-star prospect and the No. 62 junior college player in the country by Rivals.com... Earned First Team All-America honors from JC Gridwire as an all-purpose player/wide receiver... Also named a PrepStar JUCO All-American... Helped lead Bakersfield to a No. 1 national ranking, a 12-1 record on the season and a berth in the Southern California championship game... Set two of BC's single-season receiving records in catches and receiving yards with 93 receptions for 1,397 yards... His 15 touchdowns also set a school record... With 107 catches over his two-year career, Banks is also the all-time leader at BC in pass receptions... Also known as a dangerous kick returner, Banks returned 16 punts for 177 yards, an average of 11.1 per return, and nine kickoffs for an average of 19 yards a return... Caught six passes for 198 yards and four touchdowns against Mount San Antonio in the state championship game.
GARNER HS: A four-year starter and two-time all-conference selection for head coach Nelson Smith... Greater Neuse River Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Garner Trojan team MVP as a senior... Helped the Trojans to three consecutive conferences championships and a 33-5 record over his final three seasons... Named to the 2006 USA TODAY All-USA high school track and field team after posting a 10.42 in the 100-meter dash and a 21.44 in the 200... Competed at the 2006 Nike Indoor Championships where he finished third in the 60 (6.81 seconds), fifth in the 200 (22.28 seconds) and seventh in the long jump (22 feet, 4.25 inches)... Was a two-event individual champion in the 2006 North Carolina 4A State Championships (200, long jump)... Ran the fastest 200m time in North Carolina in 2006 (21.42).
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from West Virginia, Oklahoma State, East Carolina and Oregon State.
PERSONAL: Brandon Banks was born Dec. 21, 1987... Parents are Daryle and Monique... Half-sister Gabby Mayo was the 2006 High School Track Athlete of the Year and signed with Texas A&M... Attended the same high school as current NBA star and former NCAA Player of the Year David West.
WHY K-STATE: "I just felt like it was the place for me. I really like Coach Prince and the plans he has for his team. I like the quarterback situation too. They have a really good quarterback who has gotten a lot better and will continue to do so."
Dustin BELL | DB
6-0, 180 | Dallas, Texas (Bakersfield College) | Watch Video BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE: A three-star prospect and the 72nd-ranked junior college player in the nation by Rivals.com... Also a three-star prospect by Scout.com... Intercepted seven passes with 18 break-ups and 53 tackles last season while playing as a defensive back... Also played offensively as a wide receiver... Scored touchdowns passing, receiving and returning an interception for the Renegades... Helped lead Bakersfield to a No. 1 national ranking, a 12-1 record on the season and a berth in the Southern California championship game.
UTEP: Signed with the Miners out of high school as a wide receiver... Redshirted for the Miners in 2005.
WILMER-HUTCHINS HS: Started as the Eagles' quarterback during senior campaign where he threw for 1,784 yards and 19 touchdowns... Named the Texas 10-3A All-District MVP after his senior season in 2004... Named District 13-3A newcomer of the year as a sophomore defensive back.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Nevada, San Diego State, TCU, Tulsa and SMU.
PERSONAL: Dustin Bell was born April 18, 1987... Parents are Lady and Roy Bell... Brother Derrius is a defensive back at SMU.
WHY K-STATE: "It is all about Coach Prince. He's just laid back, down-to-earth, and cool. We didn't even talk football. We just talked about life and school."
Josh BERARD | LB
6-2, 220 | Redondo Beach, Calif. (El Camino CC) | Watch Video EL CAMINO CC: A three-star prospect, the No. 68 junior college player in the country by Rivals.com and a two-time All-Mission Conference selection... Also named a PrepStar JUCO All-American... Collected 54 tackles this past season, 18 of which were for losses, with 10.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble from his rush end position... Led the Mission Conference in sacks with 1.05 per game and was third in the conference in tackles for loss... Was a unanimous first team Mission Conference American Division selection... Collected 68 total tackles, seven for losses, four sacks and 19 quarterback hurries as a freshman in 2006... Helped lead the Warriors to the 2006 California State Championship with a 12-2 record... Played for head coach John Featherstone.
REDONDO UNION HS: Played running back and defensive end for the Sea Hawks.... Was a three-year starter and an all-league and all-area defensive end selection... Played for head coach Gene Simon.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over an offer from Colorado and interest from Brigham Young, Connecticut and Arkansas.
