Friday doesn’t have to be the only exciting day of the week for Kansas high school football fans. With dozens of the state’s best on Big 12 rosters this season, there will be plenty to follow on Saturday as well.
Below is a quick look at the Kansans who are on Big 12 football rosters this season.
Iowa State Cyclones
· Brayden Burris, OL, 6-6, 290, So., Bishop Carroll
Coming off knee surgery in the spring, the lineman from Wichita is slated to start at right tackle for the Cyclones after starting one game last season. Burris was an All-State selection in high school.
· Jacob Lattimer, DE, 6-2, 245, Jr., Fort Scott
The All-State linebacker for the Fort Scott Tigers enters his second season for the Cyclones after playing his freshman year with Hutchinson Community College. Lattimer is second string on the depth chart after playing in five games and recording three tackles a year ago.
· Dakota Zimmerman, DS, 6-1, 228, Jr., Haysville Campus
Zimmerman is slated to begin his third season as the Iowa State Cyclones deep snapper. He was a two-time All-State defensive end in high school.
Kansas Jayhawks
· Dylan Avery, DE, Fr., Topeka High
Avery was an All-City performer for the Trojans.
· Isiah Barfield, CB, 5-11, 185, Jr., Haven
Barfield returns to cornerback for the Jayhawks after serving as a reserve wide receiver last season. He is competing with Calvin Rubles for one of the two starting cornerback jobs. Barfield was a two-time All-State running back for Haven High.
· Brian Blackwell, S, 5-11, 191, Jr., Herington
The high school linebacker and running back earned KU Defensive Scout Player of the Week honors last season.
· Jordan Fee, LB, 6-0, 197, So., Hutchinson
Fee was a walk-on for the Jayhawks in 2008 after earning All-State honors for Hutchinson as a junior and senior. He is hoping to see his first Big 12 game action in 2010.
· Steven Foster, FB, 6-1, 257, Jr., Sedgwick
The All-State running back and linebacker returns to fullback for the Jayhawks after being converted to a defensive lineman last season. Foster enters the season at No. 1 on the depth chart at fullback.
· Tanner Hawkinson, OL, 6-6, 293, So., McPherson
An All-State tight end and defensive lineman at McPherson High School, Hawkinson started all 12 games at left tackle for the Jayhawks last season. He was named First Team Freshman All-America by the Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News and College Football News.com. He also earned an All-Big 12 honorable mention.
· Brandon Hawks, CB, 5-10, 189, So., Oskaloosa
Hawks walked on in 2008 after being an all-league performer as a running back and linebacker for Oskaloosa High. He his hoping to see his first college football action this season.
· Tyler Hunt, FB, 6-2, 240, So., Lawrence
An All-State performer at Lawrence High School, Hunt walked on to his hometown Jayhawks in 2008. He earned KU Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week honors last season.
· Blake Jablonski, QB, Fr., Wichita Collegiate
The All-State quarterback led Wichita Collegiate to a Class 3A state title as he threw for almost 4,000 yards.
· Pat Lewandowski, DE, 6-6, 248, Fr., Blue Valley West
Lewandowski was an all-league performer at Blue Valley West as a tight end and defensive end.
· Ryan Murphy, S, 6-0, 185, Jr., Lawrence Free State
Murphy was an All-State quarterback and defensive back at Lawrence Free State. He started two games at nickel back last season and is listed as No. 2 on the depth chart for that position this season. The hometown product led the Jayhawks with two interceptions in 2009.
· Darius Parish, DT, 6-4, 327, So., Wichita North
Parish hopes for some playing time at defensive tackle this season after practicing some on the offensive line during his redshirt season. Parish was an All-City performer for Wichita North.
· Reece Petty, WR, 6-2, 190, Sr., Liberal
Petty didn’t see any action as a wide receiver last season, but he was named KU Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week. A former walk-on, Petty has now earned a scholarship with the Jayhawks.
· Kale Pick, QB, 6-1, 208, So., Dodge City
Pick is slated to be KU’s starting quarterback after playing seven games as a reserve last season. In high school, he was an All-State quarterback his junior season with Dodge City. He suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of his senior season.
