Kansas may not receive the national recruiting attention it has in recent years when schools from major conferences were doing anything they could to get their hands on the likes of Bubba Starling, Blake Bell, Bryce Brown and Arthur Brown, but the state does offer another strong pool of talent.
Here is a look at the state’s most coveted college football recruits for 2012 broken down into three categories:
BEST OF THE BEST
• Tyler Matthews, QB, McPherson, 6-3, 195
The Bullpups quarterback first garnered some attention when he threw for 1,047 yards in six games as a sophomore at Goddard. After transferring to McPherson before his junior season, the attention toward Matthews grew. That tends to happen when you complete 74 percent of your passes for almost 2,700 yards, 30 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
What they’re saying: Rivals.com lists Matthews as a four-star recruit and the No. 1 player in Kansas. He is considered the eighth best pro-style quarterback recruit in the nation. ESPN’s scouting report says, “This kid is a really sharp, precise passer with fundamentally sound technique and very productive results.”
By the numbers: According to Rivals, Matthews ran a 4.7 40-yard dash and delivered a 32-inch vertical jump.
College destination: He has verbally committed to play football at TCU.
So far this season: After two games, Matthews has completed 33-of-53 passes for 628 yards with six TDs and one interception. At 62 percent, he hasn’t been as accurate with his passes as he was in 2010. Some of it likely is an adjustment period to being without his favorite target from last season, All-State receiver Christian Ulsaker. However, Matthews is developing a rapport with Jordan Hart, who has 17 catches for 316 yards and five TDs after two games.
• Trace Clark, DE, Wichita Collegiate, 6-5, 245
The Spartans star is a four-year starter who has earned All-State honors. Clark had 64 tackles and four sacks as a junior. Basically, he’s the player offensive coordinators must gameplan for when they face Wichita Collegiate. His older brother Zac played collegiately at Oregon, and his father Steve played for Kansas State and in the NFL.
What they’re saying: Rivals lists Clark as a three-star recruit, the No. 2 player in Kansas and the 30th best defensive end in the nation.ESPN’s scouting report says, “Clark brings some good genes to the table as a prospect as his father and brother both played on the defensive line at a high level. That background seems to help as he plays the game like a kid who has had some extra insight to playing the position.”
By the numbers: According to Rivals, Clark benches 300 pounds and squats 375.
College destination: Reportedly Clark has received offers from Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Stanford and Oregon, as well as others.
So far this season: Wichita Collegiate has started slow, losing its first two games. Clark leads the team with 19 solo tackles and seven assists. He also has one fumble recovery.
THE NEXT BEST
• Vernon Vaughn, WR, KC Sumner Academy, 6-2, 190
The Sabres receiver is a big target, who posted 865 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior.
What they’re saying: Rivals gives him three stars and lists him as the state’s No. 5 recruit and the second-best receiver in Kansas. ESPN’s scouting report says, “Vaughn is an extremely productive guy as a flex tight end that could be considered a wide receiver due to his overall athleticism, but we feel he will be best suited for an H-back role at the next level. Is tall and built like an oversized wide receiver.”
By the numbers: According to Rivals, he recorded a 4.6 40 and a 34-inch vertical leap.
College destination: Vaughn has verbally committed to Kansas State.
So far this season: Sumner has started the season 0-2, but Vaughn had a touchdown catch in a 34-20 loss to Harmon last week.
• Brian Beckmann, OL, Blue Valley West, 6-7, 310
At that height and weight, there’s no guessing why he’s had Big 12 schools intrigued.
What they’re saying: Rivals lists him as a three-star recruit and the third-best player in Kansas. ESPN’s scouting report says, “Beckmann uses his upper body playing strength to dominate as a run blocker. Has the size and athleticism for the offensive guard position at the major level of competition. If initial quickness and agility improves, offensive tackle is a possibility.”
By the numbers: According to Rivals, he ran a 5.4 40 and recorded 11 reps on the bench press.
College destination: Beckmann has verbally committed with the Kansas Jayhawks.
So far this season: The Jaguars appear much improved after last year’s 1-8 mark. Blue Valley West is 1-1 and played within one TD of St. Thomas Aquinas (31-24). Beckmann has been sidelined with a shoulder injury and is expected to return towards the middle of the high school season.
• Elliot Faerber, WR, Shawnee Mission East, 6-4, 200
The Lancers’ receiver hauled in 43 receptions for 799 yards and six touchdowns as a junior. He is a big target with adequate speed.
What they’re saying: Rivals gives him three stars and lists him as the fourth best high school recruit in Kansas. ESPN’s scouting report says, “Faerber is a tall and athletic possession type that is very consistent and productive in every area. He reminds us of another prospect in this class Jordan Westerkamp only Faerber isn't quite as fast. He has long limbs and shows good overall quickness and surge off the ball.”
By the numbers: According to Rivals, he runs a 4.6 40 and has a 28-inch vertical leap.
College destination: Faerber has verbally committed to Illinois.
So far this season: The Lancers are 1-1. Against Olathe East, Faerber battled double coverage most of the game and was limited to three catches for 34 yards.
• Rob Riederer, DB, Holton, 6-1, 205
Along with Trent Tanking¸Riederer gives the Holton Wildcats one of the best linebacker duos in the state. Riederer had 75 tackles and an interception last season, helping Holton to the 4A state championship game. He also plays running back.
What they’re saying: Rivals gives him three stars and considers him the sixth-best high school recruit in Kansas. ESPN’s scouting report says, “Riederer is essentially a linebacker in a safety's body and while productive, he is a bit of a 'tweener when projecting for the college level.”
By the numbers: According to Rivals, he bench presses 295 and squats 425.
College destination: Riederer has verbally committed to Tulsa.
So far this season: He has helped the Wildcats start 2-0, including a win against Class 6A’s Topeka High. In that game, he had 13 tackles despite being hurt.
BEST OF THE REST
• Myles Copeland, LB, Wichita Collegiate, 6-1, 223
He is reportedly receiving interest from Kansas State.
•Matthew Baltimore, DE, Olathe East, 6-4, 230
He is verbally committed to Northern Illinois.
•Bennett Moore, LB, Wichita Northwest, 6-2, 220
He is reportedly being recruited by Army, as well as several Big 12 schools.
•Derrick Decker, QB, Rose Hill, 6-5, 207
He is reportedly being recruited by Kansas.
•Matt Seiwert, DE, Conway Springs, 6-2, 250
He is committed to play at Kansas State.
•Garrett Griffin, LB, Louisburg, 6-4, 210
He is reportedly receiving interest from Air Force, Kansas, Kansas State and Tulsa.
•Tre Parmalee, WR, Bishop Miege, 5-10, 160
He is reportedly being recruited by Kansas State.
•Jacob English, OL, Beloit, 6-6, 240
He is reportedly garnering interest from Wyoming, Iowa State and Kansas State.
•DeSean Warren, WR, Blue Valley West, 5-11, 150
He is reportedly receiving interest from a bunch of schools, including North Dakota State, Kansas, Missouri and Colorado, but will miss the 2011 season with a knee injury.
•Orange Mooney, RB, Olathe North, 5-8, 175
The transfer from Arizona is receiving interest from Arizona, Arizona State and Northern Arizona.
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