Kansas State head football coach Bill Snyder announced Wednesday a list of 20 student-athletes who have committed to be part of the Wildcat program next fall by signing National Letters of Intent with K-State. The class includes 15 high school seniors and five community college transfers.

"As is always the case, a true assessment of this class will not be evident for a couple of years," Snyder said. "Each one has had a great deal of success at the schools where they have been, but the tool for establishing the degree of success they will have will be determined by how rapidly and efficiently they make the transition to a Division I-A university."

The class is a geographically diverse group, consisting of players from seven states. Texas is the most heavily represented state in the class with seven players, followed by California with five. Four signees hail from Kansas, the only other state to claim more than one commitment.

Kansas State was able to address some significant needs with the class, especially on defense where the Wildcats received commitments from 11 players. The largest number of those players, a total of four, are projected to contribute on the defensive line, making the unit the largest beneficiary of the incoming class.

However, K-State also picked up some significant help on the offensive side of the ball with nine commitments, particularly on the offensive line where three standout prospects pleged with K-State. As a result, Snyder indicated he was pleased with the scholarship distribution within the class.

"We have attempted to find young student-athletes who fit our needs for the future," said Snyder. "There is a balance in this class, having signed players for each position on offense and defense, that we are quite pleased with."

Snyder also praised the character attributes of the student-athletes in the class, in addition to the overall athletic ability of the group.

"This is a class of fine young men who appear to be of quality character and who have expressed a genuine interest in their education," Snyder added. "Their football and athletic skills have been proven at the schools from which they have made a name for themselves."

In a related item, Snyder also announced that sophomore-to-be punter Tim Reyer has received a scholarship.

"Tim developed into our number one punter last season and showed great improvement over the last half of the season. He is being placed on scholarship with this class."

One of the top freshman punters in the nation during 2004, Reyer averaged 42.4 yards on 36 punts. Nearly a third of his punts (10 total) traveled over 50 yards, including a 71-yarder at Colorado, a 67-yarder vs. Nebraska and 61-yarders vs. Oklahoma and Texas Tech. The Wamego, Kan., product was especially impressive down the home stretch of the 2004 season, recording at least two 50-plus yard punts in each of the final four games.

Name Pos Ht Wt Elg Hometown (Previous School)

Gary Chandler DB 6-0 190 Fr. Wichita, Kan.

Eric Childs DE 6-3 210 Fr. Arlington, Texas (MacArthur)

Ross Diehl LB 6-3 215 Fr. Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County)

Courtney Herndon DB 5-11 200 Fr. Dallas, Texas (Lincoln)

Kevin Hollis DB 6-1 185 Fr. Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer)

Jonathan Lewis DE 6-3 262 Fr. Carrollton, Texas (Newman Smith)

Kevin Lopina QB 6-3 220 Fr. Pleasanton, Calif. (De La Salle)

Nate Prater TE 6-4 257 Fr. Omaha, Neb. (Central)

Brandon Rees ATH 6-5 225 Fr. Sedan, Kan. (Sedan)

Andrew Richards WR 6-3 200 Fr. Keller, Texas (Keller)

MacKenzie Rosel LB 6-2 205 Fr. Liberal, Kan. (Liberal)

Nick Stringer OL 6-6 260 Fr. Topeka, Kan. (Hayden)

Val Taylor WR 6-1 180 Fr. Dallas, Texas (South Oak Cliff)

Brock Unruh OL 6-5 305 Fr. Corpus Christi, Texas (Calallen)

Reggie Walker LB 6-2 220 Fr. Sacramento, Calif. (Grant)

Name Pos Ht Wt Elg Hometown (Previous School)

Steve Burch DE 6-2 275 Jr. Detroit, Mich. (Dodge City CC)

Mike Frieson OL 6-7 325 Jr. Bakersfield, Calif. (Bakersfield College)

Justin McKinney DB 5-10 180 So. Sanford, Fla. (Garden City CC)

Ricky Miller DE 6-3 255 Jr. Costa Mesa, Calif. (Orange Coast College)

Jimmy Niutapuai FB 6-0 265 Jr. Westminster, Calif. (Orange Coast College)

Defensive End

6-2, 275

Detroit, Mich. (Dodge City CC/De Porres)

Quickly: A stout defensive end who possesses a knack for getting to the quarterback… Originally signed with Iowa in 2002 out of Detroit De Porres High School… A four-star prospect by Rivals.com… The No. 28 overall JuCo prospect and No. 4 JuCo defensive tackle in the country by College Football News… An honorable mention preseason All-American by JCFootball.com.

