2016 Signing Day Release.indd
2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
2016 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016 • 3:30 p.m. Steel & Pipe Team Theatre • Vanier Family Football Complex • Manhattan, Kan.
K-STATE ANNOUNCES 22 PLAYERS AS PART OF 2016 SIGNING CLASS MANHATTAN, Kan. – For the 25th time in his Hall of Fame career, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES (17) Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder released the Wildcats’ annual NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Kyle Ball* LB 6-2 230 Prairie Village, Kan. (Shawnee Mission East HS) recruiting class Wednesday with the announcement of 22 stuMason Barta FB 6-2 205 Holton, Kan. (Holton HS) dent-athletes who plan on joining or have already joined the K-State Brett Bell* TE 6-6 225 Wichita, Kan. (Bishop Carroll HS) football program in 2016. Tyler Burns* RB 5-11 200 Wichita, Kan. (Trinity Academy) Isaiah Harris WR 5-10 165 Fort Worth, Texas (All Saints Episcopal HS) This year’s signing class includes 17 players from the high school Blake Hickey OL 6-4 260 Godley, Texas (Godley HS) ranks, four community-college players and an FBS graduate transfer Trace Kochevar TE 6-7 230 Salina, Kan. (Salina South HS) who will be immediately eligible. Additionally, running back Justin Nick Lenners TE 6-4 235 Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln Southwest HS) Bronson Massie DE 6-4 220 Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin HS) Silmon was awarded a scholarship and will count toward the Class Mike McCoy RB 6-2 215 Topeka, Kan. (Topeka HS) of 2016. Of the signing class, seven are currently enrolled at K-State Jimmy McKinney LB 6-1 225 Oologah, Okla. (Oologah HS) and will participate in April’s spring practices, which culminate with AJ Parker DB 6-0 160 Bartlesville, Okla. (Bartlesville HS) D.J. Render WR 5-11 175 Kennesaw, Ga. (North Cobb HS) the Purple/White Spring Game on April 23. Jordon Robertson DT 6-3 255 Dallas, Texas (Bishop Dunne HS) “As I’ve said each and every year, it will be two or three years Ian Rudzik FB 6-2 225 Ulysses, Kan. (Ulysses HS) before we can accurately assess the quality of this or any recruiting Corey Sutton* WR 6-2 200 Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS) Skylar Thompson* QB 6-2 193 Independence, Mo. (Fort Osage HS) class,” Snyder said. “Hopefully we have assessed the skills and intrinsic values of this year’s class accurately, but time will tell. COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETES (4) Including Justin Silmon and greyshirts from last year’s class, we NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) have eight of these student-athletes presently in classes and particAbdul Beechman* OL 6-3 285 Converse, Texas (Blinn College) Breontae Matthews OL 6-6 315 Washington, D.C. (Fullerton College) ipating in our out-of-season workouts. Ray Price DT 6-2 290 Long Beach, Calif. (Cerritos College) “Each member of this class has demonstrated a commitment to Byron Pringle* WR 6-2 212 Tampa, Fla. (Butler CC) becoming the best person, student and athlete possible,” Snyder TRANSFER STUDENT-ATHLETE (1) continued. “As always, we greatly appreciate the high school and NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) community college coaches, faculty members and administrators Cedric Dozier DB 5-10 180 Roanoke, Ala. (California) through the state of Kansas and across the nation who have received * Currently enrolled our coaches and program so very graciously. I am especially proud of and thankful for the Kansas State faculty, dean of students, director of finance, athletics support staff, athletics director and president for their assistance in conveying to these young men the great support services, education and caring relationships provided by our University.” This year’s class features 15 players on offense and seven players on defense. The class is made up of four wide receivers, three offensive linemen and tight ends, two apiece of defensive backs, defensive tackles, fullbacks, linebackers and running backs, one defensive end and one quarterback.
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
CLASS BREAKDOWN BY STATE
2
5
7 KANSAS Kyle Ball, Mason Barta, Brett Bell, Tyler Burns, Trace Kochevar, Mike McCoy, Ian Rudzik
TEXAS Abdul Beecham, Isaiah Harris, Blake Hickey, Bronson Massie, Jordon Robertson
1
1
1
OKLAHOMA
ALABAMA
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
Jimmy McKinney, AJ Parker
Cedric Dozier
Ray Price
Byron Pringle
1
1
1
1
1
GEORGIA
MISSOURI
NEBRASKA
NORTH CAROLINA
WASHINGTON, D.C.
D.J. Render
Skylar Thompson
Nick Lenners
Corey Sutton
Breontae Matthews
BY POSITION
3
2
3
4 WIDE RECEIVER
OFFENSIVE LINE
TIGHT END
Isaiah Harris, Byron Pringle, DJ Render, Corey Sutton
Abdul Beecham, Blake Hickey, Breontae Matthews
Brett Bell, Trace Kochevar, Nick Lenners
2
2
2
DEFENSIVE BACK DEFENSIVE TACKLE Cedric Dozier, AJ Parker
2
Ray Price, Jordon Robertson
1
1
FULLBACK
LINEBACKER
RUNNING BACK
DEFENSIVE END
QUARTERBACK
Mason Barta, Ian Rudzik
Kyle Ball, Jimmy McKinney
Tyler Burns, Mike McCoy
Bronson Massie
Skylar Thompson
BY CLASSIFICATION
HIGH SCHOOL (17)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE (4)
FBS TRANSFER (1)
Kyle Ball, Mason Barta, Brett Bell, Tyler Burns, Isaiah Harris, Blake Hickey, Trace Kochevar, Nick Lenners, Bronson Massie, Mike McCoy, Jimmy McKinney, AJ Parker, D.J. Render, Jordon Robertson, Ian Rudzik, Corey Sutton, Skylar Thompson
Abdul Beecham, Breontae Matthews, Ray Price, Byron Pringle
Cedric Dozier
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
KYLE BALL
ABDUL BEECHAM
LB | 6-2 | 230 Prairie Village, Kansas Shawnee Mission East High School
OL | 6-3 | 285 Converse, Texas Blinn College
HIGHLIGHTS Named one of the top 12 players in the state in 2014 by the Kansas Football Coaches Association. Earned 2014 Ryan Lilja Award as Top Kansas Big Class Lineman. Tallied 118 tackles, 37 TFLs and 10 sacks as a senior in 2014.
HIGHLIGHTS Earned Honorable Mention All-SWJCFC honors as a freshman in 2015. A two-time all-state honoree at Judson High School. Enrolled at K-State in January and will take part in spring practices.
AT SHAWNEE MISSION EAST HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Lancers under head coach Dustin Delaney... Helped lead Shawnee Mission East to a perfect 13-0 record and the school’s first-ever state championship in 2014... Recorded 118 tackles, including 37 for loss, and 10 sacks as a senior en route to being named one of the top 12 players in the state by the Kansas Football Coaches Association and to the organization’s all-state 6A team... Also one of the top 11 players in the state and named to the All-Class 6A team by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle... Earned the Ryan Lilja Award as the Top Kansas Big Class Lineman, while he was the Sunflower League Player of the Year... A finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award as the most outstanding lineman or linebacker in the Kansas City area... A first team all-metro selection by the Kansas City Star... Selected to play in the 2015 Kansas vs. Missouri All-Star Game... Named to the USA Today/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a junior after totaling 119 tackles, 28 TFLs and nine sacks... Also competed in basketball and track... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2015 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
AT BLINN COLLEGE: Played one season at Blinn under head coach Keith Thomas... Helped the Buccaneers earn a 5-4 record... Voted an Honorable Mention All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference offensive lineman as a freshman in 2015 after not allowing a sack the entire season.
PERSONAL: Kyle Alan Ball was born July 27, 1996, in Kansas City, Missouri... Son of Kerby and Julie Ball... Has two siblings, Calvin and Caleb... An Eagle Scout who accumulated a 3.9 GPA during his high school career... Plans on majoring in engineering.
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.com... Earned first team all-state honors as a senior 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.
AT JUDSON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Rockets under head coach Sean McAuliffe... A two-time first team all-district selection as a junior and senior, while he earned second team all-state (Class 5A) honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association honors as a junior and third-team (Class 6A) accolades as a senior... Also named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s preseason Class 6A all-state team in 2014. PERSONAL: Abdul Najee Beecham was born March 5, 1997, in West Point, New York... Son of Samuel and Tina Beecham... Has three siblings... Majoring in kinesiology.
