2017 Signing Day Release.indd
2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
2017 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 • 2:30 p.m. Steel & Pipe Team Theatre • Vanier Family Football Complex • Manhattan, Kan.
K-STATE’S 2017 SIGNING CLASS INCLUDES 23 NEW WILDCATS MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State Hall of Fame head coach Bill HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES (20) Snyder announced the names of 23 student-athletes who plan on NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) joining or have already joined the K-State football program as part of Ben Adler OL 6-4 310 Wichita, Kan. (Trinity Academy) Mason Barta* FB 6-2 205 Holton, Kan. (Holton HS) K-State’s 2017 Signing Class. Joshua Brown DB 6-1 205 Fairburn, Ga. (Langston Hughes HS) Additionally, Snyder announced that senior defensive end Davis Harrison Creed OL 6-5 310 Ulysses, Kan. (Ulysses HS) Clark has been put on scholarship. Bernard Goodwater RB 5-9 175 Dallas, Texas (Carter HS) This year’s class includes 20 players from the high school ranks Daniel Green LB 6-3 228 Portland, Ore. (Madison HS) and three community-college players. Of the signing class, five – Wyatt Hubert* DE 6-3 240 Topeka, Kan. (Shawnee Heights HS) Eli Huggins* DT 6-4 285 Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth HS) Mason Barta, Wyatt Hubert, Eli Huggins, Trace Kochevar and Trace Kochevar* TE 6-6 240 Salina, Kan. (Salina South HS) Da’Quan Patton – are currently enrolled at K-State and will particBill Kuduk OL 6-5 280 Chicago, Ill. (Marist HS) ipate in April’s spring practices, which culminate with the Purple/ Aidan Mills OL 6-5 265 Newton, Kan. (Newton HS) White Spring Game on April 22. Spencer Misko TE 6-5 235 Keller, Texas (Keller HS) Gervarrius Owens DB 6-1 188 Moore, Okla. (Southmoore HS) “We cannot accurately assess any class until the young men Anthony Payne DE 6-2 255 Peculiar, Mo. (Raymore-Peculiar HS) have been in the program for two or three years,” Snyder said. “For Joshua Rivas OL 6-6 330 Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutchinson HS) example, looking back two years ago to the 2015 class, I find that Isaiah Stewart DB 6-0 180 DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto HS) 18 of the 24 signees are presently in our two deep with two or more Chabastin Taylor WR 6-4 208 Giddings, Texas (Giddings HS) Danny Walker LB 6-3 215 Wheaton, Ill. (Wheaton North HS) years of eligibility remaining, while many have played a vital role in Samuel Wheeler QB 6-4 200 Lenexa, Kan. (St. James Academy) this past season’s success. Drew Wiley DT 6-4 290 Vinton, Iowa (Vinton HS) “This year’s class appears to have met most of our needs, but not all. Therefore, the process to complete this year’s class is still COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETES (3) a work in progress. Because we are such a young team collectively, NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Xavier Davis DE 6-6 250 Phoenix, Ariz. (Pima Community College) we will graduate very few after the 2017 season, leaving us with as Da’Quan Patton* LB 6-2 215 Cedar Park, Texas (Trinity Valley CC) few as 14 available spots next year. That is a stark difference from Elijah Walker DB 6-3 210 Long Beach, Calif. (Cerritos College) our beginning in 1989 when we had only 47 on scholarship and could * Currently enrolled take all we could get. “I have been impressed with the quality of character of each of these young men, as well as their collective commitment to become the best person, student and athlete possible. “I am always so very appreciative of the high school and community-college coaches, administration and faculty throughout the state of Kansas and across the country for their assistance. I am most appreciative of the Kansas State faculty, administration, Dean of Students, Director of Finances and our athletic support staff, Athletics Director and President for their assistance in promoting our program and providing the great support services, education and caring relationships which exists within our University.” K-State’s Class of 2017 includes 12 players on defense and 11 on offense. The class is comprised of five offensive linemen, four defensive backs, three defensive ends and linebackers, two defensive tackles and tight ends, in addition to one fullback, a running back, a wide receiver and a quarterback.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
CLASS BREAKDOWN BY STATE
2
1
GEORGIA
ILLINOIS
ARIZONA
Josh Brown, Eli Huggins
Bill Kuduk, Danny Walker
Xavier Davis
1
1
5
8
2
TEXAS
KANSAS Ben Adler, Mason Barta, Harrison Creed, Wyatt Hubert, Trace Kochevar, Aidan Mills, Joshua Rivas, Samuel Wheeler
Bernard Goodwater, Spencer Misko, Da’Quan Patton, Isaiah Stewart, Chabastin Taylor
1
1
1
CALIFORNIA
MISSOURI
IOWA
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
Elijah Walker
Anthony Payne
Drew Wiley
Gervarrius Owens
Daniel Green
BY POSITION
4
5
3
3
2
OFFENSIVE LINE
DEFENSIVE BACK
DEFENSIVE END
LINEBACKER
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Ben Adler, Harrison Creed, Bill Kuduk, Aidan Mills, Joshua Rivas
Josh Brown, Gervarrius Owens, Isaiah Stewart, Elijah Walker
Xavier Davis, Wyatt Hubert, Anthony Payne
Daniel Green, Da’Quan Patton, Danny Walker
Eli Huggins, Drew Wiley
1
2
1
1
1
TIGHT END
FULLBACK
RUNNING BACK
WIDE RECEIVER
QUARTERBACK
Trace Kochevar, Spencer Misko
Mason Barta
Bernard Goodwater
Chabastin Taylor
Samuel Wheeler
BY CLASSIFICATION
HIGH SCHOOL (20)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE (3)
Ben Adler, Mason Barta, Josh Brown, Harrison Creed, Bernard Goodwater, Daniel Green, Eli Huggins, Wyatt Hubert, Trace Kochevar, Bill Kuduk, Aidan Mills, Spencer Misko, Gervarrius Owens, Anthony Payne, Joshua Rivas, Isaiah Stewart, Chabastin Taylor, Danny Walker, Sammy Wheeler, Drew Wiley
Xavier Davis, Da’Quan Patton, Elijah Walker
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
BEN ADLER
JOSHUA BROWN
OL | 6-4 | 310 Wichita, Kansas Trinity Academy
DB | 6-1 | 205 Fairburn, Georgia Langston Hughes High School chool
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time all-state honoree by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Played int he Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Atlanta following his senior season. Regarded as the 47th-best guard in the Class of 2017 by Scout.
HIGHLIGHTS A first team all-state honoree as a junior in 2015 and four-time all-region pick. Carded 189 tackles over his junior and senior campaigns with seven career interceptions. Viewed as the 50th-best safety in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports.
AT TRINITY ACADEMY: Played for the Knights under head coach Jared Daniel... Rated the nation’s 47th-best guard and the fourth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2017 by Scout... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team, while he was an All-Midlands Region selection by PrepStar... Selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia, following the 2016 season... Earned all-state honors as a senior from the Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFBCA), while he was an honorable mention selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle as a junior... Named to the Wichita Eagle Top-33 team as a senior... Selected to play in the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Also an all-state baseball player as a first baseman and designated hitter... High school teammates with current Wildcat running back Tyler Burns.
AT LANGSTON HUGHES HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Panthers under head coach Willie Cannon... Rated the 50th-best safety in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... An All-Southeast Region pick by PrepStar... Earned first team all-state honors as a junior, while he picked up all-region accolades all four years... Also named his team’s defensive player of the year on two occasions... Totaled 189 tackles over his final two seasons – including 102 stops as a junior – while he had seven career interceptions.
PERSONAL: Benjamin Joseph Adler was born October 17, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas... Son of Marcus and Michelle Adler... Has four siblings, Will, Nate, Luc and Jace... Plans on majoring in construction management.