· Justin Puthoff, FB, 6-3, 252, Fr., Goddard
The 252-pound fullback is listed No. 2 on the depth chart after redshirting last season. Puthoff was an All-State linebacker for Goddard.
· Alex Smith, OL, 5-11, 266, Sr., Basehor-Linwood
Smith enters his senior season as the backup left guard on the depth chart. The Basehor-Linwood product has seen limited playing time the past three seasons. He was an all-league defensive lineman in high school. Like Petty, he earned a scholarship after originally being a walk-on.
· Josh Smith, FB, 5-10, 210 Hutchinson
Smith walks on to the Jayhawks after completing a stellar prep career at Hutchinson.
· Riley Spencer, OL, 6-7, 300, Fr., Hesston
After redshirting this past season, Spencer is No. 2 on the depth chart at right tackle. He was an All-State performer his senior season at Hesston.
· Huldon Tharp, LB, So., Mulvane
Tharp is out for the season with a foot injury. He made an impact as a true freshman last season with the Jayhawks. He was named a first-team Freshman All-American by Phil Steele as he recorded 59 tackles. Tharp was an All-State linebacker and running back for Mulvane.
· Kevin Young, DE, 6-2, 256, Fr., Olathe North
After redshirting this past season, Young is competing to start one of the two defensive end positons. He was the 2009 Defensive Scout Player of the Year. He was an All-State tight end and defensive end for Olathe North.
· Duane Zlatnik, OL, 6-4, 326, So., Rossville
Zlatnik has been moved to the offensive line after practicing as a defensive tackle the past two seasons. He enters the season as the starting left guard. Zlatnik was an All-State performer for Rossville and also won three state titles in wrestling.
Kansas State Wildcats
· Cole Bachamp, WR, 5-11, 182, Jr., Manhattan
Bachamp played mostly on special teams this past season for the Wildcats. He was an All-State quarterback and defensive back for the Manhattan Indians.
· Nick Briney, LB, 6-0, 219, So., Jefferson West
Briney transfers to the Wildcats after playing two seasons at linebacker for Coffeyville Community College. He was an all-league linebacker for the Jefferson West Tigers.
· Arthur Brown, LB, 6-2, 227, Jr., Wichita East
Brown transfers to Kansas State after seeing limited action at linebacker for two seasons at Miami. He was a highly-touted recruit out of Wichita East, earning high school All-America honors.
· Bryce Brown, RB, 6-0, 215, So., Wichita East
The prized running back will sit out this season after transferring from Tennessee. He rushed for 460 yards on 101 carries for the Volunteers last season. Bryce is Arthur's younger brother.
· Anthony Cantele, PK, 5-11, 188, So., Kapaun-Mt. Carmel
Cantele will compete at kicker after redshirting this past season. The 2008 Kansas Soccer Player of the Year also was a three-time All-State kicker for the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Crusaders.
· Frank Delarue, RB, 5-7, 212, Jr., Kapaun-Mt. Carmel
Delarue is expected to provide depth at running back in his fourth year with the program. He was an All-State running back with the Crusaders in 2006.
· Eric Diesel, DL, 6-4, 285, Jr., St. Marys
The former All-State lineman for the St. Marys Bears joins Kansas State this season.
· Logan Dold, DB, 6-0, 185, Jr., Garden Plain
After starting three games at running back in 2008, including a 115-yard performance against Texas A&M, Dold spent most of the past season transitioning to defense. He led Garden Plain to its first state championship in 2007.
· Ethan Douglas, OL, 6-6, 295, So., Basehor-Linwood
Douglas saw some action as a reserve last season and hopes for more playing time in 2010. He was an All-State lineman for the Basehor-Linwood Bobcats.
· Laton Dowling, DL, 6-2, 231, Fr., Dodge City
Playing tight end and middle linebacker for the Dodge City Red Demons, Dowling projects as a defensive end for the Wildcats. He was the year’s 10th best recruit from Kansas, according to Rivals.com.
· Kaleb Drinkgern, OL, 6-5, 283, Jr., Marysville
Drinkgerm looks for more playing time after serving as a backup the past two seasons. He was a two-time All-State offensive lineman and took third place in the shot put his senior season at Marysville.