Dodge City CC: Totaled 44 tackles during 2004, with 31 solo stops, for the 3-5 Conquistadors… Received credit for 13 tackles for loss, including 9.5 sacks, to lead both Region VI and the Jayhawk Conference with 1.1 sacks per game… TFL figure ranked seventh in the district… Paced the Jayhawk Conference in fumbles forced with four… Earned second team KJCAA All-Conference Honors… Made 37 total stops as a freshman in 2003, including 27 unassisted tackles… Accounted for five tackles for loss, with a pair of sacks… Also recovered a fumble… Coached by John Rossetti.

Iowa: Redshirted the 2002 season before transferring to Dodge City late in the spring of 2003.

De Porres HS: Prepped at De Porres High School in Detroit, Mich., where he was a two-star rated prospect and the No. 73 strongside defensive end nationally by Rivals.com… Also ranked as the 29th-best prospect in Michigan in the class of 2002… Played guard, defensive end and defensive tackle as a senior… Wracked up 123 total tackles, including 21 tackles for loss, and two interceptions while leading the Eagles to the 2001 Michigan Division 7 state title… Selected MVP of the state championship game… Named to the 2001 Detroit News Dream Team, Class C All-State first team and All-Detroit first team… Also a two-time All-Catholic league selection… Coached by Greg Carter.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over Toledo and Cincinnati… Received heavy interest from Nebraska, Oklahoma, Houston and Kansas early in the recruiting process.

Personal: Steve Lamar Burch was born August 26, 1984, in Detroit, Mich… Parents are Montie Bascomb and Sandra Burch… Has a brother, Raymell.

Why K-State?: "It is a good place for me to work on my skills and help the team out and help them back to winning. They needed defensive line help and that is what I am going to do. I can compete for the starting job. I am a competitor. I want to play at the highest level available and that is what Kansas State is."

Defensive Back

6-0, 190

Wichita, Kan. (Wichita Heights)

Quickly: A talented and athletic player who projects as a defensive back on the collegiate level… An All-Midlands running back by PrepStar… The No. 10-ranked player in Kansas by Rivals.com… One of just three Kansans in K-State's 2005 recruiting class.

Wichita Heights HS: Helped Heights to a 10-1 record in 2004, its best ever… Rushed for 1,905 yards on 260 carries (7.3 ypc), with 28 touchdowns at running back… Gained over 200 yards in four straight games, with five 200-plus outings… May have had best offensive game of the season against Emporia with six touchdowns… Recorded 98 tackles, including 57 solo stops, with nine tackles for loss on defense… Named Class 6A all-state by the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal as a defensive back… Was also a member of both papers' 2004 top-11 all-class teams… Began his prep career at Wichita East before transferring to Heights after his junior season… Rushed for 1600 yards as a junior in 2003 at East… Earned all-league honors as a defensive back and was an honorable mention all-state selection… Played quarterback and defensive back as a freshman and sophomore… Coached by Rick Wheeler at Heights… Also lettered in basketball and played for East's state title team.

Recruiting: Only offer was from Kansas State.

Personal: Gary Jermaine Chandler was born Oct. 31, 1986, in Wichita, Kan… Parents are Gary Chandler and Kathy Delt… Has two brothers, Brian (23) and Chris (9)… Comes from an athletic family as father Gary played at Tulsa, uncle, Vic, lettered as a defensive end at K-State from 1974-76 and uncle, Dewayne, was an All-Big Eight tight end at Kansas in 1992… Is undecided on a major.

Defensive End

6-3, 210

Arlington, Texas (MacArthur)

Quickly: A very athletic edge rusher with tremendous speed… Possesses 4.50 speed in the 40... May end up as an outside linebacker at the collegiate level… An All-Midlands selection by PrepStar… Rated the No. 39 prospect in the Metro area by the Dallas Morning News and the number No. 88 rated prospect in the Texas Top 100… Also pegged among the top 100 players in the state of Texas by the Houston Chronicle and Fort Worth Star-Telegram… Received 3 stars from Rivals.com and was rated the No. 59 "athlete" nationally.