MASON BARTA FB | 6-2 | 205 Holton, Kansas Holton High School HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state honors as a senior from the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal. Rushed for 1,718 yards and 21 TDs in his career, including 1,051 yards and 15 scores in 2015. High school coach was his father, Brooks, a K-State linebacker from 1989-92.
AT HOLTON HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Wildcats under head coach and father Brooks Barta... Rated the top outside linebacker in the state of Kansas for the Class of 2016 by Scout... Earned first team all-state honors as a senior in 2015 from the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal, while he was an honorable mention selection from the organizations as a junior... Also named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior... Helped lead the Wildcats to a trip to the Class 4A-II state championship game in 2015, while the team went 14-0 and was the Class 4A state champions in 2012... Totaled 1,718 career rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, including 1,051 yards and 15 scores as a senior... Also recorded 285 career tackles, including 128 during his senior campaign, with 8.0 tackles for loss and three interceptions in 2015... Selected to play in the 2016 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Played with current K-State linebacker Trent Tanking... Also played basketball... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2016 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
PERSONAL: Joshua Brown was born December 3, 1997, in Fairburn, Georgia… Son of Bobbie Brown.
HARRISON CREED OL | 6-5 | 310 Ulysses, Kansas Ulysses High School HIGHLIGHTS Picked up all-state honors from USA Today, Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl following his senior season. Rated the ninth-best player in the state of Kansas by 247Sports.
AT ULYSSES HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Tigers under head coach Jason Kenny... Viewed as the ninth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior... Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Dallas, Texas, following the 2016 season... Earned all-state honors as a senior from the Topeka CapitalJournal and Wichita Eagle... High school teammates of current Wildcat linebacker Ian Rudzik... Also participated in baseball and track. PERSONAL: Harrison Nowlin Creed was born November 11, 1998, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma... Son of Jim and Stephanie Stewart... Has one sibling, Jameson.
PERSONAL: Mason Aaron Barta was born December 16, 1997, in Holton, Kansas... Son of Brooks and Tonya Barta... Has one sister, Tabor... Father, Brooks, was a linebacker for the Wildcats from 1989-92, earning First Team All-Big Eight honors as a junior in 1991 and Academic All-America accolades as a senior in 1992... Brooks ranks second in school history in career tackles with 436... Grandfather, Roger Barta, was a legendary high school coach at Smith Center (KS) High School and was the premise of the New York Times bestseller book Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
XAVIER DAVIS
DANIEL GREEN
DE | 6-6 | 250 Phoenix, Arizona Pima Community College ege
LB | 6-3 | 228 Portland, Oregon Madison High School
HIGHLIGHTS Recorded 8.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks as a freshman in 2015 before redshirting the 2016 season . Picked up honorable mention all-state honors as a high school senior in 2014. Regarded as the 10th-best community-college defensive end in the Class of 2017 by Rivals.
HIGHLIGHTS Picked up all-state honors from The Oregonian as a senior. Rated one of the top 250 prospects nationally by Rivals. Viewed as the nation’s 10th-best inside linebacker nationally by Rivals.
AT PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played the 2015 season for the Aztecs before redshirting the 2016 campaign... Rated the 10th best community-college defensive end in the Class of 2017 by Rivals, while he earned a No. 11 ranking from 247Sports and a No. 17 ranking from ESPN... Rivals also rated him the 63rd-best overall community-college prospect... Finished his freshman campaign with 27 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks... Had a season-high six tackles against Phoenix College when he carded a season-best 2.0 sacks and 3.0 TFLs... Also had six tackles, 2.0 TFLs and a sack against Mesa CC... Recorded a safety, a forced fumble and a blocked kick during the year.
AT MADISON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Senators under head coach Don Johnson, Jr... Named one of the top 250 prospect in the Class of 2017 by Rivals... The organization also viewed him as the 10th-best inside linebacker in the nation and the third-best player in the state of Oregon... Earned second team all-state honors from The Oregonian, while he is a two-time first team all-conference honoree.
AT RED MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Mountain Lions under head coach Ron Wisneiwski... Earned honorable mention all-state honors as a senior in 2014 after totaling 66 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks... Recorded 35 tackles, nine TFLs and 4.5 sacks as a junior. PERSONAL: Xavier A Davis was born February 28, 1996, in Saint Paul, Minnesota... Son of Byron and Ramona Davis... Has 14 siblings... Has career aspiration of becoming a nurse practitioner.
BERNARD GOODWATER R RB | 5-9 | 175 Dallas, Texas Carter High School HIGHLIGHTS A three-time all-district honoree, including a first-team honoree as a junior and senior. Totaled over 1,800 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns during his prep career. Viewed as the nation’s No. 35 all-purpose back by 247Sports.
AT CARTER HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Cowboys under head coach Patrick Williams... Rated the 35th best all-purpose back in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports, while he was named the 54th-best overall running back by Scout... A three time all-district honoree, including first-team honors as a junior and senior... Rushed for 1,827 yards and 19 touchdowns during his four-year career, while he totaled 500 receiving yards and another five scores... Was a member of the state championship 4x100 team... A member of the school’s ROTC program. PERSONAL: Bernard Lessessne Goodwater III was born January 21, 1999, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina... Son of Elliott and St. Augustine Jackson... Has five siblings, Evan, Connor, Jessica, Briana and Dominic... Plans on majoring in science.
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PERSONAL: Daniel Green was born January 8, 1999... Son of David and Kimberly Green.
WYATT HUBERT DE | 6-3 | 240 Topeka, Kansas Shawnee Heights High h School h l HIGHLIGHTS A first-team all-state honoree by Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and KFBCA as a senior. Totaled 17.5 TFLs and eight sacks in 2016, earning league defensive player of the year honors. Viewed as the nation’s 29th-best strongside defensive end by Rivals.
AT SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Thunderbirds under head coach Jason Swift... Rated the nation’s 29th-best strongside defensive end in the Class of 2017 by Rivals, while he was ranked as the second-best player in the state of Kansas by ESPN... Earned a spot on the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team in addition to All-Midlands Region honors from PrepStar... Picked up allstate honors as a senior from the Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFBCA), while he was an honorable mention selection as a junior... Totaled 124 career tackles, 43.0 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks... Finished his senior season with 63 tackles, 17.5 TFLs and 8.0 sacks en route to Centennial League Defensive Player of the Year, all-league and all-city honors... Also played tight end, totaling 39 career receptions for 500 yards and a pair of touchdowns... Selected to play in the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Also participated in wrestling and track and field... Graduated high school early and enrolled at K-State in January. PERSONAL: Wyatt Anthony Hubert was born June 13, 1998, in Shawnee, Kansas... Son of Steve Smith and Debi Hubert-Smith... Has four siblings, Riley, Ashlyn, Austen and Cole... Plans on majoring in kinesiology with the hopes of becoming a college football coach.
2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
ELI HUGGINS
BILL KUDUK
DT | 6-4 | 285 Cumming, Georgia West Forsyth High School hool
OL | 6-5 | 280 Chicago, Illinois Marist High School
HIGHLIGHTS Earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Georgia Sports Writers Association in 2015. Totaled 217 tackles, 31 TFLs and 20 sacks in his career. Ranks 21st nationally among strongside defensive ends in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports.
HIGHLIGHTS Played in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl following his senior campaign. Named an All-Midwest Region player by Prepstar. Also participated in lacrosse and wrestling.
AT WEST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Wolverines under head coaches Adam Clark and Frank Hepler, helping West Forsyth advance to three state playoff appearances... Named the 21st-best strongside defensive end in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... An All-Southeast Region pick by PrepStar... Picked up honorable mention all-state honors from the Georgia Sports Writers Association as a junior in 2015... Also earned first team all-county and all-region accolades... Named a first team all-county performer by the Forsyth County News... Totaled 217 tackles in his career, including 80 tackles and 11 sacks as a junior en route to the school’s single-season sack record... Totaled 31 TFLs and 20 sacks in his career... Also a member of the school’s fishing team, placing third at the state championship in 2013 and fourth in 2014... Graduated high school early and enrolled at K-State in January.