· Brad Duncan, FB, 6-2, 240, Fr., Rock Creek
An All-State offensive lineman for the Rock Creek Mustangs, Duncan projects as a fullback for Kansas State.
· Evan Engwall, PK, 5-10, 178, So., Derby
Engwall transfers to Kansas State after earning second-team All-Southland Conference honors as a freshman with the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. An All-State kicker and punter for the Derby Panthers, Scout.com listed him as the nation’s 14th best kicker for the 2009 recruiting class.
· Roman Fields, DB, 5-10, 211, So., Christ Prep Academy
A three-year starter for Christ Prep Academy in Kansas City, Kan., Fields served on K-State’s scout team last season.
· B.J. Finney, OL, 6-5, 260, Fr., Andale
Finney walks on to K-State after being an All-State lineman for the Andale Indians.
· Gabe Gantz, TE, 6-5, 253, Sr., Perry-Lecompton
Gantz has mainly been a contributor on special teams the past two seasons, but he hopes to factor in more as a tight end this year. He was an All-Big 7 Conference tight end for the Perry-Lecompton Kaws.
· Devin Gfeller, WR, 5-9, 189, Fr., Smoky Valley
Gfeller enters his second season with the Wildcats after playing running back for the Smoky Valley Vikings.
· Taylor Godinet, DE, 6-2, 231, Fr., Wamego
Godinet looks to progress as a defensive end in his first year with the Wildcats. He is the nephew of former NFL All-Pro Junior Seau.
· Lucas Hamm, FB, 6-1, 229, Sr., Hillsboro
Hamm played sparingly for the Wildcats last season. He was a key contributor to Butler County Community College’s consecutive national championships in 2007 and 2008. Hamm was All-State in football and basketball for the Hillsboro Trojans in high school.
· Chris Harper, WR, 6-1, 234, So., Wichita Northwest
Harper hopes to make an impact after transferring from the University of Oregon. In 2008, he became Oregon’s first player in eight years to run, pass and catch a touchdown in the same season. He was a PrepStar All-American out of Wichita Northwest High School.
· Tysyn Hartman, DB, 6-3, 206, Jr., Kapaun-Mt. Carmel
He received an All-Big 12 honorable mention last season after intercepting five passes and finishing fourth on the team in tackles. In high school, he was an All-State quarterback and defensive back for the Crusaders.
· Marcus Heit, LS, 6-2, 228, Fr., Derby
Heit hopes to be the team’s long snapper after redshirting last season. He lettered in football and track for the Derby Panthers.
· Rodney Kenner, RB, 5-9, 214, Jr., Olathe Northwest
Kenner has been a member of the scout team the past two seasons after compiling 1,377 rushing yards and 11 Tds for the Olathe Northwest Ravens. He was an All-State honorable mention in high school.
· Brandon Klimek, PK, 5-11, 178, So., Manhattan
Klimek hit a 46-yard field goal against Texas A&M last season. He played football, track and soccer in high school.
· Jared Loomis, LB, 6-0, 216, Jr., Macksville
Transfers to the Wildcats after earning All-conference honors at Dodge City Community College the past two seasons. He led the Macksville Mustangs to an 8-Man state title in 2007.
· Ryan Manes, QB, 6-4, 194, Fr., Ellsworth
Manes redshirted last season. He was an All-State defensive back for the Ellsworth Bearcats.
· Tomasi Mariner, OL, 6-3, 311, Fr., Washburn Rural
A Topeka All-City pick for the Washburn Junior Blues in 2008, Mariner enrolled at Kansas State this past spring.
· John McClure, OL, 6-3, 320, Fr., Wichita Heights
McClure walks on to Kansas State after earning All-State honors for the Falcons. He helped them reach the Class 6A state championship game in 2009.
· Zach McFall, WR, 6-2, 184, So., Manhattan
McFall joins K-State after starting for Fort Scott Community College last season.
· Cameron McLain, OL, 6-0, 305, Fr., Gardener-Edgerton
McLain walks on to Kansas State after being an All-State lineman for the Trailblazers his senior season.