BRETT BELL TE | 6-6 | 225 Wichita, Kansas Bishop Carroll High School hool HIGHLIGHTS Earned honorable mention all-state accolades from the Wichita Eagle in 2014. Helped lead Bishop Carroll to a Class 5A state championship as a senior in 2014. Totaled 22 receptions for 265 and two touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons.
AT BISHOP CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Eagles under head coach Alan Shuckman... Helped Bishop Carroll earn a perfect 13-0 record and a Class 5A state championship in 2014... An honorable mention All-Class 5A tight end by the Wichita Eagle as a senior in 2014... Earned first team all-league honors as a senior and second-team accolades as a junior... Hauled in 11 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns as a senior in 2014, while he also caught 11 passes for 118 yards as a junior... High school teammates with current Wildcat Denzel Goolsby... Also played baseball and golf... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2015 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices. PERSONAL: Brett M. Bell was born January 28, 1997, in Wichita, Kansas... Son of Mike and Traci Bell... Has two siblings, Brittney and Beau... Father, Mike, was a two-time AllAmerican defensive end at Colorado State and the second overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs... Mike went on to play 12 seasons for the Chiefs... Uncle, Mark Bell, played at Colorado State and for the Seattle Seahawks... Older brother, Beau, played football at Hutchinson CC and Kansas... Cousin, Blake Bell, was a quarterback/ tight end at Oklahoma from 2011-14, and just completed his rookie season for the San Francisco 49ers.
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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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
TYLER BURNS
ISAIAH HARRIS
RB | 5-11 | 200 Wichita, Kansas Trinity Academy
WR | 5-10 | 165 Fort Worth, Texas All Saints Episcopal High h School
HIGHLIGHTS Named an all-state running back and defensive back by the Wichita Eagle as a senior in 2014. Named the Central Plains League MVP as both a junior (2013) and senior (2014). Younger brother of Morgan Burns, who was an All-American kick returner for the Wildcats in 2015.
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time First Team Southwest Preparatory Conference All-State honoree. Rated one of the top 100 athletes in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Recorded 68 catches for 1,153 yards and 17 touchdowns during his senior campaign.
AT TRINITY ACADEMY: Played for the Knights under head coach Jared McDaniel... Rated the eighth-best prospect in the state of Kansas by ESPN.com in 2015... An All-Class 4A-II selection as both a running back and defensive back by the Wichita Eagle as a senior in 2014... Also earned all-state honors as a running back by the Topeka Capital-Journal... Picked up honorable mention all-state accolades in both 2012 and 2013... Rushed for 1,662 yards and scored 26 touchdowns as a senior... Named the Central Plains League MVP in 2013 and 2014, while he was a first team all-league running back as a sophomore, junior and senior... Also earned honorable mention all-league honors as a defensive back in 2013... Selected to play in the 2015 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2015 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
AT ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Saints under head coach Aaron Beck... Rated as one of the top 100 athletes in the Class of 2016 by ESPN... Earned First Team Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) All-State honors as both a junior and senior... Helped All Saints earn a 10-1 record as a senior by leading the team with 68 receptions for 1,153 yards and 17 touchdowns... Also rushed 16 times for 105 yards and another score... Tallied 38 catches for 920 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, while also rushing for 133 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries... Also participated in track and field where he was a first team all-state honoree... Attended the same high school as current Wildcat defensive back Kendall Adams.
PERSONAL: Tyler Cole Burns was born September 9, 1996, in Olathe, Kansas... Son of Brad and Greta Burns... Has three siblings, Morgan, Chandler and Ashley... Older brother, Morgan, was a captain and 2015 All-American kick returner for the Wildcats.
CEDRIC DOZIER DB | 5-10 | 180 Roanoke, Alabama Univ. of California HIGHLIGHTS Transfers to K-State after playing in 34 career games with 16 starts at California. Started 12 games as a sophomore in 2014, totaling 52 tackles and five pass breakups. Regarded as the 12th-best athlete nationally by Rivals.com coming out of high school in 2012.
AT CALIFORNIA: Played in 34 career games for the Golden Bears with 16 starts, totaling 80 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, nine passes defended and a forced fumble... Enjoyed the best season of his career as a sophomore in 2014 when he started 12 contests, recording 52 tackles and five pass breakups, including a season-high eight tackles at Arizona and two pass breakups at Oregon State... Also had seven tackles at Washington State and vs. Oregon and two tackles against both Colorado and USC... Started each of the final four contests of his redshirt freshman season in 2013, recording a season-high five tackles in the first start of his career against Arizona... Earned Honorable Mention Pac-12 AllAcademic honors in 2013... Originally went to Cal as a wide receiver. AT LAKES HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter at Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, under head coach Dave Miller... Regarded as the best cornerback in the state of Washington and 24th-best nationally in the Class of 2012 by Scout.com... Rated the 12th-best athlete in the country and the fourth-best player in the state of Washington by Rivals.com... Participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl following his senior season... Led team to an 11-1 record as a senior... Played cornerback all three seasons while played primarily at wide receiver as a senior in 2011 after spending his sophomore (2009) and junior (2010) campaigns as a quarterback... Totaled 28 receptions for 479 yards and five touchdown catches, in addition to 34 rushes for 291 yards and three score as a senior... Had a huge campaign on the ground as a junior with 1,223 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 183 rushes, and was 91-of-142 for 1,181 yards with 13 scores through the air. PERSONAL: Cedric D. Dozier was born February 5, 1993... Raised by his aunt, Barbara Thomas.
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PERSONAL: Isaiah Harris was born May 14, 1997, in Fort Worth, Texas... Son of Derwin and Nancy Harris... Has five siblings... Plans on majoring in business.
BLAKE HICKEY OL | 6-4 | 260 Godley, Texas Godley High School H HIGHLIGHTS Named the District 4-4A Offensive Lineman of the Year as a junior and senior. Rated the eighth-best offensive guard in the state of Texas by Scout.com. A two-time Texas APSE Class 4A All-State honoree, including first-team accolades as a senior.
AT GODLEY HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Wildcats, including the final two years under head coach Duke Dalton... Rated the 43rd-best offensive guard in the Class of 2016 by Scout.com – including a No. 8 ranking in the state of Texas – while ESPN ranked him No. 69... A three-time first team all-district performer who was named the District 4-4A Offensive Lineman of the Year as both a junior and senior... Also a twotime Texas Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) Class 4A All-State honoree, including earning first-team accolades as a senior, while he was a two-time all-area pick... Helped Godley earn a 3-2 record in district play as a senior, earning the Wildcats a trip to the state playoffs... Also played baseball, basketball and participated in track and field... Was an all-district pick in basketball as a freshman and named the sixth man of the year as a sophomore. PERSONAL: Blake Ryan Hickey was born May 20, 1998, in Fort Worth, Texas... Son of Brent and Tammy Hickey... Has one sister, Brooke... Plans on majoring in kinesiology.
2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
TRACE KOCHEVAR
BRONSON MASSIE
TE | 6-7 | 230 Salina, Kansas Salina South High Schooll
DE | 6-4 | 220 Lufkin, Texas Lufkin High School
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time honorable mention all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Helped lead Salina South to a 20-5 record over his final two seasons. Totaled 230 receiving yards during his prep career.
HIGHLIGHTS An Honorable Mention Texas APSE Class 5A All-State selection as a senior in 2015. Named a First Team All-District 16-5A performer. Rated the 16th-best defensive end in the state of Texas by Scout.com.
AT SALINA SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Cougars under head coach Sam Sellers... Earned honorable mention all-state accolades 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.
AT LUFKIN HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Panthers under head coach Todd Quick... Regarded as the 62nd-best outside linebacker in the Class of 2016 by ESPN, while Scout.com rated him the No. 16 defensive end in the state of Texas... Earned First Team All-District 16-5A honors as a defensive end in 2015, while he was an Honorable Mention Texas Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) Class 5A All-State pick... Named to the East Texas Sports Network (ETSN) East Texas Football Super Team... Recorded 173 tackles and 26 sacks during his three-year career, including an 80-tackle, 10-sack campaign as a senior... Helped Lufkin earn a 7-4 record and a trip to the state playoffs in 2015.
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 college football at Coffeyville Community College and Bethany.