MacArthur HS: A two-year starter for the Cardinals… Helped MacArthur to a 10-1 record, the 2004 District 6-5A championship and a No. 8 ranking in the final regular-season Texas class 5A poll as a senior… Finished 2004 with 68 total tackles… Collected 11 tackles for loss, with four sacks, two pass break-ups and a fumble recovery… Earned second team All-Texas 5A honors from 5Atexasfootball.com and was named to the District 6-5A first team defense… Earned all-city honors and was named the team's defensive lineman of the year… Played in the Coca-Cola High School All-Star Football Game Jan. 29… Totaled 46 tackles with five sacks as a junior in 2003… Earned honorable mention All-District 8-5A honors… Coached by David Beaty… Also ran track as a junior and senior.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Baylor, Colorado State, Iowa, Iowa State, and Missouri.

Personal: Eric Michael Childs was born April 29, 1987, in Fort Knox, Kent… Son of Ulyses and Judith Childs… Has an older brother, Nicholas (23)… Enjoys art… Plans on majoring in graphic design.

Why K-State?: "(Kansas State) really came off like a family atmosphere, like what we have here at my school. It really drew me in. I'm going to spend the next four or five years there so that was important to me. I like what they do with their defensive ends. It seems like they have more freedom than a lot of other schools because their tackles go off of them. It frees you up to go after the ball more."

Linebacker

6-3, 215

Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County)

Quickly: A rugged and experienced linebacker… All-Midlands selection by PrepStar… Considered by the recruiting magazine as the top linebacker prospect in the state of Colorado… The No. 34 inside linebacker prospect in the country and the No. 1 linebacker (12th player overall) in the state of Colorado by Rivals.com… Ranked as the No. 25 inside linebacker nationally by Tom Lemming of ESPN.com and the No. 48 linebacker by College Football News… Received three stars from both Rivals.com and `.

Douglas County HS: A three-year starter for the Huskies… Team finished 2004 with a 6-4 record, just missing the state playoffs… Credited with 112 tackles as a senior, including 17 vs. Palmer… Had an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries… Named first team 5A all-state by both the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News… Also earned first team All-Continental League honors… Totaled 105 tackles as a junior in 2004… Named second team all-state and first team all-conference… Was a second team all-league performer as a sophomore… Coached by Jeff Ketron… Also lettered three years in track & field, claiming fifth in the shot put and third in the discus at the 2004 state meet.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over offers from Arizona State, Colorado State, Kansas, San Diego State and Wyoming.

Personal: Ross Diehl was born Dec. 1, 1986, in Denver, Colo… Son of Ed and Kassie Diehl… Has one older brother, Adam (20), and a younger brother, Luke (16)… Adam is a junior-to-be defensive end at Wyoming… An avid hunter and fisherman… Undecided on a future major, but would like to open a hunting and fishing lodge after graduating from college.

Why K-State?: "I felt like it was the best place for me to spend my college years. I really like the program and the coaches. The program wins a lot of games and is always in the polls and the coaches tried hard to help me see more than wins and losses."

Offensive Lineman

6-7, 315

Bakersfield, Calif. (Bakersfield College/North)

Quickly: An intense player who possesses good feet and drive-blocking skills… Enrolled at Kansas State in January as a junior after signing his letter of intent in December and will participate in spring drills… Did not play football during the 2002 season, his first out of high school… Has two years of eligibility available over the next two seasons… Played his entire JuCo career at left tackle and projects at that spot on the Division I level… Could also slide over a position and see some time at guard.

Bakersfield College: Lettered and started two seasons at Bakersfield College as an offensive tackle… Received three stars from Rivals.com recruiting web site … Earned all-state honors from JuCal Transfer magazine… An honorable mention All-Western State Conference Northern Division selection as a sophomore and a second team all-league pick as freshman… Selected as the Renegades' outstanding offensive lineman at the team's 2004 awards banquet… Helped the Renegades to a 7-4 season, including a berth in the Golden Empire Bowl… Blocked for an extremely balanced offensive attack that averaged 334.8 yards per game during the regular season… Bakersfield averaged 349.9 ypg during his freshman season… Rose from a virtually unknown high school player to one of the top junior college players in the nation after two strong seasons at Bakersfield… Coached by Jeff Chudy.