· Charles Melton, DB, 6-0, 200, Fr., Manhattan
The local product earned All-State status two seasons for the Indians.
· Drew Mueller, DB, 5-9, 176, Fr., Iola
Mueller was an All-Southeast Kansas League performer at quarterback and linebacker for two seasons with the Mustangs. He was a redshirt last season for K-State.
· Matthew Pearson, DB, 6-0, 190, Jr., Wichita Heights
Pearson hopes to see a lot of action at cornerback after transferring from Hutchinson Community College.
· Ian Peters, DB, 6-0, 190, So., Pike Valley
Peters was an All-State performer for the Pike Valley Panthers in 2007. He was a member of K-State’s scout team last season.
· Mike Powell, OL, 6-3, 300, Jr., LaCrosse
A two-time all-conference performer at Hutchinson Community College, Powell transfers to the Wildcats. He was an All-State lineman for the LaCrosse Leopards.
· Nick Puetz, OL, 6-4, 315, Jr., Southeast of Saline
Puetz joins the Wildcats after transferring from the University of Wyoming. Before that, he was an all-conference performer in both of his seasons at Coffeyville Community College.
· Ethan Reinke, DL, 6-6. 225, Fr., Blue Valley
He was an all-conference lineman for Blue Valley.
· Adam Repass-Orduna, WR, 5-4, 161, So., Blue Valley Northwest
Even though he is only 5-foot-4, Repass-Orduna was a big impact player for Blue Valley Northwest. He hopes to do the same for the Wildcats.
· DeMarcus Robinson, RB, 5-9, 195, Fr., Wichita Northwest
Rivals.com considered Robinson the 18th best running back in the nation out of Wichita Northwest High School. He rushed for 1,720 yards as a senior.
· Kevin Rohleder, LB, 6-0, 219, Sr., Bishop Carroll
Rohleder looks to compete for a starting spot this season after playing as a reserve in 2009. He was a three-year starter and All-State performer for the Bishop Carroll Eagles.
· Brodrick Smith, WR, 6-2, 206, So., Garden City
Smith transfers from the University of Minnesota. He was an All-State quarterback at Garden City, rushing for 1,446 yards and passing for 700 his senior season.
· Tate Snyder, LB, 5-11, 205, Fr., Manhattan
Snyder joins the Kansas State program after earning All-State honors for the Indians.
· Jeremy Sutton, TE, 6-3, 231, Jr., Anderson County
Sutton was an All-State performer with the Bulldogs. He transferred to Kansas State from Fort Scott Community College after the 2008 season.
· Josh Sutton, DL, 6-4, 250, Jr., Anderson County
The twin brother of Jeremy, Sutton was an all-league performer in football and basketball at Anderson County High School. He also transferred from Fort Scott Community College after the 2008 season.
· Travis Tannahill, TE, 6-3, 254, So., Olathe East
Played in all 12 games for the Wildcats as a true freshman last season. In high school, he played tight end, quarterback and punter for the Hawks. He received All-State honors. Tannahill also was a state champion in the javelin.
· Jonathan Truman, LB, 6-0, 212, Fr., Kapaun-Mt. Carmel
Truman was an All-State linebacker for the Crusaders as a senior.
· Trevor Viers, OL, 6-4, 297, Sr., Little River
Viers enters 2010 with some starting experience with the Wildcats. He was a four-year starter and All-State performer for the 8-Man Little River Redskins.
· Jordan Voelker, DE, 6-2, 240, Jr., Newton
Voelker transfers from Butler County Community College. He was All-State in football and basketball for the Newton Railers.
· Tre Walker, LB, 6-4, 205, Fr., Olathe North
Rivals.com considered Walker to be the ninth best player out of Kansas this past season. He helped the Eagles to an undefeated state championship in 2009.
· Nick Ward, OL, 6-1, 276, Jr., Andale
Ward has been a member of K-State’s scout team. He led the Andale Indians to an undefeated state championship season in 2006.
· Wade Weibert, OL, 6-4, 303, Sr., Hillsboro
Weibert returns as K-State’s starting center. He was an All-State lineman for the Hillsboro Trojans.