NICK LENNERS TE | 6-4 | 235 Lincoln, Nebraska Lincoln Southwest High School HIGHLIGHTS A First Team Super-State and First Team Class A All-State selection by the Lincoln Journal-Star. Rated the 26th-best tight end in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Caught 18 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns as a senior.
AT LINCOLN SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Silver Hawks under head coach Mark King... Rated the fourth-best player in the state of Nebraska by Rivals.com and ESPN, while the latter ranked him No. 26 nationally among all tight ends in the Class of 2016... Earned First Team Super State and First Team Class A All-State honors from the Lincoln Journal-Star, while he was named to the Omaha World Herald’s Super Six team, recognizing him as one of the top six prep players in Nebraska, prior to the 2015 season... Caught 18 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns as a senior while recording 40 tackles, including 13 for loss... Also caught six passes for 60 yards and a touchdown in addition to recording 71 tackles, 14.5 TFLs and eight sacks as a junior... Selected to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Nebraska Team as a senior... A two-year Lincoln-Journal Star All-City team member... Also a twoyear academic all-state and three-year academic all-conference selection... A two-year letterwinner in track and field in addition to earning one letter in basketball. PERSONAL: Nicholas Renken Lenners was born June 30, 1997, in Lincoln, Nebraska... Son of Casey and Michelle Lenners... Has one brother, Brett... Plans on majoring in engineering.
PERSONAL: Bronson Massie was born November 4, 1997, in Lufkin, Texas... Son of Ron Massie and Barbara Jones... Plans on majoring in communications.
BREONTAE E MATTHEWS S OL | 6-6 | 315 Washington, D.C. Fullerton College HIGHLIGHTS Rated the 16th-best community-college offensive tackle in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Earned First Team All-America honors by the CCCFCA as a sophomore in 2015. Did not allow a sack during his sophomore campaign at Fullerton College.
AT FULLERTON COLLEGE: Started every game for the Hornets over the last two seasons under head coach Tim Byrnes... Regarded as one of the top 100 community-college players in the Class of 2016 by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, while ESPN rated him the 16th-best community-college offensive tackle in the nation... Earned First Team All-America honors by the California Community College Football Coaches Association (CCCFA)... A unanimous First team All-Southern California Football Association (SCFA) Southern All-Conference selection... Did not allow a sack during his sophomore campaign of 2015. AT SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for the Rams under head coach Ed Shields... Earned first team all-county honors, while he was invited to play in the Big 33 All-Star Game in addition to the Prince George’s County vs. Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) Challenge... Helped Suitland earn a 29-4 record over his three years in which he did not allow a sack. PERSONAL: Breontae Matthews was born April 3, 1995, in Washington, D.C... Son of Marquis Blair and Topaz Matthews... Has four siblings, Markinda, Ahniya, Unique and Martz... First Washington, D.C. native to play for the Wildcats since Kevin Huntley in 2003 and 2004.
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
MIKE McCOY
AJ PARKER
RB | 6-2 | 215 Topeka, Kansas Topeka High School
DB | 6-0 | 160 Bartlesville, Oklahoma a Bartlesville High Schooll
HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state accolades following his senior year from the Topeka Capital-Journal. Viewed as one of the top-10 players in the state and the 27th-best RB nationally by Rivals.com. Recorded nearly 1,500 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior.
HIGHLIGHTS Earned USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Oklahoma team honors in 2015. An all-state honoree from The Oklahoman, Tulsa World and Oklahoma Coaches Association. Helped lead Bartlesville to a 10-3 record and a trip to the semifinals of the state playoffs.
AT TOPEKA HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Trojans under head coach Walt Alexander... Rated the fifth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com, while he checks in at No. 6 according to ESPN... Also viewed as the 27th-best running back nationally by Rivals.com and the best in the state of Kansas by Scout.com... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior... A first team all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal following his senior campaign in addition to earning honorable mention honors from the Wichita Eagle... Also earned honorable mention accolades from both publications as a junior... Rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior en route to All-City Offensive Player of the Year honors... Helped lead Topeka High to an 8-2 record in 2015 and a 7-3 mark in 2014, culminating with trips to the state playoffs both seasons.
AT BARTLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for the Bruins under head coach John McKee... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Oklahoma team as a defensive back following his senior campaign in addition to earning all-state honors from The Oklahoman, Tulsa World and Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA)... Also picked honorable mention all-state accolades as a junior in 2014... Helped lead Bartlesville to a 10-2 record and a trip to the semifinals of the Oklahoma Class 6A-II state playoffs in 2015... Played wide receiver on offense as he hauled in 65 passes for 1,253 yards and 17 touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons... Selected to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game in July... Also a three-year starter in basketball, earning all-area honors, and participated in track and field, placing third in the state meet in the high jump as a sophomore and junior.
PERSONAL: Mike Jerome McCoy was born June 4, 1998, in Muskogee, Oklahoma... Son of Michael Coleman and Shante McCoy... Has two siblings, Memphis and Phynix... Cousin of Stacy McGee, who played defensive line at Oklahoma and just finished his third NFL season with the Oakland Raiders... Plans on majoring in business.
PERSONAL: Arlando Dwayne Parker, Jr., was born February 15, 1998, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma... Son of Arlando and Teresa Parker... Has one sister, Trinity.
JIMMY McKINNEY LB | 6-1 | 225 Oologah, Oklahoma Oologah High School HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state honors as a senior from The Oklahoman and Tulsa World. Regarded as the 16th-best inside linebacker nationally in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Tallied 504 tackles and 12 sacks over his four-year prep career.
AT OOLOGAH HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Mustangs under head coach Brandon Craig... Rated the 16th-best inside linebacker in the Class of 2016 by ESPN... Also viewed as the No. 5 prospect in the state of Oklahoma by ESPN and No. 11 by Rivals.com... Recorded 504 tackles and 12 sacks over his four-year career, including 181 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions during his senior campaign... Also rushed 175 times for 1,169 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior... Named a First Team AllState performer by the Tulsa World, while the organization named him the second-best linebacker in the metro area... Also earned all-state honors from the Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA), The Oklahoman and OKPreps.com... Selected to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game in July... Was a second team all-state pick as a junior... Helped Oologah earn an 11-3 record in 2015, which culminated in a one-point loss in the Oklahoma Class 4A state championship, a contest in which he recorded a game-high 15 tackles... Also participated in track as he was a state qualifier in the 4x100. PERSONAL: James-Michael Ray McKinney was born August 17, 1997, in Oologah, Oklahoma... Son of John McKinney and Allison Fulton... Has one sister, Alexis Martin... Plans on majoring in business.
RAY PRICE DT | 6-2 | 290 Long Beach, California Cerritos College HIGHLIGHTS Named the conference defensive player of the year during his sophomore year at Cerritos. A First Team All-California Region II honoree. Totaled 65 tackles, 19.5 TFLs and 13.5 sacks during his two-year career at Cerritos.
AT CERRITOS COLLEGE: Played two seasons for the Falcons under head coach Frank Mazzotta... Recorded 65 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in his two-year career, spanning 20 games... Had an outstanding sophomore year as he was named the National Division Northern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-California Region III honors after carding 49 tackles, 15.5 TFLs and 10.5 sacks... Had at least a half sack in a five-game stretch, culminating with a 3.5-sack performance against El Camino... Ended his season strong by recording at least six tackles in three of his last four games, including seven-tackle games against Moorpark and Long Beach City... Also forced three fumbles in 2015, including two against Moorpark... Helped lead the Falcons to a National Division Northern Conference championship and berth into the Southern California Regional Playoffs... Had a season-high three tackles as a freshman in 2014 against Fullerton, College of the Canyons and Santa Barbara, as the Falcons won the Golden State Bowl... Redshirted the 2013 season... Attended the same school as former Wildcat DE Alauna Finau, who was a member of K-State’s 2012 Big 12 Championship team. AT LONG BEACH POLY HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Jackrabbits under head coach Raul Lara... Earned all-league honors as a junior as he helped Long Beach Poly earn a 10-2 record and a league championship... Played in the 605 All-Star Game following his senior year... Also participated in wrestling. PERSONAL: Raymon Price was born September 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, California... Son of Shune Price and Monica Schlicht... Has a twin sister, Raquel, and three other siblings, Sabre, Dominic and Brendon... Cousin, Ejuan Price, is a defensive lineman at Pittsburgh... Majoring in kinesiology.