AT MARIST HIGH SCHOOL: A two-year letterwinner for the Redhawks under head coach Pat Dunne... Rated the 29th-best prospect in the state of Illinois in the Class of 2017 by ESPN... Helped Marist earn a combined 17-7 record over his junior and senior seasons... Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, following the 2016 season... Picked up All-Midwest Region honors from PrepStar... Earned all-conference honors as a senior... Also lettered three years in lacrosse – earning defensive MVP honors in 2015 – and wrestling.
PERSONAL: Eli David Huggins was born July 29, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri... Son of Jeff and Heather Huggins... Has three siblings, Hannah, Jake and Abby... Plans on majoring in business.
TRACE KOCHEVAR TE | 6-6 | 240 Salina, Kansas Salina South High Schooll HIGHLIGHTS A two-time honorable mention all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Totaled 230 receiving yards during his prep career. Enrolled at K-State full-time in January and will take part in spring practices.
AT SALINA SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Cougars under head coach Sam Sellers... Earned all-state accolades from the Kansas Football Coaches Association as a senior in 2015, while he earned honorable mention nods from as a junior and senior from the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle... Totaled 230 receiving yards during his prep career... Helped Salina South earn a 20-5 record over his final two years, including a state runner-up finish as a senior... Also a three-year starter in basketball, earning all-county and all-league honors... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2016 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
PERSONAL: William Anthony Kuduk was born November 19, 1998, in Palos Heights, Illinois... Son of William and Lisa Kuduk... Has one sibling, Alyssa... Plans on majoring in engineering.
AIDAN MILLS OL | 6-5 | 265 Newton, Kansas Newton High School HIGHLIGHTS Earned all-state honors from USA Today, the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Was an all-league honoree over the final three years of his career. Rated the No. 7 player in the state of Kansas by Scout.
AT NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three years for the Railers under head coach Nate Wollenberg... Regarded as the seventh-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2017 by Scout... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior in 2016, while he was an honorable mention pick by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle... Picked up three straight all-league accolades, including first-team honors as senior... Also participated in basketball and track, earning state runner-up honors in the shot put in 2015. PERSONAL: Aidan Michael Mills was born April 11, 1999, in Cleburn, Texas... Son of Brian Mills and Heather and James Barringer... Has two siblings, Owen and Abigail... A three-year member of the honor roll.
PERSONAL: Trace James Kochevar was born October 22, 1997, in Salina, Kansas... Son of Darrin and Tammie Kochevar... Has a twin sister, Hannah... Father, Darrin, played football at Coffeyville Community College and Bethany College.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
SPENCER MISKO TE | 6-5 | 235 Keller, Texas Keller High School
DA’QUAN PATTON LB | 6-2 | 215 Cedar Park, Texas Trinity Valley Community y College
HIGHLIGHTS An Honorable Mention Texas APSE Class 6A All-State selection as a senior in 2016. Earned all-district honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. Earned All-Midlands Region accolades from PrepStar.
HIGHLIGHTS A Second Team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore in 2016. Totaled 123 career tackles at Trinity Valley, including 89 stops, 6.0 TFLs and 2.5 sacks in 2016. Viewed as the fifth-best community-college outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN.
AT KELLER HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Indians under head coach Carl Stralow... Earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors as a defensive lineman, while he was a three-time all-district honoree... Also earned All-Midlands Region honors from PrepStar... Totaled 117 career tackles to go along with six sacks... Also lettered in basketball.
AT TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played two seasons for the Cardinals under head coach Brad Smiley... Rated the fifth best community-college outside linebacker in the nation in the Class of 2017 by ESPN, while he is regarded as the 13th best community-college prospect in the state of Texas by 247Sports... Capped his career by earning Second Team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-America honors as a sophomore in 2016 in addition to Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) Co-Defensive Player of the Year and first team all-conference accolades... Recorded 89 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception as a sophomore... Carded four double-digit tackle games, including a career-high 11 stops with a sack at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M... Also had 10 tackles and a sack against Navarro College and another 10 stops, a career-high 2.5 TFLs and an interception at Tyler Junior College... Totaled 123 tackles, 10.0 TFLs and 2.5 sacks in his career, helping his teams compile an 18-4 overall record, a pair of league titles and a C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl victory in 2016.
PERSONAL: Spencer Cole Misko was born June 3, 1998, in Carrollton, Texas... Son of Jason and Suzanna Frank... Plans on majoring in business.
GERVARRIUS US OWENS DB | 6-1 | 188 Moore, Oklahoma Southmoore High School hool HIGHLIGHTS Earned all-state accolades from The Oklahoman as a senior. Recorded 210 tackles, 23.0 TFLs and two interceptions during his prep career. Viewed as the 86th-best safety in the Class of 2017 by Scout.
AT SOUTHMOORE HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Sabercats under head coach Jeremy Stark... Rated the No. 86 safety nationally in the Class of 2017 by Scout and the 14th-best player overall in the state of Oklahoma by Rivals... Selected to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game... Named to The Oklahoman’s all-state team as a senior... Tallied 210 tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss and nine sacks and two interceptions in his career, including his senior campaign when he had 88 stops, 7.0 TFLs and three sacks... Also totaled 60 career receptions for 1,277 yards and 16 touchdowns. PERSONAL: Gervarrius Owens was born October 14, 1998... Son of Kimberly Owens.
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AT VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three years for the Rangers under head coach Vincent Rooney... Recorded second team all-state honors as a senior in 2014 from the Texas Associated Press Sports Writers, while he was named the District 25-5A Defensive MVP... Also tallied all-district honors as a sophomore and junior... Tallied 157 career tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks... Helped Vista Ridge earn an 8-3 record as a senior in 2014 by totaling 100 tackles, 11.0 TFLs and 3.0 sacks... Collected 75 tackles and three picks as a junior, while he had 28 stops as a sophomore. PERSONAL: Da’Quan Ryland Patton was born February 4, 1997, in Topeka, Kansas... Son of Ronnie Patton and Tamara Brown.
2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
ANTHONY PAYNE
ISAIAH STEWART
DE | 6-2 | 255 Peculiar, Missouri Raymore-Peculiar High h School
DB | 6-0 | 180 DeSoto, Texas DeSoto High School
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time first team all-state honoree from the Missouri Football Coaches Association. Tallied 80 tackles, 13 TFLs and eight sacks as a senior. Rated the nation’s 13th-best strongside DE and the No. 1 player in Missouri by 247Sports.
HIGHLIGHTS An honorable mention all-state pick as a senior and three time all-district honoree. Earned Defensive MVP honors in the Class 6A Division II state championship game. Regarded as one of the five best Dallas area defensive backs by the Dallas Morning News.
AT RAYMORE-PECULIAR HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Panthers under head coach Tom Kruse... Regarded as the nation’s 13th-best strongside defensive end and the best player in the state of Missouri in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... Also rated the 53rd-best overall defensive end by ESPN... A two-time first team all-state and all-district performer by the Missouri Football Coaches Association... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Missouri team... Selected to play in the BlueGrey All-American Bowl in Dallas, Texas, following the 2016 season... Earned all-metro honors from the Kansas City Star as a senior... A member of the 2016 All-Simone Team as one of the top players in the Kansas City metro area... A finalist for the 2016 Buck Buchanan Memorial Award as the best lineman/linebacker in the Kansas City metro area... Recorded 80 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, eight sacks and forced three fumbles as a senior a year after totaling 61 tackles, 12.0 TFLs and 4.0 sacks.
