Eric Hickson has made Kansas State a visible figure on the recruiting trail in the Sunshine State in a very, very short time.

Not only has Hickson been in Florida every waking moment since spring football in Manhattan ended, he’s also extended offers to about 13 prospects from the state in the Class of 2019. In addition, the Wildcats have also extended scholarships to about four more prospects from Florida in the Class of 2020.

One of the more recent recipients is Class of 2019 tight end Nikolas Ognenovic of Cardinal Gibbons High in Fort Lauderdale. Yes, he is the teammate of linebacker Yahweh Jeudy – another Kansas State target.

Ognenovic is 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds and projects to either tight end or receiver. The Wildcats have recruited him as both. And though his first contact with K-State came recently, they’ve had their eyes on him for a bit.

“They’ve been watching me for a while,” Ognenovic said. “They wanted to give me a scholarship because they believe I’m a playmaker. They really like my work ethic and feel that I’d be a great fit for them on and off the field.”

Coach Hickson has established some solid relationships in the Sunshine State for K-State already. That consists of high school head coaches, high school assistants, prospects, their families, their trainers, and in some cases, their 7v7 and folks that are more involved with them in the offseason.

He’s made a strong impression on the three-star tight end thus far.

“I like Kansas State,” Ognenovic said. “I really like how it is a family-oriented place. I like Coach Hickson a lot. He keeps everything real and relatable. We have both been through the same minor setbacks. We understand each other. We have a lot in common.

"He’s cool and I really like him.”

His relationship with Hickson will be the foundation of Kansas State’s pursuit. If the Wildcats do land him, that will be why.

He’d be a large outside receiver or a tight end that has some versatility. Is there a need for that in Manhattan? I’d say so. They’ve already begun to experiment and play around with some of the bigger targets like Chabastin Taylor and Nick Lenners in some capacity, according to those that have watched a handful of practices, and far more than what we have.

That is likely a similar role that Ognenovic would have if he chose to sign with Kansas State. Will he? That is unknown. What is known is that a visit would be the next step in the process, and that is something that still needs to be discussed.

“I still have to talk to my dad about some of that kind of stuff,” he noted. “I am just looking forward to building a good relationship with the offensive coaching staff at this point.”