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
BYRON PRINGLE
D.J. RENDER
WR | 6-2 | 212 Tampa, Florida Butler Community College llege
WR | 5-11 | 175 Kennesaw, Georgia North Cobb High School ol
HIGHLIGHTS A top-10 community-college wide receiver in the Class of 2016 according to ESPN. Recorded 28 receptions for 432 yards and nine touchdowns. Ranked 11th in the NJCAA in touchdown receptions during the 2015 season.
HIGHLIGHTS Earned all-county honors at wide receiver. Tallied 520 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 52 catches as a senior in 2015. Also competed in basketball and in the long jump.
AT BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played one season at Butler under head coach Tim Schaffner... Rated the 44th best community-college prospect – including the No. 9 wide receiver – by ESPN... Also regarded as one of the top 100 community-college prospects in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com and Scout.com... Accumulated 28 receptions for 432 yards (15.4 yds/catch) and nine touchdowns en route to Second Team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) honors... His touchdown total was tied for 11th nationally... Recorded a season-long 72-yard touchdown against Iowa Central, while he also had six receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns two weeks later at Coffeyville... Ended his Butler career on a high note by catching four passes – including three touchdown receptions – and totaling 100 yards at Ellsworth... Also excelled in kick returns, averaging 44.3 yards on three returns, featuring a 93-yard touchdown return against Iowa Central... Helped the Grizzlies win the KJCCC and finish fifth in the final National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll with a 9-2 record.
AT NORTH COBB HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Warriors under head coach Shane Queen... Recorded 52 receptions for 520 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior in 2015 en route to all-county honors and multiple offensive player of the week accolades... Helped lead team to consecutive state playoff appearances as a junior and senior... Also played basketball, leading team to the state playoffs, and competed in the long jump.
AT ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Knights under head coach Mike DePue... Was a Second Team Class 5A All-Florida selection while also earning First Team AllHillsborough County honors after catching 25 passes for 391 yards and seven touchdowns... Also rushed for 162 yards on 13 carries and had two scores, while he recorded four interceptions and three fumble recoveries on defense... Returned 11 punts for 204 yards (18.5-yard average) and had 394 yards on 11 kickoff returns (35.8 yards per return) while scoring four touchdowns... His return total included a 99-yard touchdown while he had a 95-yard interception return for a score in playoff loss to Tampa Jesuit in the regional semifinals... Voted the player of the game at the inaugural Blue-Gray National High School Classic as he had six catches for 104 yards, 75 kickoff-return yards and 10 rushing yards (189 all-purpose) in the game played at Raymond James Stadium... Also participated in Hillsborough County All-Star Game.
DT | 6-3 | 255 Dallas, Texas Bishop Dunne High School hool
PERSONAL: Byron Pringle was born November 17, 1993, in Tampa, Florida... Son of Patty Freeman... Has one son, Bryson... Majoring in criminology.
PERSONAL: Darrel Joseph Render was born March 25, 1998, in Riverdale, Georgia... Son of Darrel and Jolene Render... Plans on majoring in journalism with the hopes of becoming a sports commentator.
JORDON ROBERTSON
HIGHLIGHTS Earned Second Team TAPPS All-State honors as a senior in 2015. Rated the 85th-best defensive tackle in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team as a senior in 2015.
AT BISHOP DUNNE HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Falcons under head coach Michael Johnson... Rated the 85th-best defensive tackle in the Class of 2016 by ESPN... Named a Second Team Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) All-State defensive lineman and first team all-district performer... Named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team as a senior... Helped Bishop Dunne earn a 12-1 record both his junior and senior seasons, including the 2014 campaign when Bishop Dunne won the state championship. PERSONAL: Jordon Elijah Robertson was born August 4, 1998, in Houston, Texas... Son of Damion and Shondra Robertson... Plans on majoring in criminology with the plans of going into law enforcement.
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
IAN RUDZIK
SKYLAR THOMPSON
FB | 6-2 | 225 Ulysses, Kansas Ulysses High School
QB | 6-2 | 193 Independence, Missouri ri Fort Osage High School ol
HIGHLIGHTS Named a three time all-state performer by the Topeka Capital-Journal. A four-year starter at running back who rushed for 7,164 yards and 91 touchdowns. Also recorded 253 career tackles, including 100-tackle seasons in 2014 and 2015.
HIGHLIGHTS The 2015 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and Simone Award winner as top prep in KC. Rated as the seventh best dual-threat QB nationally in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com. Threw for 2,112 yards and 25 TDs as a senior while also rushing for 1,092 and 19 scores.
AT ULYSSES HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four seasons for the Tigers under head coach Jason Kenny... Rated the eighth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com... A three-time all-state performer by the Topeka Capital-Journal, including first-team accolades as a junior and senior... Named the Hutchinson News Defensive Player of the Year... Also earned first team all-state honors as a junior and senior from the Wichita Eagle, the final year being named one of the top 11 players in the state... Picked up all-area accolades all four years... Helped lead team to three-straight trips to the Class 4A state playoffs... A four-year starter at running back who rushed for 7,164 yards and 91 touchdowns over his career, including 2,061 yards and 26 scores as a junior... Also recorded 26 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore and 24 as a senior... Totaled 253 tackles in his career from his linebacker position, including 100-tackle campaigns in 2014 (100) and 2015 (103)... Had 10.0 sacks over his prep career, including 7.0 as a senior... Selected to play in the 2016 Kansas Shrine Bowl.
AT FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for the Indians under head coach Ryan Schartz... Regarded as one of the top 250 players in the Class of 2016 by Rivals. com, while the website also rated him the seventh best dual-threat quarterback in the nation and the No. 2 prospect in the state of Missouri... Also ranked as the 32nd best dual-threat quarterback by ESPN and the 65th-best quarterback overall by Scout.com... Named the 2015 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and Simone Award winner as the most outstanding football player in the Kansas City metro area... Was a finalist for the award in 2014, while he is a two-time member of the All-Simone team... Also a two-time first team all-state selection by the Missouri Football Coaches Association... Selected to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Missouri Team as a senior, while the organization selected him as the offensive player of the year... Led Fort Osage to a 13-1 record and the Missouri Class 5 state championship in 2015 as he threw for 2,112 yards and 25 touchdowns with just three interceptions on 138-of-204 passing (67.7 percent)... Also rushed for 1,092 yards and 19 touchdowns on 188 carries... Set a state championship game record in the Indians’ 63-28 win over Chaminade as he accounted for 455 yards of total offense, completing 13-of-15 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 202 yards and three scores... Threw for 2,385 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions as a junior in 2014 while rushing for 461 yards and nine touchdowns... Also played basketball, earning second team all-state honors as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Ian G Rudzik was born March 31, 1997, in Johnson, Kansas... Son of Chance and Kenya Rudzik... Has three siblings, Kavan, Chase and Zach Bessette... Father, Chance, played football at Pittsburg State, while his uncle, Chad, played at North Texas... Plans on majoring in sports medicine.
COREY SUTTON WR | 6-2 | 200 Charlotte, North Carolina olina Mallard Creek High School S h l HIGHLIGHTS Rated the 32nd-best player in the state of North Carolina by ESPN. Helped Mallard Creek earn a 14-1 record and a Class 4AA state championship. Recorded 41 catches for 584 yards and five touchdowns as a junior at Hough High.
AT MALLARD CREEK HIGH SCHOOL: Played his senior season at Mallard Creek under head coach Michael Palmieri... Rated the 32nd-best player in the state of North Carolina by ESPN, while he was No. 38 by Rivals.com... Helped the Mavericks earn a 14-1 record, including a 49-6 win in the Class 4AA state championship game... Previously played at Hough High under Miles Aldridge, catching 41 passes for 584 yards and five touchdowns... Helped the Huskies earn a 10-4 record with a state semifinal finish in North Carolina’s Class 4AA. PERSONAL: Corey Xavier Sutton was born October 30, 1997, in Beaumont, Texas... Son of Clarence and Shannon Sutton... Has three siblings.
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PERSONAL: Skylar John Thompson was born June 4, 1997, in Palmyra, Missouri... Son of Brad, the late Tereasa Thompson and stepmother Kathy Thompson... Has two brothers, Anthony and Eric, and one sister, Ashley... Plans on majoring in business.
2016 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016 • 3:30 p.m. Steel & Pipe Team Theatre • Vanier Family Football Complex • Manhattan, Kan.