North HS: Started on the offensive line as a senior for the Stars… Coached by Mike Snow.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over Iowa State, Missouri, Fresno State, Marshall and Nevada.

Personal: Michael Scott Frieson was born Dec. 8, 1983, in Bakersfield, Calif… Son of Mike and Karen Frieson… Has two sisters, Jamie (17) and Liz (13)… Intends to major in business… Enjoys snowboarding, basketball and golf.

Why K-State?: "All their facilities are good and I liked the coaching staff. I liked the players. I like the offense they ran. Everything seemed to fit. You can't argue with the success (Kansas State has) had recruiting the junior college level. I'd say the people stood out the most as they accepted me with open arms."

Defensive Back

5-11, 200

Dallas, Texas (Lincoln)

Quickly: A physical defensive back who most likely projects as a safety at the college level… A three-star prospect by Rivals.com… Considered the No. 39 safety in the nation by Rivals and the No. 85 player from the state of Texas… Rated the No. 32 prospect in the Metro area by the Dallas Morning News… Selected as the No. 27 prospect in recruiting analyst Max Emfinger's Texas Fabulous Forty.

Lincoln HS: Started three years for the Tigers… Helped lead Lincoln to a 13-2 record in 2004 and a berth in the Class 4A Division II state title game… Registered 110 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, six sacks, five blocked kicks, three interceptions and a touchdown as senior… Named first team Class 4A all-state by TexasPrepXtra.com… Earned honorable mention Class 4A all-state honors by The Associated Press… Also selected first team all-district 10-4A by the coaches and all-area by the Dallas Morning News… Collected 94 tackles, nine interceptions and nine pass break-ups as a junior in 2003 for 10-2 Lincoln… Coached by Reginald Samples.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over Georgia Tech, Houston, Kansas, TCU, Tulsa and Vanderbilt.

Personal: Courtney Herndon was born Feb. 3, 1987, in Dallas, Texas… Son of Sam and Angelia Herndon… Has one sister, Amber (19)… Undecided on a future major.

Why K-State?: "It was playing for Coach Elliott and the defense they run at K-State that sold me. I think I have a real chance to fit in there. It seems like they are always at the top of the defensive rankings. That is a defense that would be great to be a part of. I'm looking forward to it."

Defensive Back

6-1, 185

Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer)

Quickly: A talented receiver as a prep who projects as a safety on the college level… A three-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Gilmer HS: Lettered three years and started two for the Buckeyes… Played both ways and helped Gilmer win the 2004 Texas 3A Division II state title… Hauled in a school-record 82 receptions for just under 1,000 yards and tied the school mark for touchdowns with 13 on offense as a senior… Played both outside linebacker and safety on defense… Named second team Class 3A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association as a receiver… Also receive honorable mention Class 3A all-state honors from The Associated Press on offense… Earned first team All-East Texas honors from The Longview News-Journal as a receiver… Named the District 13-3A co-MVP and first team all-district… Caught 24 passes for 462 yards and six touchdowns in 2003 as a junior… Also carried the ball for 379 yards and three touchdowns as a back-up quarterback… Credited with 67 tackles and four interceptions as a safety… Earned all-district honors… Coached by Jeff Traylor… Also ran track and was a three-year state qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over Baylor, Duke, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

Personal: Kevin Hollis was born Oct. 3, 1986, in Dallas, Texas… Son of Curtis and Lola Hollis… Has one brother, Curtis Jr. (20)… Was class president at Gilmer… Undecided on a major.

Why K-State?: "I really liked the coaches. They have a history of good defenses there and I am looking forward to being a part of it. (Kansas State) really was the best fit for me."

Defensive End

6-3, 262

Carrollton, Texas (Newman Smith)

Quickly: An explosive and versatile defensive lineman … Earned All-Midlands recognition from PrepStar… A four-star rated prospect by Rivals.com… Considered the No. 16 strongside defensive end in the country and the No. 22 recruit in Texas… Received 4.5 stars from Max Emfinger, who ranked him among the top 20 strongside defensive ends in the nation and the No. 49 overall prospect in Texas… The No. 20 defensive end nationally by College Football News.

