K-State a top school for 2019 DE Blake Peterson

The state of South Dakota isn’t exactly known to be a haven for football talent. The Mount Rushmore State isn't regularly sending kids to the FBS level, but it happens from time to time.

And most recently, many of the prospects have come from the same family in Sioux Falls. Tom Farniok played offensive line at Iowa State and then had a cup of coffee in the NFL. His brother, Derek Farniok, signed and played for Oklahoma. That was followed by older brother, Matt Farniok, who signed with Nebraska two recruiting cycles ago. The youngest and last, Will Farniok, is a 2018 pledge for the Huskers as well.

K-State is in the mix for a target from South Dakota, but it's from a different family. The staff is chasing 2019 defensive end Blake Peterson of Beresford.

He’s been identified as a recruit of significance by several schools in the region, and the Wildcats have struck a chord with him. Not only was he at the home game against Oklahoma, Peterson will also visit K-State when Iowa State rolls into town Nov. 25.

It should go well if the game against the Sooners was any indication.

“I had a great time,” Peterson said. “The atmosphere at the game was awesome. It was pretty loud there.”

The stadium environment against the Sooners was lively despite the loss, which dropped the Wildcats at that poing to 3-4 on the season. Now sitting at 4-4, K-State nonetheless remains in good standing with Peterson.

“One of the games I watched on television was the Charlotte game and I really liked what they did defensively,” he said. “They only gave up seven points. Clearly, Charlotte was overmatched. I really like Kansas State’s defense, and they play hard.”

Peterson will be back to visit K-State once again in a few weeks, but the Wildcats clearly made a strong first impression.

“I really liked the coaches there,” he said. “They have some really nice facilities. They said that they really like me and I was able to spend a lot of time with Coach (Jon) Fabris.”

There hasn't been a conversation about a possible scholarship just yet. Peterson is hopeful that it happens, but for now, he’s being patient, checking out several schools and keeping in contact with a handful of programs.

However, Kansas State is clearly a school he's watching.

“I don’t know anything about if or when they plan to offer me but I do know that they are one of my top schools right now," Peterson said.