AT DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Eagles under head coach Todd Peterman... Picked up honorable mention all-state honors from the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors, while he earned all-district honors over this final three years... An All-Midlands Region honoree from PrepStar... Rated as one of the five best Dallas area defensive backs in the Class of 2017 by the Dallas Morning News... Named the Defensive MVP in the Class 6A Division II state championship game... Totaled 85 tackles and six interceptions during his senior campaign, helping DeSoto earn a 16-0 record and a final No. 3 national ranking from USA Today Sports... An academic all-state honoree... Also participated in track and field.
PERSONAL: Nicholas Anthony Payne, Jr., was born November 12, 1998, in Shawnee Mission, Kansas... Son of Nicholas and Jennifer Payne... Has one sibling, Olivia.
JOSHUA RIVAS OL | 6-6 | 330 Hutchinson, Kansas Hutchinson High Schooll HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state honors as both a junior and senior. Named the league player of the year as a senior, helping Hutch rush for 356 yards per game. Regarded as the 50th-best guard in the Class of 2017 by ESPN.
AT HUTCHINSON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Salthawks under head coach Ryan Cornelsen... Regarded as the 50th-best guard in the Class of 2017 by ESPN, while he was rated the third-best player in the state of Kansas by ESPN and 247Sports... A two-time USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team member... A twotime first team all-state honoree by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle, while he was an honorable mention pick by both organizations as a sophomore... Also earned all-state honors from the Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFBCA) as a senior... Named to the Wichita Eagle and KFBCA top-11 teams in 2016... Earned All-Midlands Region accolades from PrepStar... Named the Division I of the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, helping the Salthawks earn a 10-2 record and rush for 356 yards per game... Selected to play in the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Also participated in track and field.
PERSONAL: Isaiah D Stewart was born February 2, 1998, in Dallas, Texas... Son of Brian Stewart and Tina Stewart... Has two siblings, Jalen Stewart and Keinon Collins... Plans on majoring in business.
CHABASTIN TAYLOR WR | 6-4 | 208 Giddings, Texas Giddings High School HIGHLIGHTS The 2016 Offensive MVP of District 10-4A. Accumulated 815 yards and 16 touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons. Also participated in track, winning district championships in the 4x200 replay and 200-meter dash.
AT GIDDINGS HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Buffaloes under head coach Chris Jones... A two-time all-district honoree, including his senior season when he was named the Offensive MVP of District 10-4A and member of the All-Midlands Region team by PrepStar... Hauled in 42 passes for 815 yards and 16 touchdowns over his junior and senior years while also rushing for 945 yards on 122 carries and another 14 scores... Also played quarterback, completing 29-of-57 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns over the final two years of his prep career... Participated in track, earning district championships in the 4x200 relay as a junior and senior, as well as the 200 meter dash as a senior. PERSONAL: Chabastin Edward Taylor was born September 14, 1998, in Austin, Texas... Son of Patricia Rivers-Taylor and the late Charles Taylor... Has one sibling, Darrecia.
PERSONAL: Joshua David Rivas was born April 12, 1999, in Hutchinson, Kansas... Son of Jose and Kimberly Rivas... Has one sister, Rachel... Plans on majoring in biology.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
DANNY WALKER
SAMUEL WHEELER
LB | 6-3 | 215 Wheaton, Illinois Wheaton North High School hool
QB | 6-4 | 200 Lenexa, Kansas St. James Academy
HIGHLIGHTS An all-conference honoree as both a sophomore and senior. A two-year starter at both outside linebacker and strong safety. Viewed as the 47th-best outside linebacker in the Class of 2017 by Scout.
H HIGHLIGHTS TThrew for nearly 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns during his prep career. Father, Sean, played on Bill Snyder’s first team at K-State in 1989. Rated the 39th best dual-threat quarterback in the country by ESPN.
AT WHEATON NORTH HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year leterwinner and two-year starter at both outside linebacker and strong safety for the Falcons under head coach Joe Wardynski... Rated the 47th-best outside linebacker in the nation in the Class of 2017 by Scout and the 19th-best player in the state of Illinois by 247Sports... Earned all-conference honors on two occasions, including the 2016 season when he was the defensive player of the year.
AT ST. JAMES ACADEMY: Played for the Thunder under head coach Tom Radke... Rated the nation’s 39th best dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2017 by ESPN and the sixth-best player in the state of Kansas by Scout... Completing his career by throwing for 1,596 yards and 16 touchdowns on 121-of-274 aim... Had a great senior season in which he tossed 13 touchdowns and threw for 1,187 yards en route to honorable mention all-league honors... Rushed for 634 career yards and five touchdowns... Also a member of the track team, participating in the high jump.
PERSONAL: Daniel Jordan Walker was born September 28, 1998, in Arlington Heights, Illinois... Son of Priest and Mary Walker... Has one sister, Erica, a member of the Ohio University volleyball team... Plans on majoring in business.
ELIJAH WALKER DB | 6-3 | 210 Long Beach, California Cerritos College HIGHLIGHTS Named a First Team South California Football Association All-Northern League performer. Regarded as the top community-college safety in the Class of 2017 by Scout. Totaled 117 tackles, four picks and 10 passes defended in his two-year career at Cerritos.
AT CERRITOS COLLEGE: Played two seasons for the Falcons under head coach Frank Mazzotta... Rated the top community-college safety in the Class of 2017 and the 13th-best overall community-college prospect by Scout... Picked up First Team Southern California Football Association All-Northern League honors as a sophomore... Ended his community-college career with 117 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, four interceptions and 10 passes defended... Had a career-high tying 11 tackles as a sophomore against Fullerton, while he had a 21-yard interception return touchdown at Bakersfield later in the season... Also recorded nine tackles and 3.0 TFLs against Los Angeles Valley... Picked off a pass in his first-career game in 2015 at Saddleback... Also came up with interceptions against Moorpark and College of the Canyons later in his freshman campaign... Teammates in 2015 at Cerritos with current Wildcat defensive back D.J. Reed and defensive tackle Ray Price. AT CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL: Played both defensive back and wide receiver for one season for the Jaguars under head coach Luis Hayes... Earned first team all-league honors... Selected to play in the 2015 605 All-Star Game. PERSONAL: Elijah Walker was born November 23, 1997, in Long Beach, California... Son of Charlotte Jupiter... Has five brothers and six sisters.
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PERSONAL: Samuel Joseph Wheeler was born May 18, 1999, in Manhattan, Kansas... Son of Sean and Susan Wheeler... Has five siblings, Christopher, Ellie, Lauren, Ben and Maggie... Father, Sean, and uncle, Mike, were wide receivers on Bill Snyder’s first team in 1989.
DREW WILEY DT | 6-4 | 290 Vinton, Iowa Vinton-Shellsburg High h School HIGHLIGHTS Twice named an all-state performer by the Iowa Newspaper Association. Totaled 141 career tackles to go along with 42 TFLs and seven sacks. Selected to participate in the Iowa Shrine Bowl.
AT VINTON-SHELLSBURG HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Vikings under head coach Jim Womochil... Earned First Team All-Class 3A honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association as a senior in 2016, while he was a second-team pick as a junior... A three-time all-district pick, including his senior campaign when he was named the district defensive player of the year... Also earned a spot on the Cedar Rapids Gazette All-Area team during his final campaign... Finished his prep career with 141 tackles, 42 tackles for loss and seven sacks, including 55 stops, 25 TFLs and two sacks as a senior... Selected to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl... Also lettered in wrestling, basketball and track and field. PERSONAL: Andrew Lee Wiley was born September 10, 1998, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa... Son of Todd and Denise Wiley... Has three siblings, Isaac, Emma and Josh... Plans on majoring in animal science.