PERSONAL: Josh Berard was born December 25, 1987... Parents are Felicia and Victor Davis.
WHY K-STATE: "It felt like a home atmosphere there. I felt like I would fit there really well. I like the people, the coaches the players. I just really enjoyed the whole experience."
Javonta BOYD | DL
6-3, 290 | St. Petersburg, Fla. (Northeast HS) | Watch Video NORTHEAST HS: A three-star prospect and the No. 30 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals... Also ranked as the 58th-best prospect in the state of Florida by Rivals... Named to the Times-Union Florida Top 75... Also a three-star prospect, the No. 46 defensive lineman in the country and the 91st best player in the state of Florida by Scout.com... Recorded 63 tackles and 6.5 sacks as a senior.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Louisville, Clemson, Georgia, South Carolina, Rutgers, South Florida and Ole Miss.
Kwamaine BROWN | RB
5-8, 185 | Seminole, Fla. (Osceola HS) | Watch Video OSCEOLA HS: A three-star prospect and the No. 30 running back in the nation by Rivals... Ranked 43rd on the FlaVarsity.com Top 100 list... Ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the 2007 Tallahassee NIKE Training Camp... Named first team all-state and the Florida 5A Player of the Year after a monster senior season... Ran for 2,229 yards and 44 touchdowns this past season for the Kowboys... Set a state single-season record with 278 points and tied the record for touchdowns with 44 this past season... Also finished second in the voting for the 2007 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football Award... Rushed for 1,150 yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven games as a junior... Team rose to No. 1 in the 5A state rankings before losing the 2007 state title game to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at the Citrus Bowl to finish 14-1... Played for head coach Jeff Rolson.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Auburn, South Carolina, West Virginia and Boston College.
Daniel CALVIN | DL
6-4, 310 | Bakerfield, Calif. (Bakersfield College) | Watch Video BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE: A four-star prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 14 junior college prospect in the nation... Also named a PrepStar JUCO All-American... A three-star prospect by Scout.com... Recorded 75 tackles and 12 sacks last season for Bakersfield College... Last season, Calvin was The Californian's All-Area Defensive Player of the Year...Teammate of fellow Wildcat signees Brandon Banks, Attrail Snipes and Dustin Bell... Helped lead Bakersfield to a No. 1 national ranking, a 12-1 record on the season and a berth in the Southern California championship game.
BAKERSFIELD HS: Played a key defensive role for the 2005 Div.1 Valley Champions... Also lettered in basketball and track.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Texas Tech, Nebraska, California, Nevada, Utah and UTEP.
PERSONAL: Daniel Calvin was born February 25, 1988... Parents are Trudy and Manuel Calvin.
WHY K-STATE: "I loved K-State, especially the facilities. The stadium is beautiful. The locker room is beautiful. Everything here is beautiful. I love the people down here. They go all out for their Wildcats."
Jarell CHILDS | RB
6-3, 216 | Kansas City, Mo. (Oak Park HS) | Watch Video OAK PARK HS: Ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the state of Missouri by Rivals and 11th in the state by Scout.com... First team all-district by the Kansas City Star at defensive back... Named second team all-state at defensive back by the Missouri Football Coaches Association... Also named to the PrepStar All-Region team... Rushed for 1,580 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior... Selected to play in the Missouri vs. Kansas All-Star game... Was a standout performer at the 2007 Kansas City Nike Combine, finishing first among running backs and 10th overall in the bench press (26 reps)... Also finished third among running backs at the combine in the vertical leap (34)... One of the leading rushers in Kansas City in 2006, Childs had 1,333 yards and also had 38 tackles on defense... Played for head coach Keith Ross... Also lettered in track and basketball.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Kansas, Colorado, Missouri and Wisconsin.
PERSONAL: Jarell Childs was born January 4, 1990... Parents are Angela Childs and Vernon Baston... Brother, Jaron Baston, plays football at Missouri.
WHY K-STATE: "I felt comfortable on the campus when I was up there. I really like the school and I like the players I have met."
William Cooper | OL
6-5, 260 | Hayti, Mo. (Hayti HS) | Watch Video HAYTI HS: Named to the Missouri Football Coaches Association All-State First Team in Class 1... A First Team All-Region selection along the offensive line... Earned first team SEMO South all-conference honors... Also averaged 13.0 points and 7.0 rebounds this past season on the hardwood... Played for head coach David Gilmore... Valedictorian of his 2008 high school class.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Kansas and Missouri.