K-STATE ANNOUNCES 22 PLAYERS AS PART OF 2016 SIGNING CLASS MANHATTAN, Kan. – For the 25th time in his Hall of Fame career, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES (17) Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder released the Wildcats’ annual NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Kyle Ball* LB 6-2 230 Prairie Village, Kan. (Shawnee Mission East HS) recruiting class Wednesday with the announcement of 22 stuMason Barta FB 6-2 205 Holton, Kan. (Holton HS) dent-athletes who plan on joining or have already joined the K-State Brett Bell* TE 6-6 225 Wichita, Kan. (Bishop Carroll HS) football program in 2016. Tyler Burns* RB 5-11 200 Wichita, Kan. (Trinity Academy) Isaiah Harris WR 5-10 165 Fort Worth, Texas (All Saints Episcopal HS) This year’s signing class includes 17 players from the high school Blake Hickey OL 6-4 260 Godley, Texas (Godley HS) ranks, four community-college players and an FBS graduate transfer Trace Kochevar TE 6-7 230 Salina, Kan. (Salina South HS) who will be immediately eligible. Additionally, running back Justin Nick Lenners TE 6-4 235 Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln Southwest HS) Bronson Massie DE 6-4 220 Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin HS) Silmon was awarded a scholarship and will count toward the Class Mike McCoy RB 6-2 215 Topeka, Kan. (Topeka HS) of 2016. Of the signing class, seven are currently enrolled at K-State Jimmy McKinney LB 6-1 225 Oologah, Okla. (Oologah HS) and will participate in April’s spring practices, which culminate with AJ Parker DB 6-0 160 Bartlesville, Okla. (Bartlesville HS) D.J. Render WR 5-11 175 Kennesaw, Ga. (North Cobb HS) the Purple/White Spring Game on April 23. Jordon Robertson DT 6-3 255 Dallas, Texas (Bishop Dunne HS) “As I’ve said each and every year, it will be two or three years Ian Rudzik FB 6-2 225 Ulysses, Kan. (Ulysses HS) before we can accurately assess the quality of this or any recruiting Corey Sutton* WR 6-2 200 Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS) Skylar Thompson* QB 6-2 193 Independence, Mo. (Fort Osage HS) class,” Snyder said. “Hopefully we have assessed the skills and intrinsic values of this year’s class accurately, but time will tell. COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETES (4) Including Justin Silmon and greyshirts from last year’s class, we NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) have eight of these student-athletes presently in classes and particAbdul Beechman* OL 6-3 285 Converse, Texas (Blinn College) Breontae Matthews OL 6-6 315 Washington, D.C. (Fullerton College) ipating in our out-of-season workouts. Ray Price DT 6-2 290 Long Beach, Calif. (Cerritos College) “Each member of this class has demonstrated a commitment to Byron Pringle* WR 6-2 212 Tampa, Fla. (Butler CC) becoming the best person, student and athlete possible,” Snyder TRANSFER STUDENT-ATHLETE (1) continued. “As always, we greatly appreciate the high school and NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) community college coaches, faculty members and administrators Cedric Dozier DB 5-10 180 Roanoke, Ala. (California) through the state of Kansas and across the nation who have received * Currently enrolled our coaches and program so very graciously. I am especially proud of and thankful for the Kansas State faculty, dean of students, director of finance, athletics support staff, athletics director and president for their assistance in conveying to these young men the great support services, education and caring relationships provided by our University.” This year’s class features 15 players on offense and seven players on defense. The class is made up of four wide receivers, three offensive linemen and tight ends, two apiece of defensive backs, defensive tackles, fullbacks, linebackers and running backs, one defensive end and one quarterback.
PAGE • 1
2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
CLASS BREAKDOWN BY STATE
2
5
7 KANSAS Kyle Ball, Mason Barta, Brett Bell, Tyler Burns, Trace Kochevar, Mike McCoy, Ian Rudzik
TEXAS Abdul Beecham, Isaiah Harris, Blake Hickey, Bronson Massie, Jordon Robertson
1
1
1
OKLAHOMA
ALABAMA
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
Jimmy McKinney, AJ Parker
Cedric Dozier
Ray Price
Byron Pringle
1
1
1
1
1
GEORGIA
MISSOURI
NEBRASKA
NORTH CAROLINA
WASHINGTON, D.C.
D.J. Render
Skylar Thompson
Nick Lenners
Corey Sutton
Breontae Matthews
BY POSITION
3
2
3
4 WIDE RECEIVER
OFFENSIVE LINE
TIGHT END
Isaiah Harris, Byron Pringle, DJ Render, Corey Sutton
Abdul Beecham, Blake Hickey, Breontae Matthews
Brett Bell, Trace Kochevar, Nick Lenners
2
2
2
DEFENSIVE BACK DEFENSIVE TACKLE Cedric Dozier, AJ Parker
2
Ray Price, Jordon Robertson
1
1
FULLBACK
LINEBACKER
RUNNING BACK
DEFENSIVE END
QUARTERBACK
Mason Barta, Ian Rudzik
Kyle Ball, Jimmy McKinney
Tyler Burns, Mike McCoy
Bronson Massie
Skylar Thompson
BY CLASSIFICATION
HIGH SCHOOL (17)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE (4)
FBS TRANSFER (1)
Kyle Ball, Mason Barta, Brett Bell, Tyler Burns, Isaiah Harris, Blake Hickey, Trace Kochevar, Nick Lenners, Bronson Massie, Mike McCoy, Jimmy McKinney, AJ Parker, D.J. Render, Jordon Robertson, Ian Rudzik, Corey Sutton, Skylar Thompson
Abdul Beecham, Breontae Matthews, Ray Price, Byron Pringle
Cedric Dozier
PAGE • 2
2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
KYLE BALL
ABDUL BEECHAM
LB | 6-2 | 230 Prairie Village, Kansas Shawnee Mission East High School
OL | 6-3 | 285 Converse, Texas Blinn College
HIGHLIGHTS Named one of the top 12 players in the state in 2014 by the Kansas Football Coaches Association. Earned 2014 Ryan Lilja Award as Top Kansas Big Class Lineman. Tallied 118 tackles, 37 TFLs and 10 sacks as a senior in 2014.
HIGHLIGHTS Earned Honorable Mention All-SWJCFC honors as a freshman in 2015. A two-time all-state honoree at Judson High School. Enrolled at K-State in January and will take part in spring practices.
AT SHAWNEE MISSION EAST HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Lancers under head coach Dustin Delaney... Helped lead Shawnee Mission East to a perfect 13-0 record and the school’s first-ever state championship in 2014... Recorded 118 tackles, including 37 for loss, and 10 sacks as a senior en route to being named one of the top 12 players in the state by the Kansas Football Coaches Association and to the organization’s all-state 6A team... Also one of the top 11 players in the state and named to the All-Class 6A team by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle... Earned the Ryan Lilja Award as the Top Kansas Big Class Lineman, while he was the Sunflower League Player of the Year... A finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award as the most outstanding lineman or linebacker in the Kansas City area... A first team all-metro selection by the Kansas City Star... Selected to play in the 2015 Kansas vs. Missouri All-Star Game... Named to the USA Today/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a junior after totaling 119 tackles, 28 TFLs and nine sacks... Also competed in basketball and track... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2015 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
AT BLINN COLLEGE: Played one season at Blinn under head coach Keith Thomas... Helped the Buccaneers earn a 5-4 record... Voted an Honorable Mention All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference offensive lineman as a freshman in 2015 after not allowing a sack the entire season.
PERSONAL: Kyle Alan Ball was born July 27, 1996, in Kansas City, Missouri... Son of Kerby and Julie Ball... Has two siblings, Calvin and Caleb... An Eagle Scout who accumulated a 3.9 GPA during his high school career... Plans on majoring in engineering.
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.com... Earned first team all-state honors as a senior 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.
AT JUDSON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Rockets under head coach Sean McAuliffe... A two-time first team all-district selection as a junior and senior, while he earned second team all-state (Class 5A) honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association honors as a junior and third-team (Class 6A) accolades as a senior... Also named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s preseason Class 6A all-state team in 2014. PERSONAL: Abdul Najee Beecham was born March 5, 1997, in West Point, New York... Son of Samuel and Tina Beecham... Has three siblings... Majoring in kinesiology.
BRETT BELL TE | 6-6 | 225 Wichita, Kansas Bishop Carroll High School hool HIGHLIGHTS Earned honorable mention all-state accolades from the Wichita Eagle in 2014. Helped lead Bishop Carroll to a Class 5A state championship as a senior in 2014. Totaled 22 receptions for 265 and two touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons.