2017 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 • 2:30 p.m. Steel & Pipe Team Theatre • Vanier Family Football Complex • Manhattan, Kan.
K-STATE’S 2017 SIGNING CLASS INCLUDES 23 NEW WILDCATS MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State Hall of Fame head coach Bill HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES (20) Snyder announced the names of 23 student-athletes who plan on NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) joining or have already joined the K-State football program as part of Ben Adler OL 6-4 310 Wichita, Kan. (Trinity Academy) Mason Barta* FB 6-2 205 Holton, Kan. (Holton HS) K-State’s 2017 Signing Class. Joshua Brown DB 6-1 205 Fairburn, Ga. (Langston Hughes HS) Additionally, Snyder announced that senior defensive end Davis Harrison Creed OL 6-5 310 Ulysses, Kan. (Ulysses HS) Clark has been put on scholarship. Bernard Goodwater RB 5-9 175 Dallas, Texas (Carter HS) This year’s class includes 20 players from the high school ranks Daniel Green LB 6-3 228 Portland, Ore. (Madison HS) and three community-college players. Of the signing class, five – Wyatt Hubert* DE 6-3 240 Topeka, Kan. (Shawnee Heights HS) Eli Huggins* DT 6-4 285 Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth HS) Mason Barta, Wyatt Hubert, Eli Huggins, Trace Kochevar and Trace Kochevar* TE 6-6 240 Salina, Kan. (Salina South HS) Da’Quan Patton – are currently enrolled at K-State and will particBill Kuduk OL 6-5 280 Chicago, Ill. (Marist HS) ipate in April’s spring practices, which culminate with the Purple/ Aidan Mills OL 6-5 265 Newton, Kan. (Newton HS) White Spring Game on April 22. Spencer Misko TE 6-5 235 Keller, Texas (Keller HS) Gervarrius Owens DB 6-1 188 Moore, Okla. (Southmoore HS) “We cannot accurately assess any class until the young men Anthony Payne DE 6-2 255 Peculiar, Mo. (Raymore-Peculiar HS) have been in the program for two or three years,” Snyder said. “For Joshua Rivas OL 6-6 330 Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutchinson HS) example, looking back two years ago to the 2015 class, I find that Isaiah Stewart DB 6-0 180 DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto HS) 18 of the 24 signees are presently in our two deep with two or more Chabastin Taylor WR 6-4 208 Giddings, Texas (Giddings HS) Danny Walker LB 6-3 215 Wheaton, Ill. (Wheaton North HS) years of eligibility remaining, while many have played a vital role in Samuel Wheeler QB 6-4 200 Lenexa, Kan. (St. James Academy) this past season’s success. Drew Wiley DT 6-4 290 Vinton, Iowa (Vinton HS) “This year’s class appears to have met most of our needs, but not all. Therefore, the process to complete this year’s class is still COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETES (3) a work in progress. Because we are such a young team collectively, NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Xavier Davis DE 6-6 250 Phoenix, Ariz. (Pima Community College) we will graduate very few after the 2017 season, leaving us with as Da’Quan Patton* LB 6-2 215 Cedar Park, Texas (Trinity Valley CC) few as 14 available spots next year. That is a stark difference from Elijah Walker DB 6-3 210 Long Beach, Calif. (Cerritos College) our beginning in 1989 when we had only 47 on scholarship and could * Currently enrolled take all we could get. “I have been impressed with the quality of character of each of these young men, as well as their collective commitment to become the best person, student and athlete possible. “I am always so very appreciative of the high school and community-college coaches, administration and faculty throughout the state of Kansas and across the country for their assistance. I am most appreciative of the Kansas State faculty, administration, Dean of Students, Director of Finances and our athletic support staff, Athletics Director and President for their assistance in promoting our program and providing the great support services, education and caring relationships which exists within our University.” K-State’s Class of 2017 includes 12 players on defense and 11 on offense. The class is comprised of five offensive linemen, four defensive backs, three defensive ends and linebackers, two defensive tackles and tight ends, in addition to one fullback, a running back, a wide receiver and a quarterback.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
CLASS BREAKDOWN BY STATE
2
1
GEORGIA
ILLINOIS
ARIZONA
Josh Brown, Eli Huggins
Bill Kuduk, Danny Walker
Xavier Davis
1
1
5
8
2
TEXAS
KANSAS Ben Adler, Mason Barta, Harrison Creed, Wyatt Hubert, Trace Kochevar, Aidan Mills, Joshua Rivas, Samuel Wheeler
Bernard Goodwater, Spencer Misko, Da’Quan Patton, Isaiah Stewart, Chabastin Taylor
1
1
1
CALIFORNIA
MISSOURI
IOWA
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
Elijah Walker
Anthony Payne
Drew Wiley
Gervarrius Owens
Daniel Green
BY POSITION
4
5
3
3
2
OFFENSIVE LINE
DEFENSIVE BACK
DEFENSIVE END
LINEBACKER
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Ben Adler, Harrison Creed, Bill Kuduk, Aidan Mills, Joshua Rivas
Josh Brown, Gervarrius Owens, Isaiah Stewart, Elijah Walker
Xavier Davis, Wyatt Hubert, Anthony Payne
Daniel Green, Da’Quan Patton, Danny Walker
Eli Huggins, Drew Wiley
1
2
1
1
1
TIGHT END
FULLBACK
RUNNING BACK
WIDE RECEIVER
QUARTERBACK
Trace Kochevar, Spencer Misko
Mason Barta
Bernard Goodwater
Chabastin Taylor
Samuel Wheeler
BY CLASSIFICATION
HIGH SCHOOL (20)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE (3)
Ben Adler, Mason Barta, Josh Brown, Harrison Creed, Bernard Goodwater, Daniel Green, Eli Huggins, Wyatt Hubert, Trace Kochevar, Bill Kuduk, Aidan Mills, Spencer Misko, Gervarrius Owens, Anthony Payne, Joshua Rivas, Isaiah Stewart, Chabastin Taylor, Danny Walker, Sammy Wheeler, Drew Wiley
Xavier Davis, Da’Quan Patton, Elijah Walker
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
BEN ADLER
JOSHUA BROWN
OL | 6-4 | 310 Wichita, Kansas Trinity Academy
DB | 6-1 | 205 Fairburn, Georgia Langston Hughes High School chool
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time all-state honoree by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Played int he Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Atlanta following his senior season. Regarded as the 47th-best guard in the Class of 2017 by Scout.
HIGHLIGHTS A first team all-state honoree as a junior in 2015 and four-time all-region pick. Carded 189 tackles over his junior and senior campaigns with seven career interceptions. Viewed as the 50th-best safety in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports.
AT TRINITY ACADEMY: Played for the Knights under head coach Jared Daniel... Rated the nation’s 47th-best guard and the fourth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2017 by Scout... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team, while he was an All-Midlands Region selection by PrepStar... Selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia, following the 2016 season... Earned all-state honors as a senior from the Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFBCA), while he was an honorable mention selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle as a junior... Named to the Wichita Eagle Top-33 team as a senior... Selected to play in the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Also an all-state baseball player as a first baseman and designated hitter... High school teammates with current Wildcat running back Tyler Burns.
AT LANGSTON HUGHES HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Panthers under head coach Willie Cannon... Rated the 50th-best safety in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... An All-Southeast Region pick by PrepStar... Earned first team all-state honors as a junior, while he picked up all-region accolades all four years... Also named his team’s defensive player of the year on two occasions... Totaled 189 tackles over his final two seasons – including 102 stops as a junior – while he had seven career interceptions.
PERSONAL: Benjamin Joseph Adler was born October 17, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas... Son of Marcus and Michelle Adler... Has four siblings, Will, Nate, Luc and Jace... Plans on majoring in construction management.