PERSONAL: William Cooper was born February 7, 1990... Parents are William, Sr. and Betty Cooper.
WHY K-STATE: "Kansas State was the best place for me. The whole visit went very well."
Logan DOLD | RB
6-1, 200 | Garden Plain, Kan. (Garden Plain HS) | Watch Video GARDEN PLAIN HS: A three-star prospect by Rivals, the No. 8 player in the state of Kansas and is ranked as the 50th-best safety in the nation... Scout.com ranks Dold as the No. 9 player in the state and the 33rd-best safety in the nation... Named to the KFBCA Kansas Top 11 and was a first team all-state selection at running back after a stellar senior season... Also named to the PrepStar All-Region team... A two-way player that led Garden Plain to its first-ever state title in 2007 and a perfect 14-0 record... Rushed for 2,388 yards and 49 total touchdowns and added 787 passing yards and seven touchdowns in his final prep season... In the state title game, Dold finished with 289 yards rushing and five touchdowns and completed 6-of-7 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown... Played running back, quarterback and defensive back during high school career... Named the 11-man Offensive Player of the Year in 2007 by the Hutchinson News... Ran for 7,144 yards for his high school career, which ranks second all-time in the state of Kansas for all classes... Also totaled 109 touchdowns for his career... Rushed for 1,859 yards in 2005 and then had 1,538 yards in 2006... Played for head coach Todd Puetz... Also was a standout in track where he won the class 2A state championship in the long jump with a leap of 22.05 feet and also has a personal best in the 100 meters of 10.9 seconds.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State early in the recruiting process over interest from Georgia Tech, Kansas, Iowa and Tulsa.
PERSONAL: Logan Dold was born June 23, 1989... Parents are Joyce Bilson and Kurt Dold.
WHY K-STATE: "I have been a K-State fan for as long as I can remember and have always wanted to be a Wildcat."
Ethan Douglas | OL
6-6, 285 | Basehor, Kan. (Basehor Linwood HS) | Watch Video LINWOOD HS: Ranked as the No. 14 prospect in the state of Kansas by Rivals... A Class 4A first team all-state selection by the KFBCA... An honorable mention All-Metro selection by the Kansas City Star... Also named to the PrepStar All-Region team... Earned second-team all-Kaw Valley honors in 2006 after playing both left tackle and defensive tackle... Played for head coach Steve Hopkins... Also lettered in track and wrestling.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Missouri, Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado State.
PERSONAL: Ethan Douglas was born November 27, 1989... Parents are Ingrid and Kenny Douglas.
WHY K-STATE: "I grew up a K-State fan. I have a bunch of great memories of K-State, and it's a great football tradition. I just love it up there. I'm definitely a K-Stater."
Antonio FELDER | LB
6-3, 245 | Warner Robbins, Ga. (Butler County CC) | Watch Video BUTLER COUNTY CC: Sat out the 2007 season with a knee injury and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining... A three-star prospect and the No. 84 junior college player in the nation by Rivals who boasts tremendous speed on the edge... Also a three-star prospect by Scout.com... A 2007 preseason All-America selection... Collected 32 tackles, five sacks and 50 pressures as a freshman... Also collected three quarterback knockdowns, 10 tipped passes and recovered one fumble... Was a key part of Butler County's 23-1 record over the past two seasons... Played for head coach Troy Morrell.
WARNER ROBINS HS: Played for head coach Bryan Way at Warner Robins (Ga.) High School... Helped lead the Demons to an undefeated record and a 4A state title in 2004 as a junior... Totaled 54 tackles and seven sacks as a junior... Also lettered in basketball and track.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Kansas, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Troy and Middle Tennessee State.
PERSONAL: Antonio Felder was born July 26, 1988... Parents are Eddie Mae and Terry Felder.
WHY K-STATE: "I knew I wanted to play in the Big 12 Conference. Kansas State plays some of the toughest schedules there are and I want to play against those types of teams in college. I want to play against teams like Texas, Oklahoma, Auburn and Louisville."