AT BISHOP CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Eagles under head coach Alan Shuckman... Helped Bishop Carroll earn a perfect 13-0 record and a Class 5A state championship in 2014... An honorable mention All-Class 5A tight end by the Wichita Eagle as a senior in 2014... Earned first team all-league honors as a senior and second-team accolades as a junior... Hauled in 11 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns as a senior in 2014, while he also caught 11 passes for 118 yards as a junior... High school teammates with current Wildcat Denzel Goolsby... Also played baseball and golf... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2015 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices. PERSONAL: Brett M. Bell was born January 28, 1997, in Wichita, Kansas... Son of Mike and Traci Bell... Has two siblings, Brittney and Beau... Father, Mike, was a two-time AllAmerican defensive end at Colorado State and the second overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs... Mike went on to play 12 seasons for the Chiefs... Uncle, Mark Bell, played at Colorado State and for the Seattle Seahawks... Older brother, Beau, played football at Hutchinson CC and Kansas... Cousin, Blake Bell, was a quarterback/ tight end at Oklahoma from 2011-14, and just completed his rookie season for the San Francisco 49ers.
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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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
TYLER BURNS
ISAIAH HARRIS
RB | 5-11 | 200 Wichita, Kansas Trinity Academy
WR | 5-10 | 165 Fort Worth, Texas All Saints Episcopal High h School
HIGHLIGHTS Named an all-state running back and defensive back by the Wichita Eagle as a senior in 2014. Named the Central Plains League MVP as both a junior (2013) and senior (2014). Younger brother of Morgan Burns, who was an All-American kick returner for the Wildcats in 2015.
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time First Team Southwest Preparatory Conference All-State honoree. Rated one of the top 100 athletes in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Recorded 68 catches for 1,153 yards and 17 touchdowns during his senior campaign.
AT TRINITY ACADEMY: Played for the Knights under head coach Jared McDaniel... Rated the eighth-best prospect in the state of Kansas by ESPN.com in 2015... An All-Class 4A-II selection as both a running back and defensive back by the Wichita Eagle as a senior in 2014... Also earned all-state honors as a running back by the Topeka Capital-Journal... Picked up honorable mention all-state accolades in both 2012 and 2013... Rushed for 1,662 yards and scored 26 touchdowns as a senior... Named the Central Plains League MVP in 2013 and 2014, while he was a first team all-league running back as a sophomore, junior and senior... Also earned honorable mention all-league honors as a defensive back in 2013... Selected to play in the 2015 Kansas Shrine Bowl... Originally signed with K-State out of high school in 2015 as he is currently enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
AT ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Saints under head coach Aaron Beck... Rated as one of the top 100 athletes in the Class of 2016 by ESPN... Earned First Team Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) All-State honors as both a junior and senior... Helped All Saints earn a 10-1 record as a senior by leading the team with 68 receptions for 1,153 yards and 17 touchdowns... Also rushed 16 times for 105 yards and another score... Tallied 38 catches for 920 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, while also rushing for 133 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries... Also participated in track and field where he was a first team all-state honoree... Attended the same high school as current Wildcat defensive back Kendall Adams.
PERSONAL: Tyler Cole Burns was born September 9, 1996, in Olathe, Kansas... Son of Brad and Greta Burns... Has three siblings, Morgan, Chandler and Ashley... Older brother, Morgan, was a captain and 2015 All-American kick returner for the Wildcats.
CEDRIC DOZIER DB | 5-10 | 180 Roanoke, Alabama Univ. of California HIGHLIGHTS Transfers to K-State after playing in 34 career games with 16 starts at California. Started 12 games as a sophomore in 2014, totaling 52 tackles and five pass breakups. Regarded as the 12th-best athlete nationally by Rivals.com coming out of high school in 2012.
AT CALIFORNIA: Played in 34 career games for the Golden Bears with 16 starts, totaling 80 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, nine passes defended and a forced fumble... Enjoyed the best season of his career as a sophomore in 2014 when he started 12 contests, recording 52 tackles and five pass breakups, including a season-high eight tackles at Arizona and two pass breakups at Oregon State... Also had seven tackles at Washington State and vs. Oregon and two tackles against both Colorado and USC... Started each of the final four contests of his redshirt freshman season in 2013, recording a season-high five tackles in the first start of his career against Arizona... Earned Honorable Mention Pac-12 AllAcademic honors in 2013... Originally went to Cal as a wide receiver. AT LAKES HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter at Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, under head coach Dave Miller... Regarded as the best cornerback in the state of Washington and 24th-best nationally in the Class of 2012 by Scout.com... Rated the 12th-best athlete in the country and the fourth-best player in the state of Washington by Rivals.com... Participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl following his senior season... Led team to an 11-1 record as a senior... Played cornerback all three seasons while played primarily at wide receiver as a senior in 2011 after spending his sophomore (2009) and junior (2010) campaigns as a quarterback... Totaled 28 receptions for 479 yards and five touchdown catches, in addition to 34 rushes for 291 yards and three score as a senior... Had a huge campaign on the ground as a junior with 1,223 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 183 rushes, and was 91-of-142 for 1,181 yards with 13 scores through the air. PERSONAL: Cedric D. Dozier was born February 5, 1993... Raised by his aunt, Barbara Thomas.
PAGE • 4
PERSONAL: Isaiah Harris was born May 14, 1997, in Fort Worth, Texas... Son of Derwin and Nancy Harris... Has five siblings... Plans on majoring in business.
BLAKE HICKEY OL | 6-4 | 260 Godley, Texas Godley High School H HIGHLIGHTS Named the District 4-4A Offensive Lineman of the Year as a junior and senior. Rated the eighth-best offensive guard in the state of Texas by Scout.com. A two-time Texas APSE Class 4A All-State honoree, including first-team accolades as a senior.
AT GODLEY HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Wildcats, including the final two years under head coach Duke Dalton... Rated the 43rd-best offensive guard in the Class of 2016 by Scout.com – including a No. 8 ranking in the state of Texas – while ESPN ranked him No. 69... A three-time first team all-district performer who was named the District 4-4A Offensive Lineman of the Year as both a junior and senior... Also a twotime Texas Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) Class 4A All-State honoree, including earning first-team accolades as a senior, while he was a two-time all-area pick... Helped Godley earn a 3-2 record in district play as a senior, earning the Wildcats a trip to the state playoffs... Also played baseball, basketball and participated in track and field... Was an all-district pick in basketball as a freshman and named the sixth man of the year as a sophomore. PERSONAL: Blake Ryan Hickey was born May 20, 1998, in Fort Worth, Texas... Son of Brent and Tammy Hickey... Has one sister, Brooke... Plans on majoring in kinesiology.
2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
TRACE KOCHEVAR
BRONSON MASSIE
TE | 6-7 | 230 Salina, Kansas Salina South High Schooll
DE | 6-4 | 220 Lufkin, Texas Lufkin High School
HIGHLIGHTS A two-time honorable mention all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle. Helped lead Salina South to a 20-5 record over his final two seasons. Totaled 230 receiving yards during his prep career.
HIGHLIGHTS An Honorable Mention Texas APSE Class 5A All-State selection as a senior in 2015. Named a First Team All-District 16-5A performer. Rated the 16th-best defensive end in the state of Texas by Scout.com.
AT SALINA SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Cougars under head coach Sam Sellers... Earned honorable mention all-state accolades 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.
AT LUFKIN HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Panthers under head coach Todd Quick... Regarded as the 62nd-best outside linebacker in the Class of 2016 by ESPN, while Scout.com rated him the No. 16 defensive end in the state of Texas... Earned First Team All-District 16-5A honors as a defensive end in 2015, while he was an Honorable Mention Texas Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) Class 5A All-State pick... Named to the East Texas Sports Network (ETSN) East Texas Football Super Team... Recorded 173 tackles and 26 sacks during his three-year career, including an 80-tackle, 10-sack campaign as a senior... Helped Lufkin earn a 7-4 record and a trip to the state playoffs in 2015.
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 college football at Coffeyville Community College and Bethany.
NICK LENNERS TE | 6-4 | 235 Lincoln, Nebraska Lincoln Southwest High School HIGHLIGHTS A First Team Super-State and First Team Class A All-State selection by the Lincoln Journal-Star. Rated the 26th-best tight end in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Caught 18 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns as a senior.