MASON BARTA FB | 6-2 | 205 Holton, Kansas Holton High School HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state honors as a senior from the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal. Rushed for 1,718 yards and 21 TDs in his career, including 1,051 yards and 15 scores in 2015. High school coach was his father, Brooks, a K-State linebacker from 1989-92.
AT HOLTON HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Wildcats under head coach and father Brooks Barta... Rated the top outside linebacker in the state of Kansas for the Class of 2016 by Scout... Earned first team all-state honors as a senior in 2015 from the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal, while he was an honorable mention selection from the organizations as a junior... Also named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior... Helped lead the Wildcats to a trip to the Class 4A-II state championship game in 2015, while the team went 14-0 and was the Class 4A state champions in 2012... Totaled 1,718 career rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, including 1,051 yards and 15 scores as a senior... Also recorded 285 career tackles, including 128 during his senior campaign, with 8.0 tackles for loss and three interceptions in 2015... Selected to play in the 2016 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Played with current K-State linebacker Trent Tanking... Also played basketball... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2016 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
PERSONAL: Joshua Brown was born December 3, 1997, in Fairburn, Georgia… Son of Bobbie Brown.
HARRISON CREED OL | 6-5 | 310 Ulysses, Kansas Ulysses High School HIGHLIGHTS Picked up all-state honors from USA Today, Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl following his senior season. Rated the ninth-best player in the state of Kansas by 247Sports.
AT ULYSSES HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Tigers under head coach Jason Kenny... Viewed as the ninth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior... Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Dallas, Texas, following the 2016 season... Earned all-state honors as a senior from the Topeka CapitalJournal and Wichita Eagle... High school teammates of current Wildcat linebacker Ian Rudzik... Also participated in baseball and track. PERSONAL: Harrison Nowlin Creed was born November 11, 1998, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma... Son of Jim and Stephanie Stewart... Has one sibling, Jameson.
PERSONAL: Mason Aaron Barta was born December 16, 1997, in Holton, Kansas... Son of Brooks and Tonya Barta... Has one sister, Tabor... Father, Brooks, was a linebacker for the Wildcats from 1989-92, earning First Team All-Big Eight honors as a junior in 1991 and Academic All-America accolades as a senior in 1992... Brooks ranks second in school history in career tackles with 436... Grandfather, Roger Barta, was a legendary high school coach at Smith Center (KS) High School and was the premise of the New York Times bestseller book Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
XAVIER DAVIS
DANIEL GREEN
DE | 6-6 | 250 Phoenix, Arizona Pima Community College ege
LB | 6-3 | 228 Portland, Oregon Madison High School
HIGHLIGHTS Recorded 8.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks as a freshman in 2015 before redshirting the 2016 season . Picked up honorable mention all-state honors as a high school senior in 2014. Regarded as the 10th-best community-college defensive end in the Class of 2017 by Rivals.
HIGHLIGHTS Picked up all-state honors from The Oregonian as a senior. Rated one of the top 250 prospects nationally by Rivals. Viewed as the nation’s 10th-best inside linebacker nationally by Rivals.
AT PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played the 2015 season for the Aztecs before redshirting the 2016 campaign... Rated the 10th best community-college defensive end in the Class of 2017 by Rivals, while he earned a No. 11 ranking from 247Sports and a No. 17 ranking from ESPN... Rivals also rated him the 63rd-best overall community-college prospect... Finished his freshman campaign with 27 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks... Had a season-high six tackles against Phoenix College when he carded a season-best 2.0 sacks and 3.0 TFLs... Also had six tackles, 2.0 TFLs and a sack against Mesa CC... Recorded a safety, a forced fumble and a blocked kick during the year.
AT MADISON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Senators under head coach Don Johnson, Jr... Named one of the top 250 prospect in the Class of 2017 by Rivals... The organization also viewed him as the 10th-best inside linebacker in the nation and the third-best player in the state of Oregon... Earned second team all-state honors from The Oregonian, while he is a two-time first team all-conference honoree.
AT RED MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Mountain Lions under head coach Ron Wisneiwski... Earned honorable mention all-state honors as a senior in 2014 after totaling 66 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks... Recorded 35 tackles, nine TFLs and 4.5 sacks as a junior. PERSONAL: Xavier A Davis was born February 28, 1996, in Saint Paul, Minnesota... Son of Byron and Ramona Davis... Has 14 siblings... Has career aspiration of becoming a nurse practitioner.
BERNARD GOODWATER R RB | 5-9 | 175 Dallas, Texas Carter High School HIGHLIGHTS A three-time all-district honoree, including a first-team honoree as a junior and senior. Totaled over 1,800 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns during his prep career. Viewed as the nation’s No. 35 all-purpose back by 247Sports.
AT CARTER HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Cowboys under head coach Patrick Williams... Rated the 35th best all-purpose back in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports, while he was named the 54th-best overall running back by Scout... A three time all-district honoree, including first-team honors as a junior and senior... Rushed for 1,827 yards and 19 touchdowns during his four-year career, while he totaled 500 receiving yards and another five scores... Was a member of the state championship 4x100 team... A member of the school’s ROTC program. PERSONAL: Bernard Lessessne Goodwater III was born January 21, 1999, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina... Son of Elliott and St. Augustine Jackson... Has five siblings, Evan, Connor, Jessica, Briana and Dominic... Plans on majoring in science.
PAGE • 4
PERSONAL: Daniel Green was born January 8, 1999... Son of David and Kimberly Green.
WYATT HUBERT DE | 6-3 | 240 Topeka, Kansas Shawnee Heights High h School h l HIGHLIGHTS A first-team all-state honoree by Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and KFBCA as a senior. Totaled 17.5 TFLs and eight sacks in 2016, earning league defensive player of the year honors. Viewed as the nation’s 29th-best strongside defensive end by Rivals.
AT SHAWNEE HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Thunderbirds under head coach Jason Swift... Rated the nation’s 29th-best strongside defensive end in the Class of 2017 by Rivals, while he was ranked as the second-best player in the state of Kansas by ESPN... Earned a spot on the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team in addition to All-Midlands Region honors from PrepStar... Picked up allstate honors as a senior from the Topeka Capital-Journal, Wichita Eagle and Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFBCA), while he was an honorable mention selection as a junior... Totaled 124 career tackles, 43.0 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks... Finished his senior season with 63 tackles, 17.5 TFLs and 8.0 sacks en route to Centennial League Defensive Player of the Year, all-league and all-city honors... Also played tight end, totaling 39 career receptions for 500 yards and a pair of touchdowns... Selected to play in the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Also participated in wrestling and track and field... Graduated high school early and enrolled at K-State in January. PERSONAL: Wyatt Anthony Hubert was born June 13, 1998, in Shawnee, Kansas... Son of Steve Smith and Debi Hubert-Smith... Has four siblings, Riley, Ashlyn, Austen and Cole... Plans on majoring in kinesiology with the hopes of becoming a college football coach.
2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
ELI HUGGINS
BILL KUDUK
DT | 6-4 | 285 Cumming, Georgia West Forsyth High School hool
OL | 6-5 | 280 Chicago, Illinois Marist High School
HIGHLIGHTS Earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Georgia Sports Writers Association in 2015. Totaled 217 tackles, 31 TFLs and 20 sacks in his career. Ranks 21st nationally among strongside defensive ends in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports.
HIGHLIGHTS Played in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl following his senior campaign. Named an All-Midwest Region player by Prepstar. Also participated in lacrosse and wrestling.
AT WEST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Wolverines under head coaches Adam Clark and Frank Hepler, helping West Forsyth advance to three state playoff appearances... Named the 21st-best strongside defensive end in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... An All-Southeast Region pick by PrepStar... Picked up honorable mention all-state honors from the Georgia Sports Writers Association as a junior in 2015... Also earned first team all-county and all-region accolades... Named a first team all-county performer by the Forsyth County News... Totaled 217 tackles in his career, including 80 tackles and 11 sacks as a junior en route to the school’s single-season sack record... Totaled 31 TFLs and 20 sacks in his career... Also a member of the school’s fishing team, placing third at the state championship in 2013 and fourth in 2014... Graduated high school early and enrolled at K-State in January.
