Another in-state junior impressed by K-State visit

We’ve shared information on a few 2019 prospects of note so far in the state of Kansas and the next one to step into the spotlight is Javier Derritt, a junior defensive tackle from the Kansas City metro area who attends St. Thomas Aquinas.

Yes, St. Thomas Aquinas is loaded. The school has a handful of 2019 prospects on its team that will be sure to warrant FBS attention. Derritt is just one. His teammate, Jayden Russell, already holds an offer from the Wildcats.

But this is about Derritt and he has K-State's attention himself. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman was invited for a visit and took the Wildcats coaching staff up on it. He was in Manhattan for the West Virginia game.

“Everything was awesome,” he said. “I loved the fans and how interactive they were. It was cool to see the stuff they had between the fans, students and the band. That’s a strong atmosphere there for games.”

The Wildcats made a strong impression on him and will be a main player for his services should they choose to jump in and pull the trigger on an offer at some point. He also has ties to the program.

“The facilities looked top of the line,” he said. “Everyone seems dedicated to whatever they’re doing. I also got to say ‘hi’ to my former teammate, Tom (Killilea). He played at Aquinas with me when I was a freshman in high school.

“Myself, coach Taylor (Braet), my mother and brother spoke together a lot. We all seemed to hit it off. I felt like I fit pretty well there.”

Kansas State’s interest is sincere, although there hasn't been an offer extended his way. He’s also received overtures from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Northwestern and Penn State, among others.

I think he’s going to be playing FBS football in the future, and he shares the same kind of confidence.

“My recruitment has been somewhat active,” Derritt said. “But I believe it will pick up during the offseason once they see my film and have more time to look at guys like me. I believe Kansas State is pretty interested in me. But we have yet to have any real discussion about an offer, sadly.”

A little patience and that could happen for Derritt. He will be in the conversation for an offer at plenty of other programs, not just Kansas State. And with St. Thomas Aquinas turning into a powerhouse and a home to plenty of prospects throughout all classes, college programs will be coming in and out of there with a lot of frequency. That’s more exposure and many more opportunities for Derritt to prove himself.

The spring evaluation period and summer camp sessions will be key for him moving forward.