AT LINCOLN SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for the Silver Hawks under head coach Mark King... Rated the fourth-best player in the state of Nebraska by Rivals.com and ESPN, while the latter ranked him No. 26 nationally among all tight ends in the Class of 2016... Earned First Team Super State and First Team Class A All-State honors from the Lincoln Journal-Star, while he was named to the Omaha World Herald’s Super Six team, recognizing him as one of the top six prep players in Nebraska, prior to the 2015 season... Caught 18 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns as a senior while recording 40 tackles, including 13 for loss... Also caught six passes for 60 yards and a touchdown in addition to recording 71 tackles, 14.5 TFLs and eight sacks as a junior... Selected to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Nebraska Team as a senior... A two-year Lincoln-Journal Star All-City team member... Also a twoyear academic all-state and three-year academic all-conference selection... A two-year letterwinner in track and field in addition to earning one letter in basketball. PERSONAL: Nicholas Renken Lenners was born June 30, 1997, in Lincoln, Nebraska... Son of Casey and Michelle Lenners... Has one brother, Brett... Plans on majoring in engineering.
PERSONAL: Bronson Massie was born November 4, 1997, in Lufkin, Texas... Son of Ron Massie and Barbara Jones... Plans on majoring in communications.
BREONTAE E MATTHEWS S OL | 6-6 | 315 Washington, D.C. Fullerton College HIGHLIGHTS Rated the 16th-best community-college offensive tackle in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Earned First Team All-America honors by the CCCFCA as a sophomore in 2015. Did not allow a sack during his sophomore campaign at Fullerton College.
AT FULLERTON COLLEGE: Started every game for the Hornets over the last two seasons under head coach Tim Byrnes... Regarded as one of the top 100 community-college players in the Class of 2016 by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, while ESPN rated him the 16th-best community-college offensive tackle in the nation... Earned First Team All-America honors by the California Community College Football Coaches Association (CCCFA)... A unanimous First team All-Southern California Football Association (SCFA) Southern All-Conference selection... Did not allow a sack during his sophomore campaign of 2015. AT SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for the Rams under head coach Ed Shields... Earned first team all-county honors, while he was invited to play in the Big 33 All-Star Game in addition to the Prince George’s County vs. Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) Challenge... Helped Suitland earn a 29-4 record over his three years in which he did not allow a sack. PERSONAL: Breontae Matthews was born April 3, 1995, in Washington, D.C... Son of Marquis Blair and Topaz Matthews... Has four siblings, Markinda, Ahniya, Unique and Martz... First Washington, D.C. native to play for the Wildcats since Kevin Huntley in 2003 and 2004.
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
MIKE McCOY
AJ PARKER
RB | 6-2 | 215 Topeka, Kansas Topeka High School
DB | 6-0 | 160 Bartlesville, Oklahoma a Bartlesville High Schooll
HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state accolades following his senior year from the Topeka Capital-Journal. Viewed as one of the top-10 players in the state and the 27th-best RB nationally by Rivals.com. Recorded nearly 1,500 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior.
HIGHLIGHTS Earned USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Oklahoma team honors in 2015. An all-state honoree from The Oklahoman, Tulsa World and Oklahoma Coaches Association. Helped lead Bartlesville to a 10-3 record and a trip to the semifinals of the state playoffs.
AT TOPEKA HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Trojans under head coach Walt Alexander... Rated the fifth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com, while he checks in at No. 6 according to ESPN... Also viewed as the 27th-best running back nationally by Rivals.com and the best in the state of Kansas by Scout.com... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Kansas team as a senior... A first team all-state selection by the Topeka Capital-Journal following his senior campaign in addition to earning honorable mention honors from the Wichita Eagle... Also earned honorable mention accolades from both publications as a junior... Rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior en route to All-City Offensive Player of the Year honors... Helped lead Topeka High to an 8-2 record in 2015 and a 7-3 mark in 2014, culminating with trips to the state playoffs both seasons.
AT BARTLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for the Bruins under head coach John McKee... Named to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Oklahoma team as a defensive back following his senior campaign in addition to earning all-state honors from The Oklahoman, Tulsa World and Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA)... Also picked honorable mention all-state accolades as a junior in 2014... Helped lead Bartlesville to a 10-2 record and a trip to the semifinals of the Oklahoma Class 6A-II state playoffs in 2015... Played wide receiver on offense as he hauled in 65 passes for 1,253 yards and 17 touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons... Selected to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game in July... Also a three-year starter in basketball, earning all-area honors, and participated in track and field, placing third in the state meet in the high jump as a sophomore and junior.
PERSONAL: Mike Jerome McCoy was born June 4, 1998, in Muskogee, Oklahoma... Son of Michael Coleman and Shante McCoy... Has two siblings, Memphis and Phynix... Cousin of Stacy McGee, who played defensive line at Oklahoma and just finished his third NFL season with the Oakland Raiders... Plans on majoring in business.
PERSONAL: Arlando Dwayne Parker, Jr., was born February 15, 1998, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma... Son of Arlando and Teresa Parker... Has one sister, Trinity.
JIMMY McKINNEY LB | 6-1 | 225 Oologah, Oklahoma Oologah High School HIGHLIGHTS Earned first team all-state honors as a senior from The Oklahoman and Tulsa World. Regarded as the 16th-best inside linebacker nationally in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Tallied 504 tackles and 12 sacks over his four-year prep career.
AT OOLOGAH HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for the Mustangs under head coach Brandon Craig... Rated the 16th-best inside linebacker in the Class of 2016 by ESPN... Also viewed as the No. 5 prospect in the state of Oklahoma by ESPN and No. 11 by Rivals.com... Recorded 504 tackles and 12 sacks over his four-year career, including 181 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions during his senior campaign... Also rushed 175 times for 1,169 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior... Named a First Team AllState performer by the Tulsa World, while the organization named him the second-best linebacker in the metro area... Also earned all-state honors from the Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA), The Oklahoman and OKPreps.com... Selected to play in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game in July... Was a second team all-state pick as a junior... Helped Oologah earn an 11-3 record in 2015, which culminated in a one-point loss in the Oklahoma Class 4A state championship, a contest in which he recorded a game-high 15 tackles... Also participated in track as he was a state qualifier in the 4x100. PERSONAL: James-Michael Ray McKinney was born August 17, 1997, in Oologah, Oklahoma... Son of John McKinney and Allison Fulton... Has one sister, Alexis Martin... Plans on majoring in business.
RAY PRICE DT | 6-2 | 290 Long Beach, California Cerritos College HIGHLIGHTS Named the conference defensive player of the year during his sophomore year at Cerritos. A First Team All-California Region II honoree. Totaled 65 tackles, 19.5 TFLs and 13.5 sacks during his two-year career at Cerritos.
AT CERRITOS COLLEGE: Played two seasons for the Falcons under head coach Frank Mazzotta... Recorded 65 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in his two-year career, spanning 20 games... Had an outstanding sophomore year as he was named the National Division Northern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-California Region III honors after carding 49 tackles, 15.5 TFLs and 10.5 sacks... Had at least a half sack in a five-game stretch, culminating with a 3.5-sack performance against El Camino... Ended his season strong by recording at least six tackles in three of his last four games, including seven-tackle games against Moorpark and Long Beach City... Also forced three fumbles in 2015, including two against Moorpark... Helped lead the Falcons to a National Division Northern Conference championship and berth into the Southern California Regional Playoffs... Had a season-high three tackles as a freshman in 2014 against Fullerton, College of the Canyons and Santa Barbara, as the Falcons won the Golden State Bowl... Redshirted the 2013 season... Attended the same school as former Wildcat DE Alauna Finau, who was a member of K-State’s 2012 Big 12 Championship team. AT LONG BEACH POLY HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Jackrabbits under head coach Raul Lara... Earned all-league honors as a junior as he helped Long Beach Poly earn a 10-2 record and a league championship... Played in the 605 All-Star Game following his senior year... Also participated in wrestling. PERSONAL: Raymon Price was born September 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, California... Son of Shune Price and Monica Schlicht... Has a twin sister, Raquel, and three other siblings, Sabre, Dominic and Brendon... Cousin, Ejuan Price, is a defensive lineman at Pittsburgh... Majoring in kinesiology.