John FINAU | DL
6-1, 295 | Los Angeles, Calif. (El Camino CC) | Watch Video EL CAMINO CC: A three-star prospect from Rivals.com and two-star prospect by Scout.com... Went 8-2 this past season... Also named a PrepStar JUCO All-American... Totaled 47 tackles as a sophomore, 14 for losses, with three sacks and one fumble recovery... Recorded 28 tackles, four tackles for losses, three quarterback sacks and one interception during the 2006 season... Helped lead the Warriors to the 2006 California State Championship with a 12-2 record... Played for head coach John Featherstone.
DOMINGUEZ HS: Helped lead Dominguez to a 13-1 record and the CIF Championship in 2005... Was an all-league and all-CIF selection as a defensive tackle... Attended the same high school as current NBA stars Tyson Chandler and Tayshaun Prince.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Oregon State, BYU, Utah and Boise State.
PERSONAL: John Finau was born July 23, 1988... Parents are Tina and Leausa Finau.
WHY K-STATE: "Kansas State is a good school and that is a big part of it for me. They have a lot of guys on the Big 12 Conference honor roll and that is important for me. I want to get a good education."
Tony GILLESPIE | DL
6-1, 298 | Jenks, Okla. (Jenks HS) | Watch Video JENKS HS: A three-star prospect from Rivals.com and the No. 36 defensive tackle in the nation... Also tabbed by Rivals as the No. 8 player in the state of Oklahoma... Also a three-star prospect, the No. 6 player in the state of Oklahoma and the 21st-best defensive tackle in the country by Scout.com... Selected to play in the ESPN All-American Game in Orlando... Totaled 84 tackles during senior season and had 22 tackles with 16 assists and two sacks during Jenks' four playoff wins en route to the 2007 6A state title... Collected 89 tackles, eight sacks, three fumble recoveries and scored a defensive touchdown as a junior... Went 13-1 in 2006 en route to the 6A Oklahoma state title... Played for head coach Allan Trimble.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Arkansas, Florida, Minnesota, TCU, Oklahoma State and Tennessee.
PERSONAL: Tony Gillespie was born November 4, 1989... Parents are Tony Gillespie and Sheronda Tillis.
Brandon HAROLD | DE
6-5, 260 | East St. Louis, Ill. (East St. Louis HS) | Watch Video EAST ST. LOUIS HS: A three-star prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 39 prospect in the nation at defensive end... Received all-conference and all-state honors at defensive lineman... Collected 91 tackles with eight sacks as junior and 82 tackles with five sacks and three forced fumbles as a senior... Helped lead the Flyers to a 22-3 record over the past two seasons... Also a two-year starter on the basketball team.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Kansas and Illinois.
PERSONAL: Brandon Harold was born February 24, 1990... Parents are Chanda and Marvin Haynes.
Jack HAYES | DL
6-4, 270 | Columbia, Miss. (Gulf Coast CC) | Watch Video GULF COAST CC: Led the Gulf Coast defensive line with 49 tackles this past season... Also recorded five quarterback sacks on the season... Helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2007 NJCAA National Title (Co-Champs with Butler County)... Gulf Coast ended the season with a 12-0 record after they pounded then 15th-ranked Kilgore (Texas) College 62-28 in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl... The Bulldogs also won their first Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges title since 1986 when they defeated Jones County (Miss.) Junior College 20-17... Played for head coach Steven Campbell.
SIMPSON ACADEMY: Recorded 68 tackles, including 35 for loss, during his senior season for coach Billy Wayne Hankins... Was named to the Mississippi Private School Association North-South All-Star team... Was named District MVP... Was a two-time team defensive MVP... Was named first team all-state on defense and second team all-state on offense... Helped team to back-to-back 14-0 records and consecutive state titles.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Southern Miss and Kentucky.
PERSONAL: Jack Hayes was born February 4, 1987... Parents are Bill and Myra Hayes.
WHY K-STATE: "I really enjoyed my visit and Kansas State is it for me. I really enjoyed getting to know Coach (Frank) Leonard. He is my kind of coach.
Adrian HILBURN | WR
6-2, 190 | New Braunfels, Texas (City College of San Francisco) | Watch Video SAN FRANCISCO CITY COLLEGE: A three-star prospect by Rivals and the No. 43 junior college prospect in the nation... The fifth-best junior college receiver prospect according to Rivals... Caught 40 passes for 516 yards and three touchdowns last season at City College... Helped lead San Francisco to a 10-1 record, a NorCal Conference title and the California Community College Athletic Association football championship... Caught 27 passes for 366 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman... Attended same junior college as current Wildcat Alesana Alesana and former Wildcats Brett Jones and Maurice Porter... Played for head coach George Rush.
