Wildcats Ink Kansas ’21 Talent

The National Signing period schedule like the rest of the world got turned upside down in 2020 COVID America. However, one clear outcome is that Kansas State’s coaching staff put in its work during shutdowns and quarantines. The Wildcats released an initial list of signees for the Class of 2021. Here is a look at the high school talent from that class staying in state to wear the purple and white. They are all very fast, and the Wildcats have given themselves multiple options in the defensive backfield and on special teams. <strong>DL, [player_tooltip player_id="35348" first="Damian" last="Ilalio"], 6’1”, 265, Manhattan </strong>–  Ilalio played at Manhattan High School and won’t have to move far to get into his dorm. He posted big defensive numbers during the 2020 high school season. He finished with 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries. He was named to the 2020 Kansas Football Coaches Association Class 6A All-State Team. <strong>LB, [player_tooltip player_id="35477" first="Gaven" last="Haselhorst"], 6’1”, 230, Hays</strong>– Haselhorst is a fast hard-hitting beast from Western Kansas. He could play linebacker or as a stand-up defensive end for the Wildcats. He accumulated 77 tackles in 2020, 32 of them for loss. He also had six sacks in senior year for Hays. Haselhorst was also named to the 2020 KFCA Class 5A All-State Team. <strong>DB, [player_tooltip player_id="37302" first="Darrell" last="Jones"],  5’11”, 166, Coffeyville-Field Kindley— </strong>Jones is lightning-quick. He finished the 2020 season with 51 tackles. He accounted for 500-plus total purpose yards and should contribute to the Wildcats’ special team squads. He can light guys up on a kickoff squad and run back punts and kickoff returns. <strong>DB, [player_tooltip player_id="49773" first="Desmond" last="Purnell"], 6’0”, 195, Hayden </strong>– Purnell is an explosive talent who could play all over the field. It appears that KSU plans to use him on the defensive side of the football, but he could play offense and contribute in the return game. Purnell’s best skill is pointing points on the board. In 2020 he scored offensive, defensive, and return touchdowns for the Hayden Wildcats. Purnell was named to the KFCA Class 3A All-State Team. <strong>DB, [player_tooltip player_id="35342" first="Davonte" last="Pritchard"], 6’1”, 195, Gardner-Edgerton –</strong> Prichard has been committed to Kansas State for a long time and is looking forward to being a Wildcat. His numbers for the 2020 season don’t jump off the page, but there is little doubt he can play football. He had 18 tackles on defense and 200 all-purpose yards in 2020. <strong>OL, [player_tooltip player_id="35640" first="Austin" last="Weiner"], 6’7”, 255, Gardner Edgerton</strong> – Weiner is a mountain of an offensive lineman. Weiner played both ways in high school, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks with the offensive line in college. He is quick and makes a big target when he lines up at tight end. K-State will probably look at him at tackle or tight end. <strong>ATH, [player_tooltip player_id="35346" first="Dorian" last="Stephens"], 6’2”, 187, Blue Valley </strong>– Stephens will be looking for a position on the field and could compete at multiple spots. Stephens had 17 receptions for 280 yards in a shortened 2020 season. He can play multiple positions and was a member of the KFCA Class 6A All-State team.