Recruiting Report: Three Western Kansas Prospects Commit to FHSU

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to begin my day on social media to see which Kansas athletes make commitment announcements.   I saw two right off the bat this morning which motivated me to write up the third edition of “Recruiting Updates,” this month. All of them were published after the rankings for the Class of 2024 were updated during the first week of January.   This is the third edition of “Recruiting Updates” and features ranked players who have committed to play at four-year institutions and who were not featured in either of the first two scouting reports.   [player_tooltip player_id='145519' first='Branton' last='DeWeese'], QB, 6'0”, 185, Washburn Rural (Washburn)   DeWeese made all the combine rounds last spring and it paid off for him. He is ranked No. 51 and coming off a solid senior season. DeWeese has nice footwork and an accurate arm. He joins a recruiting class at Washburn that already features four of his Junior Blue teammates. He announced his commitment to play for Craig Schurig's Ichabods this past weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='259774' first='Malik' last='Bah'], RB, 5'9”, 180, Hays (Fort Hays State)   Bah is staying home after announcing his commitment to Fort Hays State on January 22. He is ranked No. 56. He missed two games during his senior season, but still eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing threshold. Bah is a quick back who can make explosive plays. He rushed for 1,2789 yards and 13 touchdowns. Chris Brown and the Tiger offensive staff can also use him as a pawn in the passing game. Bah made 12 receptions for 174 yards in his final season with the Indians. Bah is expected to play for the West Kansas Team in the 51st Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl.   [player_tooltip player_id='1103612' first='Declan' last='Battle'], QB, 5'11”, 185, Louisburg (Washburn)   Another athlete who announced his college intentions on January 22 was the elusive dual-threat quarterback from Louisburg. Battle is ranked No. 60 overall in the Class of 2024. He was the key cog in the Wildcats' offense throwing for over 1,200 yards and rushing for more than 900. Battle accounted for 30 total touchdowns during his senior season and is scheduled to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl this summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='676188' first='Zayden' last='Martinez'], WR, 6'3”, 205, Liberal (Kansas State)   Martinez is an awesome route runner who will fit right into the Wildcats offense scheme. He is ranked No. 73 overall. Martinez made 83 receptions for 1,1441 yards and 17 touchdowns for Liberal.   [player_tooltip player_id='259758' first='Michael' last='Lopez'], WR, 5'7”, 170, Wichita Northwest (Friends)   Lopez is a solid under-the-radar get for the Friends Falcons. He is ranked No. 77 and would probably be higher if not for him playing in a run-oriented offense at Northwest that featured multiple weapons. Lopez caught 23 balls for 470 yards and four touchdowns in his final prep season.   [player_tooltip player_id='545363' first='Titan' last='Osburn'], WR, 6'3”, 175, Benedictine College (Benedictine)   Osburn is a tough receiver who can block the edge. He is ranked No. 91 and will join at least four of his Benedictine College teammates on the Benedictine campus. Osburn has nice hands and is a big-time threat in the red zone.   [player_tooltip player_id='145513' first='Braylen' last='Hoobler'], LB, 5'11”, 195, Eudora (Baker)   Baker's Miguel Regalado is getting a tough commitment from Eudora. Hoobler is ranked No. 92 overall. He is a versatile defensive player who could play linebacker or safety for the Wildcats. He finished his high school career with 111 total tackles over four seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='826191' first='Kallen' last='Higdon'], OL, 6'5”, 285, Rose Hill (Missouri Western)   The Rose Hill Rocket lineman will be trading in a red and white jersey for the black and gold of the Missouri Western Griffons. He is ranked No. 113 overall. He is an offensive lineman who can pass protect and run block with the best of them.   [player_tooltip player_id='262752' first='Caiden' last='Hoffman'], OL, 6'7”, 310, Hoisington (Fort Hays State)   Hoffman is one of two offensive linemen who have decided to play for Division II Fort Hays State. He is ranked No. 114 overall. The Cardinal prospect is a big dude who should end up competing for a starting tackle position. Hoffman is scheduled to participate in the Shrine Bowl which will be played in Emporia.   [player_tooltip player_id='826184' first='Myles' last='Ewell'], OL, 6'4”, 280, Blue Valley West (Kansas)   Ewell committed to play for the Kansas Jayhawks back in December. He is ranked No. 115 overall among his Kansas Class of 2024 peers.  Ewell protected the blind side for the Blue Valley West quarterback and can flat-out bully people as a run blocker.   [player_tooltip player_id='676194' first='Kooper' last='Tichenor'], OL, 6'2”, 290, Holcomb (Fort Hays State)   Tichenor is like Bah is staying out west and joining the Tigers roster. He is ranked No. 112 overall. He has quality size and is as strong as an ox. The Holcomb senior is scheduled to participate in the Shrine Bowl on the West squad.

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to begin my day on social media to see which Kansas athletes make commitment announcements.