CANYON HS: All-district wide receiver after leading Cougars in receptions... Served as a kickoff return man and played some defensively...Helped lead the team into state quarterfinals during senior campaign... Was a three-year letterwinner and also ran track and participated in powerlifting... Coached by Les Davis.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over Nebraska, Oregon and California.
PERSONAL: Adrian Hilburn was born May 6, 1987... Son of Herbert Hilburn and Annette Crespo... Has five older siblings... Cousin, Eric Mitchum, is a professional track and field athlete... Plans on majoring in business management.
WHY K-STATE: "There were a few things that really made me know it was the right place. The first was just how the coaches are. Right after I scheduled the visit, Coach Prince came to my house. I was sold right then, but still wanted to take the visit. They've done great with junior college players and what they're doing with the program is really something I want to be a part of. They are really on top of things and make you accountable for going to classes. And lastly, everyone was down to earth on the visit. They were a lot of fun to be around and talk to. All the people from the coaches to the players were just great."
Blair IRVIN | DB
5-11, 185 | Patterson, La. (Coffeyville CC) | Watch Video COFFEYVILLE CC: Earned second team all-conference honors at defensive back this past season at Coffeyville... Totaled 24 tackles and one interception in 2007... Also averaged 16.5 yards on 29 punt returns this past season... Rated the No. 50 junior college prospect in the nation by Rivals... A three-star prospect by Rivals.com.
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: A 12th-round draft choice of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2002... Played minor league baseball for four seasons before deciding to come back to football in 2006... Played in 91 games for the club's Rookie Level Princeton Rays and posted a career batting average of .229... Was successful in 20 of 25 stolen base attempts and hit .307 in 34 games in 2003.
PATTERSON HS: Earned first team All-District honors as a wide receiver during junior and senior seasons for the Lumberjacks... Named honorable mention all-state after senior campaign... Won the Class 3A state championship in the long jump and was on the state runner-up 4x100 relay team... Was an all-state selection in football, baseball and track and field... Originally signed with LSU in the class of 2002 out of Patterson, La... Coached by Tommy Minton.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over Auburn, Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, Missouri and West Virginia.
PERSONAL: Blair Irvin was born on May 16, 1983... Son of Blair Irvin, Sr. and Jacqueline Woods... Also is married to the former Amy Hammone... The couple has one son, Blair III, who was born on June 4, 2007... Plans on majoring in physical education.
WHY K-STATE: "I just decided Kansas State was the place for me. The coaches there were cool, but that is nothing against the other schools. It's just that I felt Kansas State was the best place for me and my family."
Joseph KASSANAVOID | QB
6-6, 215 | Lawson, Mo. (Lawson HS) | Watch Video LAWSON HS: A three-star prospect by Scout.com... Rated the No. 53 quarterback in the country and the 17th-best prospect in the state of Missouri by Scout... A three-sport star at Lawson in football, baseball and basketball... Was 91-of-157 for 1,464 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season as a senior... Also rushed for 352 yards on 73 carries and 11 touchdowns... First Team All-Conference linebacker, punter and second team quarterback... First team all-district as a linebacker, quarterback and punter... First team all-state quarterback by the Missouri Coaches Association... Also named the Missouri Player of the Year by the coaches... First team AP all-state quarterback... Named to the KMZU and KKWK radio All-Star teams... First team All-Kansas City Metro team... Also named to the PrepStar All-Region team... Finished his career 260-of-478 for 4,125 yards and 33 touchdowns... Collected 16 career rushing touchdowns... Played for head coach Todd Dunn... Also a first team all-district and all-conference selection in both basketball and baseball... Considered by many to also be a pro pitching prospect.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Notre Dame, Missouri, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Kansas.
PERSONAL: Joseph Kassanavoid was born August 14, 1989... Parents are Janet and Ron Kassanavoid.
WHY K-STATE: "It was an easy decision once I got to know the coaches. That was a big positive for them. I went up to quite a few games and got to talk to them some then. The coaching staff was a big part of my decision."