· Braden Wilson, FB, 6-3, 244, So., Smith Center
Characterized on K-State’s website as “hard-nosed,” Wilson returns as the Wildcats’ lead blocker. An All-State player for the Smith Center Redmen, he finished his high school career with four state titles and four consecutive undefeated seasons.
· Jarett Wright, LB, 5-11, 244, Sr., Newton
Wright played sparingly last season for the Wildcats. He was All-State on offense and defense for Newton High School.
· Ty Zimmerman, DB, 6-1, 202, Fr., Junction City
Zimmerman, an All-State quarterback who led Junction City to an undefeated state championship in 2008, looks to provide depth at defensive back.
Missouri Tigers
· Andrew Gachkar, LB, 6-3, 228, Sr., Blue Valley West
He started all 13 games for the Tigers last season. He was a highly-recruited linebacker out of Blue Valley West High School.
· Trey Hobson, DB, 5-11, 190, Jr., Blue Valley
Listed No. 2 on the depth chart, Hobson looks to compete for playing time at cornerback. He was an All-State wide receiver and defensive back for the Blue Valley Tigers.
· Lucas Vincent, DL, 6-3, 285, Fr., Olathe North
Vincent helped Olathe North to a 13-0 state championship season in 2009 as an All-State performer on the defensive line. He also won a state wrestling title in the heavyweight division. Slotted as No. 4 on the defensive tackle depth chart, Vincent could receive some playing time as a true freshman with Missouri. However, he recently injured his ankle, which could hinder his chances of avoiding a redshirt.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Kyler Reed, TE, 6-3, 230, So., St. Thomas Aquinas
Reed started one game for the Huskers in 2009. He played wide receiver, fullback and defensive back for the Saints and received All-State recognition.
Oklahoma Sooners
· Blake Bell, QB, 6-6, 227, Fr., Bishop Carroll
Bell threw for almost 6,000 yards and 70 touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons at Bishop Carroll. He joins the Sooners after being one of the most highly-touted recruits from Kansas.
· Jaydan Bird, LB, 6-1, 230, So., Conway Springs
Bird enters 2010 as No. 2 on Oklahoma’s depth chart at weak side linebacker. The Conway Springs product appeared in 12 games on special teams last season. He was a star running back and linebacker for the Cardinals in high school, earning All-State honors and leading them to Class 3A state title.
· Ben Gottsch, QB, 5-10, 180, Fr., Hillsboro
Gottsch joins the Sooners after playing last season at Tabor College.
· Geneo Grissom, DE, 6-4, 233, Fr., Hutchinson
Grissom was an All-State defensive end for the Salt Hawks, helping them to a state title.
· Justin McCay, WR, 6-2, 208, Fr., Bishop Miege
McCay joins the Sooners after being projected as one of the state’s top recruits. He had 46 catches for 926 yards with the Stags his senior season.
· Marshall Musil, FB, 6-2, 241, Fr., LaCrosse
Musil is battling for the starting fullback job after redshirting his first season with the Sooners. He rushed for 1,271 yards and 21 touchdowns on only 110 carries for the Leopards in 2008.
· Patrick O’Hara, K, 6-0, 180, Topeka High
O’Hara played soccer in high school instead of football. He earned an opportunity with the Sooners by sending in a video of his kicking abilities. He made 6-of-9 field goals last season and was 15-of-15 on extra points.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
· Devin Hedgepeth, CB, 5-11, 180, Fr., Derby
Hedgepeth played wide receiver and defensive back in high school, earning numerous state honors.
· Anthony Hill, WR, 5-11, 193, Sr., Shawnee Mission South
The Shawnee Mission South product is hoping to find some playing time his senior season. He was an all-district performer in high school.
· Joseph Randle, RB, 6-0, 190, Fr., Wichita Southeast
Randle was considered by many publications to be a top 25 running back in the nation out of Wichita Southeast High School where he rushed for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns his senior season.
Texas A&M Aggies
· Logan Ortiz, P/K, 5-9, 185, Jr., Leavenworth
Ortiz transfers to Texas A&M after earning All-America honors as a kicker and punter at Butler Community College. He recorded a punt average of 41.8 and was 16 of 20 on field goals his sophomore season.
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