AT MARIST HIGH SCHOOL: A two-year letterwinner for the Redhawks under head coach Pat Dunne... Rated the 29th-best prospect in the state of Illinois in the Class of 2017 by ESPN... Helped Marist earn a combined 17-7 record over his junior and senior seasons... Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, following the 2016 season... Picked up All-Midwest Region honors from PrepStar... Earned all-conference honors as a senior... Also lettered three years in lacrosse – earning defensive MVP honors in 2015 – and wrestling.
PERSONAL: Eli David Huggins was born July 29, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri... Son of Jeff and Heather Huggins... Has three siblings, Hannah, Jake and Abby... Plans on majoring in business.
TRACE KOCHEVAR TE | 6-6 | 240 Salina, Kansas Salina South High Schooll HIGHLIGHTS A two-time honorable mention all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Totaled 230 receiving yards during his prep career. Enrolled at K-State full-time in January and will take part in spring practices.
AT SALINA SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Cougars under head coach Sam Sellers... Earned all-state accolades from the Kansas Football Coaches Association as a senior in 2015, while he earned honorable mention nods from as a junior and senior from the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle... Totaled 230 receiving yards during his prep career... Helped Salina South earn a 20-5 record over his final two years, including a state runner-up finish as a senior... Also a three-year starter in basketball, earning all-county and all-league honors... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2016 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
PERSONAL: William Anthony Kuduk was born November 19, 1998, in Palos Heights, Illinois... Son of William and Lisa Kuduk... Has one sibling, Alyssa... Plans on majoring in engineering.
AIDAN MILLS OL | 6-5 | 265 Newton, Kansas Newton High School HIGHLIGHTS Earned all-state honors from USA Today, the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Was an all-league honoree over the final three years of his career. Rated the No. 7 player in the state of Kansas by Scout.
AT NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three years for the Railers under head coach Nate Wollenberg... Regarded as the seventh-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2017 by Scout... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior in 2016, while he was an honorable mention pick by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle... Picked up three straight all-league accolades, including first-team honors as senior... Also participated in basketball and track, earning state runner-up honors in the shot put in 2015. PERSONAL: Aidan Michael Mills was born April 11, 1999, in Cleburn, Texas... Son of Brian Mills and Heather and James Barringer... Has two siblings, Owen and Abigail... A three-year member of the honor roll.
PERSONAL: Trace James Kochevar was born October 22, 1997, in Salina, Kansas... Son of Darrin and Tammie Kochevar... Has a twin sister, Hannah... Father, Darrin, played football at Coffeyville Community College and Bethany College.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
SPENCER MISKO TE | 6-5 | 235 Keller, Texas Keller High School
DA’QUAN PATTON LB | 6-2 | 215 Cedar Park, Texas Trinity Valley Community y College
HIGHLIGHTS An Honorable Mention Texas APSE Class 6A All-State selection as a senior in 2016. Earned all-district honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. Earned All-Midlands Region accolades from PrepStar.
HIGHLIGHTS A Second Team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore in 2016. Totaled 123 career tackles at Trinity Valley, including 89 stops, 6.0 TFLs and 2.5 sacks in 2016. Viewed as the fifth-best community-college outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN.
AT KELLER HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Indians under head coach Carl Stralow... Earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors as a defensive lineman, while he was a three-time all-district honoree... Also earned All-Midlands Region honors from PrepStar... Totaled 117 career tackles to go along with six sacks... Also lettered in basketball.
AT TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played two seasons for the Cardinals under head coach Brad Smiley... Rated the fifth best community-college outside linebacker in the nation in the Class of 2017 by ESPN, while he is regarded as the 13th best community-college prospect in the state of Texas by 247Sports... Capped his career by earning Second Team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-America honors as a sophomore in 2016 in addition to Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) Co-Defensive Player of the Year and first team all-conference accolades... Recorded 89 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception as a sophomore... Carded four double-digit tackle games, including a career-high 11 stops with a sack at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M... Also had 10 tackles and a sack against Navarro College and another 10 stops, a career-high 2.5 TFLs and an interception at Tyler Junior College... Totaled 123 tackles, 10.0 TFLs and 2.5 sacks in his career, helping his teams compile an 18-4 overall record, a pair of league titles and a C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl victory in 2016.
PERSONAL: Spencer Cole Misko was born June 3, 1998, in Carrollton, Texas... Son of Jason and Suzanna Frank... Plans on majoring in business.
GERVARRIUS US OWENS DB | 6-1 | 188 Moore, Oklahoma Southmoore High School hool HIGHLIGHTS Earned all-state accolades from The Oklahoman as a senior. Recorded 210 tackles, 23.0 TFLs and two interceptions during his prep career. Viewed as the 86th-best safety in the Class of 2017 by Scout.
AT SOUTHMOORE HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Sabercats under head coach Jeremy Stark... Rated the No. 86 safety nationally in the Class of 2017 by Scout and the 14th-best player overall in the state of Oklahoma by Rivals... Selected to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game... Named to The Oklahoman’s all-state team as a senior... Tallied 210 tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss and nine sacks and two interceptions in his career, including his senior campaign when he had 88 stops, 7.0 TFLs and three sacks... Also totaled 60 career receptions for 1,277 yards and 16 touchdowns. PERSONAL: Gervarrius Owens was born October 14, 1998... Son of Kimberly Owens.
PAGE • 6
AT VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three years for the Rangers under head coach Vincent Rooney... Recorded second team all-state honors as a senior in 2014 from the Texas Associated Press Sports Writers, while he was named the District 25-5A Defensive MVP... Also tallied all-district honors as a sophomore and junior... Tallied 157 career tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks... Helped Vista Ridge earn an 8-3 record as a senior in 2014 by totaling 100 tackles, 11.0 TFLs and 3.0 sacks... Collected 75 tackles and three picks as a junior, while he had 28 stops as a sophomore. PERSONAL: Da’Quan Ryland Patton was born February 4, 1997, in Topeka, Kansas... Son of Ronnie Patton and Tamara Brown.
2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
ANTHONY PAYNE
ISAIAH STEWART
DE | 6-2 | 255 Peculiar, Missouri Raymore-Peculiar High h School
DB | 6-0 | 180 DeSoto, Texas DeSoto High School
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time first team all-state honoree from the Missouri Football Coaches Association. Tallied 80 tackles, 13 TFLs and eight sacks as a senior. Rated the nation’s 13th-best strongside DE and the No. 1 player in Missouri by 247Sports.
HIGHLIGHTS An honorable mention all-state pick as a senior and three time all-district honoree. Earned Defensive MVP honors in the Class 6A Division II state championship game. Regarded as one of the five best Dallas area defensive backs by the Dallas Morning News.
AT RAYMORE-PECULIAR HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Panthers under head coach Tom Kruse... Regarded as the nation’s 13th-best strongside defensive end and the best player in the state of Missouri in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports... Also rated the 53rd-best overall defensive end by ESPN... A two-time first team all-state and all-district performer by the Missouri Football Coaches Association... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Missouri team... Selected to play in the BlueGrey All-American Bowl in Dallas, Texas, following the 2016 season... Earned all-metro honors from the Kansas City Star as a senior... A member of the 2016 All-Simone Team as one of the top players in the Kansas City metro area... A finalist for the 2016 Buck Buchanan Memorial Award as the best lineman/linebacker in the Kansas City metro area... Recorded 80 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, eight sacks and forced three fumbles as a senior a year after totaling 61 tackles, 12.0 TFLs and 4.0 sacks.