Collin KLEIN | QB
6-4, 202 | Loveland, Colo. (Loveland HS) | Watch Video LOVELAND HS: A three-star rated prospect by Rivals.com... Also tabbed as the seventh-best prospect in the state of Colorado by Scout.com... Earned first team honors in the Northern Conference this past season after completing 116-of-176 passes (65.9 percent) for 1,398 yards and 12 touchdowns... Also named to the PrepStar All-Region team... Rushed for 745 yards and 10 touchdowns... Had 1,457 passing yards with 15 touchdowns in 2006... Also contributed 403 yards rushing and five scores... Holds school records for completion percentage (66-percent) and all-purpose yards... Named to the Reporter-Herald All-Area basketball team and garnered all-Front Range League honors after scoring 16.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a junior.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Utah, Colorado State and Air Force.
PERSONAL: Collin Klein was born Sept.19, 1989... Parents are Kelly and Doug Klein... Hobbies include playing the piano, violin and mandolin.
WHY K-STATE: "I really liked the town. It is a great atmosphere and the people are really nice. I got along great while I was there and I think it will be a good place to be in college."
Billy McCLELLAN | DB
5-9, 180 | Torrance, Calif. (Harbor CC) | Watch Video HARBOR CC: A three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com... Also named a PrepStar JUCO All-American... Tied for 15th in the Western State Conference with three interceptions in 2007... Had 29 tackles, three of which went for losses, and three pass breakups... Named honorable mention all-conference after collecting 45 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups as a freshman... Played for head coach Andrew Alvillar.
NORTH TORRANCE HS: Named CIF All-Division X defensive back in 2005... Earned First Team All-Pioneer League honors during junior and senior seasons... Had a school record three interceptions in a playoff game during senior season... Led team in catches with 26 for 441 yards and three touchdowns as a wide receiver... Competed in the 100-meter, long jump, triple jump and 4x100... Went to same high school as actor and martial artist Chuck Norris.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over Oregon State, Washington State, Wyoming and Utah State.
PERSONAL: Billy McClellan was born Feb. 26, 1988... Parents are Tammy Johnson and Richard Blackwell.
WHY K-STATE: "I talked to all of the coaches and they were all showing a lot of respect. They showed great respect for me and my game. They want me to play corner and I'm ready to go out there and compete for a spot right away."
George PIERSON | P
6-0, 180 | Arlington, Va. (Tyler JC) | Watch Video TYLER JC: A three-star prospect by Scout.com... Averaged 43.2 yards on 42 punts this past season at Tyler Junior College... Garnered All-America honors in 2007... Had a career-long 75-yarder last season... Named to the All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference First Team as a punter.
YORKTOWN HS: Attended Hargrave Military Academy in 2005... Ranked as the No. 7 punter in the nation by Scout.com in 2005.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Colorado, Syracuse, UMASS, UAB, Tulsa and San Diego State.
PERSONAL: George Pierson was born January 12, 1987... Parents are Lloyd and Elida Pierson.
WHY K-STATE: "I really loved the coaching staff, and I knew that Kansas State was the right place for me."
Ulla POMELE | LB
6-1, 235 | Santa Rosa, Calif. (Santa Rosa JC) | Watch Video SANTA ROSA JC: A four-star prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 38 junior college prospect in the nation... Also a three-star prospect by Scout.com... Recorded 64 total tackles (32 solo), including 11.0 tackles for loss and five sacks... Recorded team season highs in tackles (15 against Reedley) and tackles for loss (3.0 against Feather River)... Earned All-Big 8 Conference honors ... Played for head coach Keith Simons.
ELSIE ALLEN HS: Was named the team's defensive MVP during his sophomore season, which was his first to play football... Team MVP as a senior as both a quarterback and linebacker... Participated in the California North vs. South All-Star game... Also played rugby and basketball.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over Fresno State, San Diego State and Washington State.
PERSONAL: Ulla Pomele was born Sept. 25, 1986... Son of Ula and Alofasau Pomele... Married to the former Elizabeth Leigh Robbins... Majoring in social sciences.
WHY K-STATE: "Honestly, when I visited out there, the people, the coaching staff, they were all very welcoming. They were encouraging and supportive. It is a great place."
Edward PRINCE | OL
6-5, 280 | Starkville, Miss. (Copiah-Lincoln CC) | Watch Video COPIAH-LINCOLN CC: A three-star prospect by Scout.com... Rated as the No. 24 JUCO prospect in the state of Mississippi by the Sun Herald... Two-year starter at left tackle for the Wolves... Earned second team all-conference honors after his freshman season... Named a preseason All-American in 2007.