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
BYRON PRINGLE
D.J. RENDER
WR | 6-2 | 212 Tampa, Florida Butler Community College llege
WR | 5-11 | 175 Kennesaw, Georgia North Cobb High School ol
HIGHLIGHTS A top-10 community-college wide receiver in the Class of 2016 according to ESPN. Recorded 28 receptions for 432 yards and nine touchdowns. Ranked 11th in the NJCAA in touchdown receptions during the 2015 season.
HIGHLIGHTS Earned all-county honors at wide receiver. Tallied 520 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 52 catches as a senior in 2015. Also competed in basketball and in the long jump.
AT BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played one season at Butler under head coach Tim Schaffner... Rated the 44th best community-college prospect – including the No. 9 wide receiver – by ESPN... Also regarded as one of the top 100 community-college prospects in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com and Scout.com... Accumulated 28 receptions for 432 yards (15.4 yds/catch) and nine touchdowns en route to Second Team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) honors... His touchdown total was tied for 11th nationally... Recorded a season-long 72-yard touchdown against Iowa Central, while he also had six receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns two weeks later at Coffeyville... Ended his Butler career on a high note by catching four passes – including three touchdown receptions – and totaling 100 yards at Ellsworth... Also excelled in kick returns, averaging 44.3 yards on three returns, featuring a 93-yard touchdown return against Iowa Central... Helped the Grizzlies win the KJCCC and finish fifth in the final National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll with a 9-2 record.
AT NORTH COBB HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Warriors under head coach Shane Queen... Recorded 52 receptions for 520 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior in 2015 en route to all-county honors and multiple offensive player of the week accolades... Helped lead team to consecutive state playoff appearances as a junior and senior... Also played basketball, leading team to the state playoffs, and competed in the long jump.
AT ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Knights under head coach Mike DePue... Was a Second Team Class 5A All-Florida selection while also earning First Team AllHillsborough County honors after catching 25 passes for 391 yards and seven touchdowns... Also rushed for 162 yards on 13 carries and had two scores, while he recorded four interceptions and three fumble recoveries on defense... Returned 11 punts for 204 yards (18.5-yard average) and had 394 yards on 11 kickoff returns (35.8 yards per return) while scoring four touchdowns... His return total included a 99-yard touchdown while he had a 95-yard interception return for a score in playoff loss to Tampa Jesuit in the regional semifinals... Voted the player of the game at the inaugural Blue-Gray National High School Classic as he had six catches for 104 yards, 75 kickoff-return yards and 10 rushing yards (189 all-purpose) in the game played at Raymond James Stadium... Also participated in Hillsborough County All-Star Game.
DT | 6-3 | 255 Dallas, Texas Bishop Dunne High School hool
PERSONAL: Byron Pringle was born November 17, 1993, in Tampa, Florida... Son of Patty Freeman... Has one son, Bryson... Majoring in criminology.
PERSONAL: Darrel Joseph Render was born March 25, 1998, in Riverdale, Georgia... Son of Darrel and Jolene Render... Plans on majoring in journalism with the hopes of becoming a sports commentator.
JORDON ROBERTSON
HIGHLIGHTS Earned Second Team TAPPS All-State honors as a senior in 2015. Rated the 85th-best defensive tackle in the Class of 2016 by ESPN. Named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team as a senior in 2015.
AT BISHOP DUNNE HIGH SCHOOL: Played for the Falcons under head coach Michael Johnson... Rated the 85th-best defensive tackle in the Class of 2016 by ESPN... Named a Second Team Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) All-State defensive lineman and first team all-district performer... Named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team as a senior... Helped Bishop Dunne earn a 12-1 record both his junior and senior seasons, including the 2014 campaign when Bishop Dunne won the state championship. PERSONAL: Jordon Elijah Robertson was born August 4, 1998, in Houston, Texas... Son of Damion and Shondra Robertson... Plans on majoring in criminology with the plans of going into law enforcement.
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2016 K-STATE FOOTBALL
IAN RUDZIK
SKYLAR THOMPSON
FB | 6-2 | 225 Ulysses, Kansas Ulysses High School
QB | 6-2 | 193 Independence, Missouri ri Fort Osage High School ol
HIGHLIGHTS Named a three time all-state performer by the Topeka Capital-Journal. A four-year starter at running back who rushed for 7,164 yards and 91 touchdowns. Also recorded 253 career tackles, including 100-tackle seasons in 2014 and 2015.
HIGHLIGHTS The 2015 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and Simone Award winner as top prep in KC. Rated as the seventh best dual-threat QB nationally in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com. Threw for 2,112 yards and 25 TDs as a senior while also rushing for 1,092 and 19 scores.
AT ULYSSES HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four seasons for the Tigers under head coach Jason Kenny... Rated the eighth-best player in the state of Kansas in the Class of 2016 by Rivals.com... A three-time all-state performer by the Topeka Capital-Journal, including first-team accolades as a junior and senior... Named the Hutchinson News Defensive Player of the Year... Also earned first team all-state honors as a junior and senior from the Wichita Eagle, the final year being named one of the top 11 players in the state... Picked up all-area accolades all four years... Helped lead team to three-straight trips to the Class 4A state playoffs... A four-year starter at running back who rushed for 7,164 yards and 91 touchdowns over his career, including 2,061 yards and 26 scores as a junior... Also recorded 26 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore and 24 as a senior... Totaled 253 tackles in his career from his linebacker position, including 100-tackle campaigns in 2014 (100) and 2015 (103)... Had 10.0 sacks over his prep career, including 7.0 as a senior... Selected to play in the 2016 Kansas Shrine Bowl.
AT FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for the Indians under head coach Ryan Schartz... Regarded as one of the top 250 players in the Class of 2016 by Rivals. com, while the website also rated him the seventh best dual-threat quarterback in the nation and the No. 2 prospect in the state of Missouri... Also ranked as the 32nd best dual-threat quarterback by ESPN and the 65th-best quarterback overall by Scout.com... Named the 2015 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and Simone Award winner as the most outstanding football player in the Kansas City metro area... Was a finalist for the award in 2014, while he is a two-time member of the All-Simone team... Also a two-time first team all-state selection by the Missouri Football Coaches Association... Selected to the USA Today Sports/American Family Insurance All-USA Missouri Team as a senior, while the organization selected him as the offensive player of the year... Led Fort Osage to a 13-1 record and the Missouri Class 5 state championship in 2015 as he threw for 2,112 yards and 25 touchdowns with just three interceptions on 138-of-204 passing (67.7 percent)... Also rushed for 1,092 yards and 19 touchdowns on 188 carries... Set a state championship game record in the Indians’ 63-28 win over Chaminade as he accounted for 455 yards of total offense, completing 13-of-15 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 202 yards and three scores... Threw for 2,385 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions as a junior in 2014 while rushing for 461 yards and nine touchdowns... Also played basketball, earning second team all-state honors as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Ian G Rudzik was born March 31, 1997, in Johnson, Kansas... Son of Chance and Kenya Rudzik... Has three siblings, Kavan, Chase and Zach Bessette... Father, Chance, played football at Pittsburg State, while his uncle, Chad, played at North Texas... Plans on majoring in sports medicine.
COREY SUTTON WR | 6-2 | 200 Charlotte, North Carolina olina Mallard Creek High School S h l HIGHLIGHTS Rated the 32nd-best player in the state of North Carolina by ESPN. Helped Mallard Creek earn a 14-1 record and a Class 4AA state championship. Recorded 41 catches for 584 yards and five touchdowns as a junior at Hough High.
AT MALLARD CREEK HIGH SCHOOL: Played his senior season at Mallard Creek under head coach Michael Palmieri... Rated the 32nd-best player in the state of North Carolina by ESPN, while he was No. 38 by Rivals.com... Helped the Mavericks earn a 14-1 record, including a 49-6 win in the Class 4AA state championship game... Previously played at Hough High under Miles Aldridge, catching 41 passes for 584 yards and five touchdowns... Helped the Huskies earn a 10-4 record with a state semifinal finish in North Carolina’s Class 4AA. PERSONAL: Corey Xavier Sutton was born October 30, 1997, in Beaumont, Texas... Son of Clarence and Shannon Sutton... Has three siblings.
PAGE • 8
PERSONAL: Skylar John Thompson was born June 4, 1997, in Palmyra, Missouri... Son of Brad, the late Tereasa Thompson and stepmother Kathy Thompson... Has two brothers, Anthony and Eric, and one sister, Ashley... Plans on majoring in business.