AT DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Eagles under head coach Todd Peterman... Picked up honorable mention all-state honors from the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors, while he earned all-district honors over this final three years... An All-Midlands Region honoree from PrepStar... Rated as one of the five best Dallas area defensive backs in the Class of 2017 by the Dallas Morning News... Named the Defensive MVP in the Class 6A Division II state championship game... Totaled 85 tackles and six interceptions during his senior campaign, helping DeSoto earn a 16-0 record and a final No. 3 national ranking from USA Today Sports... An academic all-state honoree... Also participated in track and field.
PERSONAL: Nicholas Anthony Payne, Jr., was born November 12, 1998, in Shawnee Mission, Kansas... Son of Nicholas and Jennifer Payne... Has one sibling, Olivia.
JOSHUA RIVAS OL | 6-6 | 330 Hutchinson, Kansas Hutchinson High Schooll HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state honors as both a junior and senior. Named the league player of the year as a senior, helping Hutch rush for 356 yards per game. Regarded as the 50th-best guard in the Class of 2017 by ESPN.
AT HUTCHINSON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Salthawks under head coach Ryan Cornelsen... Regarded as the 50th-best guard in the Class of 2017 by ESPN, while he was rated the third-best player in the state of Kansas by ESPN and 247Sports... A two-time USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team member... A twotime first team all-state honoree by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle, while he was an honorable mention pick by both organizations as a sophomore... Also earned all-state honors from the Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFBCA) as a senior... Named to the Wichita Eagle and KFBCA top-11 teams in 2016... Earned All-Midlands Region accolades from PrepStar... Named the Division I of the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, helping the Salthawks earn a 10-2 record and rush for 356 yards per game... Selected to play in the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Also participated in track and field.
PERSONAL: Isaiah D Stewart was born February 2, 1998, in Dallas, Texas... Son of Brian Stewart and Tina Stewart... Has two siblings, Jalen Stewart and Keinon Collins... Plans on majoring in business.
CHABASTIN TAYLOR WR | 6-4 | 208 Giddings, Texas Giddings High School HIGHLIGHTS The 2016 Offensive MVP of District 10-4A. Accumulated 815 yards and 16 touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons. Also participated in track, winning district championships in the 4x200 replay and 200-meter dash.
AT GIDDINGS HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Buffaloes under head coach Chris Jones... A two-time all-district honoree, including his senior season when he was named the Offensive MVP of District 10-4A and member of the All-Midlands Region team by PrepStar... Hauled in 42 passes for 815 yards and 16 touchdowns over his junior and senior years while also rushing for 945 yards on 122 carries and another 14 scores... Also played quarterback, completing 29-of-57 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns over the final two years of his prep career... Participated in track, earning district championships in the 4x200 relay as a junior and senior, as well as the 200 meter dash as a senior. PERSONAL: Chabastin Edward Taylor was born September 14, 1998, in Austin, Texas... Son of Patricia Rivers-Taylor and the late Charles Taylor... Has one sibling, Darrecia.
PERSONAL: Joshua David Rivas was born April 12, 1999, in Hutchinson, Kansas... Son of Jose and Kimberly Rivas... Has one sister, Rachel... Plans on majoring in biology.
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2017 K-STATE FOOTBALL
DANNY WALKER
SAMUEL WHEELER
LB | 6-3 | 215 Wheaton, Illinois Wheaton North High School hool
QB | 6-4 | 200 Lenexa, Kansas St. James Academy
HIGHLIGHTS An all-conference honoree as both a sophomore and senior. A two-year starter at both outside linebacker and strong safety. Viewed as the 47th-best outside linebacker in the Class of 2017 by Scout.
H HIGHLIGHTS TThrew for nearly 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns during his prep career. Father, Sean, played on Bill Snyder’s first team at K-State in 1989. Rated the 39th best dual-threat quarterback in the country by ESPN.
AT WHEATON NORTH HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year leterwinner and two-year starter at both outside linebacker and strong safety for the Falcons under head coach Joe Wardynski... Rated the 47th-best outside linebacker in the nation in the Class of 2017 by Scout and the 19th-best player in the state of Illinois by 247Sports... Earned all-conference honors on two occasions, including the 2016 season when he was the defensive player of the year.
AT ST. JAMES ACADEMY: Played for the Thunder under head coach Tom Radke... Rated the nation’s 39th best dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2017 by ESPN and the sixth-best player in the state of Kansas by Scout... Completing his career by throwing for 1,596 yards and 16 touchdowns on 121-of-274 aim... Had a great senior season in which he tossed 13 touchdowns and threw for 1,187 yards en route to honorable mention all-league honors... Rushed for 634 career yards and five touchdowns... Also a member of the track team, participating in the high jump.
PERSONAL: Daniel Jordan Walker was born September 28, 1998, in Arlington Heights, Illinois... Son of Priest and Mary Walker... Has one sister, Erica, a member of the Ohio University volleyball team... Plans on majoring in business.
ELIJAH WALKER DB | 6-3 | 210 Long Beach, California Cerritos College HIGHLIGHTS Named a First Team South California Football Association All-Northern League performer. Regarded as the top community-college safety in the Class of 2017 by Scout. Totaled 117 tackles, four picks and 10 passes defended in his two-year career at Cerritos.
AT CERRITOS COLLEGE: Played two seasons for the Falcons under head coach Frank Mazzotta... Rated the top community-college safety in the Class of 2017 and the 13th-best overall community-college prospect by Scout... Picked up First Team Southern California Football Association All-Northern League honors as a sophomore... Ended his community-college career with 117 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, four interceptions and 10 passes defended... Had a career-high tying 11 tackles as a sophomore against Fullerton, while he had a 21-yard interception return touchdown at Bakersfield later in the season... Also recorded nine tackles and 3.0 TFLs against Los Angeles Valley... Picked off a pass in his first-career game in 2015 at Saddleback... Also came up with interceptions against Moorpark and College of the Canyons later in his freshman campaign... Teammates in 2015 at Cerritos with current Wildcat defensive back D.J. Reed and defensive tackle Ray Price. AT CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL: Played both defensive back and wide receiver for one season for the Jaguars under head coach Luis Hayes... Earned first team all-league honors... Selected to play in the 2015 605 All-Star Game. PERSONAL: Elijah Walker was born November 23, 1997, in Long Beach, California... Son of Charlotte Jupiter... Has five brothers and six sisters.
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PERSONAL: Samuel Joseph Wheeler was born May 18, 1999, in Manhattan, Kansas... Son of Sean and Susan Wheeler... Has five siblings, Christopher, Ellie, Lauren, Ben and Maggie... Father, Sean, and uncle, Mike, were wide receivers on Bill Snyder’s first team in 1989.
DREW WILEY DT | 6-4 | 290 Vinton, Iowa Vinton-Shellsburg High h School HIGHLIGHTS Twice named an all-state performer by the Iowa Newspaper Association. Totaled 141 career tackles to go along with 42 TFLs and seven sacks. Selected to participate in the Iowa Shrine Bowl.
AT VINTON-SHELLSBURG HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Vikings under head coach Jim Womochil... Earned First Team All-Class 3A honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association as a senior in 2016, while he was a second-team pick as a junior... A three-time all-district pick, including his senior campaign when he was named the district defensive player of the year... Also earned a spot on the Cedar Rapids Gazette All-Area team during his final campaign... Finished his prep career with 141 tackles, 42 tackles for loss and seven sacks, including 55 stops, 25 TFLs and two sacks as a senior... Selected to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl... Also lettered in wrestling, basketball and track and field. PERSONAL: Andrew Lee Wiley was born September 10, 1998, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa... Son of Todd and Denise Wiley... Has three siblings, Isaac, Emma and Josh... Plans on majoring in animal science.