EAST OKTIBBEHA HS: Lettered and starred at East Oktibbeha High School.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss and Marshall.
PERSONAL: Edward Prince was born April 17, 1988... Parents are Carl and Debra Prince.
WHY K-STATE: "I really like (Coach Prince) and my family likes him too. He told me he wants to turn me into a dominating lineman."
Aubrey Quarles | WR
6-2, 190 | Aurora, Colo. (Santa Rosa JC) | Watch Video SANTA ROSA JC: A four-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com and the No. 20 junior college prospect in the nation... Earned pre-season All-American honors... Also named a PrepStar JUCO All-American... Played wide receiver and returned kicks for the Bear Cubs... Had 28 receptions for 363 yards and a state-leading eight touchdowns through four games before breaking his collar bone and missing the rest of his sophomore season... Also averaged 38.8 yards on five kickoff returns, including two for touchdowns... Named first team All-NorCal Conference wide receiver in 2006 after catching 67 passes for 1,054 yards and 12 touchdowns... Also tabbed a First Team JC Gridwire All-American in 2006.
GRANDVIEW HS: A two-time All-Colorado wide receiver for head coach Rocky Whitworth... The No. 5 overall prospect in the state of Colorado, the same list that current Wildcat Chris Carney was rated as the No. 13 prospect... Accounted for 906 yards of total offense in seven games as a senior, after missing the first six games of the season... Caught 30 passes for 572 yards and five scores as a junior... Also returned three kicks and three punts for a touchdown, and had two more called back from penalties... Was named first-team all-state after catching 61 passes for 1,041 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota and Oregon.
PERSONAL: Aubrey Quarles was born Feb. 8, 1988... Son of Aubrey Quarles, Sr. and Antwoinette Waiters... Has two brothers, Austin Quarles and Clyde Surrell... Clyde played football at Colorado.
WHY K-STATE: "I took my visit and I really enjoyed myself there. I liked talking with the coaches. They have a plan for what they want to do at Kansas State and what they want to do next season. I liked talking to Coach Prince. He told me how he planned to use me in his offense and I'm excited about the possibilities. I really wanted to play in the Big 12 and Kansas State just seemed like the perfect fit."
Hansen SEKONA | LB
6-0, 230 | San Mateo, Calif. (College of San Mateo) | Watch Video SAN MATEO CC: A three-star prospect and the 78th-best junior college player in the nation by Rivals.com... A three-star prospect by Scout.com... Named first team All-NorCal Conference after tallying a team-leading 71 tackles, 10 of which were for losses, and two sacks in 10 games played... Team captain and defensive MVP who helped lead San Mateo to an 8-3 record as a sophomore...Totaled 23 tackles, three for losses, two sacks and one interception as a freshman... Played for head coach Larry Owens.
ARAGON HS: Was an All-County selection at linebacker for head coach Steve Sell.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Nevada, Washington State, Marshall and New Mexico.
PERSONAL: Hansen Sekona was born July 6, 1987... Son of Ed and Topov Sekona... Youngest of 10 children... Undecided on major.
WHY K-STATE: "(My visit) was a great experience, and I've never seen anything like it in my life. They take their football seriously out there."
Kenny SESSION | RB
5-8, 190 | Tulsa, Okla. (East Central HS) | Watch Video EAST CENTRAL HS: Three-star rated prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 48 running back in the nation... Also ranked as the 14th-best prospect in the state of Oklahoma... Rated as the 15th-best prospect in the state of Oklahoma by Scout.com... Rushed for 1,249 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior... Finished the year 12-1 with a berth in the state semi-finals... Also ran for 2,400 yards and 34 touchdowns as a junior.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over interest from Oklahoma, Rutgers, Oklahoma State and UCLA.
PERSONAL: Kenny Session was born August 23, 1989... Parents are Kenneth and Paula Session.
Blake Slaughter | LB
6-0, 219 | Missouri City, Texas (Elkins HS) | Watch Video ELKINS HS: Three-star rated prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com... Named one of the top 100 players in Texas for 2008 by Rivals.com... Rated as the No. 22 middle linebacker in the nation by Scout.com... Named to the preseason Touchdown Club All-Greater Houston team... Also named to the PrepStar All-Region team... Missed most of senior season after an ACL injury in the second game of the season... Collected 25 tackles and two sacks in the first two games of the season... Set the record for tackles for the Knights when he recorded 124 tackles including 11 for loss and five sacks during junior season... Also nabbed an interception and recovered two fumbles... Had 58 tackles and an interception during sophomore season... Also excelled in the classroom... Named to the National Society of High School Scholars and also Randy Rodgers' First Team Academic All-State team.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Rice and Texas Tech.
PERSONAL: Blake Slaughter was born March 14, 1990... Parents are Ava and Steve Slaughter.
WHY K-STATE: "My family and I broke it down and it was just the total package from academics to athletics. It took a lot of consideration and a lot played into it."
Attrail SNIPES | WR
6-1, 180 | Seattle-Rainer Beach, Wash. (Bakersfield College) | Watch Video BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE: A three-star prospect by Rivals.com and a four-star prospect by Scout.com... Tallied 800 yards and 13 touchdowns on 55 receptions this past season... Returned one kick for 33 yards during his freshman season... Teammates of fellow Wildcat signees Daniel Calvin, Brandon Banks and Dustin Bell... Helped lead Bakersfield to a No. 1 national ranking, a 12-1 record on the season and a berth in the Southern California championship game... Also caught 21 for 399 and five touchdowns in the eight games in 2006.
SEATTLE-RAINER HS: Had 24 catches for 640 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior... In 2006, he pulled off one of the toughest triples at the 3A state track meet, winning the 100, 200 and 400 sprints... His time of 10.71 in the 100 was the fastest in the state, and he clocked the fastest 3A times in the 200 (21.98) and 400 (48.83)... Also was the 400 meter dash champion at class 3A state track competition in 2005.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Kentucky, Hawaii, TCU, Washington St., Memphis, Akron, Toledo, and Idaho.
PERSONAL: Attended same high school as former Wildcat basketball player Tim Ellis.
Daniel THOMAS | RB
6-2, 240 | Hilliard, Fla. (NW Mississippi CC) | Watch Video NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI CC: A four-star prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 35 junior college prospect in the nation... Also a three-star prospect by Scout.com... Rated as the No. 8 JUCO prospect in the state of Mississippi by the Sun Herald... Rushed for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman and helped lead Northwest to a division championship... Accounted for 618 yards and six touchdowns last season on 103 carries... Also threw for 450 yards and two scores.
HILLIARD HS: Rushed for 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns at quarterback as a senior... Threw for 950 yards en route to all-state honors... Also chipped in 57 tackles and one interception as a senior safety... Earned all-state honors as both a quarterback and linebacker.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Oklahoma, Baylor, Middle Tennessee St., and UAB.
PERSONAL: Daniel Thomas was born October 29, 1987... Parents are Jerald and Louella Thomas.
WHY K-STATE: "I loved it there. Everything went great (during his official visit). I loved having the chance to hang out with some of the players. They were all pretty cool. Josh Freeman was my host and he was real cool too."
Grant VALENTINE | LB
6-3, 240 | Burbank, Calif. (Glendale CC) | Watch Video GLENDALE CC: A three-star prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 43 junior college prospect in the nation... Tallied 93 tackles and 9.5 sacks during sophomore campaign... Earned WSC Pacific Division and CCCFCA Region III Defensive Player of the Year honors... Named a JC Grid-Wire All-American... Earned first team all-conference honors as a freshman.
BURBANK HS: Recorded 75 tackles with 4.5 sacks and one fumble recovery during senior season... Had 11 catches for 226 yards as a tight end for the Bulldogs.
RECRUITING: Chose K-State over offers from Akron, Fresno State, NC State, Tennessee, Utah State, Washington State and West Virginia.
PERSONAL: Parents are Grant Valentine, Sr. and Chandra and Marcus Lavio.
WHY K-STATE: "The Big-12 Conference is one of the hardest conferences you can play in. They said that they can basically fit me into their schemes, and I can get my degree in two years."
Wade WEIBERT | OL
6-5, 300 | Hillsboro, Kan. (Butler County CC) | Watch Video BUTLER COUNTY CC: A three-star prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 48 junior college prospect in the nation... A four-star prospect by Scout.com... Helped lead Butler County to the 2007 NJCAA National Football Championship and a perfect 12-0 record... A First Team All-Jayhawk Conference, All-Region VI and NJCAA All-America selection... Helped lead Butler County to a 23-1 record in two seasons... Played for head coach Troy Morrell.
HILLSBORO HS: An all-conference and all-state state selection. |