Newman Smith HS: A three-year starter for the Trojans… Recorded 52 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2004… Earned honorable mention Class 5A all-state honors from The Associated Press as a senior… Also selected first team all-district 8-5A and all-area, despite Newman Smith's 0-10 record… Recorded 74 tackles, including 61 solo stops, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, one fumble caused and two fumble recoveries as a junior in 2003… Earned both all-area and all-district accolades… Picked up all-district honors as a sophomore in 2002… Coached by Mark Copeland.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Miami (FL), SMU, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Wisconsin.

Personal: Jonathan Lewis was born Oct. 2, 1986, in Amarillo, Texas… Parents are Walter and Pamla Lewis… Undecided on a major.

Why K-State?: " I just knew all along it was the right place for me. I've got a good program, good coaches and a good school to be part of in K-State. I really liked K-State's football team and how they are all together as a group. They have a program that is on the rise again and I want to help get them back to glory. I want to do what I can to get the Wildcats back to the top."

Quarterback

6-3, 220

Pleasanton, Calif. (De La Salle)

Quickly: A talented dual-threat quarterback from one of the most storied prep programs in the country… An All-West selection by PrepStar… The No. 52 player in California by Superprep… A three-star prospect by Rivals.com… Rival's No. 18 dual-threat quarterback in the country… Also ranked as the No. 49 prospect in the state of California by Rivals.

De La Salle HS: Lettered three years and started two for the Spartans… Led De La Salle to an 8-3-1 record in 2004 and the Spartan's 13th straight CIF North Coast Section title… Passed for nearly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior… Also gained 750 yards on the ground, scoring 10 TDs… Earned first team All-CIF honors as well as first team All-Bay Valley Athletic League accolades… Was also an All-Metro pick by the San Francisco Examiner and the No. 2 player in the Bay Area, regardless of position, by the Contra Costa Times… Completed 47-of-85 attempts for 661 yards and four touchdowns during an injury-shortened junior campaign… Also rushed for 233 yards on 35 carries with seven TDs in 2003… Coached by Bob Ladouceur.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon State and Nebraska.

Personal: Kevin Lopina was born Oct. 7, 1986, in San Jose, Calif… Son of Michael and Jeannette Lopina… Has one brother, Brian (19), and one sister, Stephanie (15)… Intends to major in business.

Why K-State?: "My decision came down to where I felt the most comfortable amongst my future teammates. After taking visits to Oregon State and Kansas State, I had the chance for the first time to meet future teammates from both schools. Both experiences were good, but in the end, I felt more attached to the Kansas State family."

Defensive Back

5-10, 180

Sanford, Fla. (Garden City CC/Seminole)

Quickly: Originally signed with Kansas State out of high school… Redshirted the 2003 season and comes to K-State with three years of eligibility… Received three stars from Rivals.com recruiting service.

Garden City CC: Played only the 2004 season for Broncbusters, starting 10 games… Accounted for 56 total tackles, including 43 solos, with three tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman… Had five interceptions to rank sixth in NJCAA Region VI and 99 yards in interception-return yardage… Three of the picks came in a single game vs. Highland CC… Earned honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference honors… Coached by Robert Larson.

Seminole HS: Ranked 70th nationally among cornerback prospects by Rivals.com... Lettered four seasons and started three for the Fighting Seminoles… All-Southeast Region pick by PrepStar magazine... First team 6A all-state selection at DB... Also earned first team All-Seminole County and all-conference honors... First team all-district selection... Had 79 tackles with five interceptions and a pair of touchdowns as a senior... Credited with 57 tackles and six interceptions and scored five touchdowns as a junior... High school coach was Jim Bernhard… Also lettered three years in basketball, earning first team all-conference honors.

Recruiting: Originally selected Kansas State over South Florida as a prep… Also received recruiting interest from Florida.

Personal: Justin McKinney was born Nov. 23, 1983, in Tampa, Fla... Parents are Michael and Darlene McKinney... Has four brothers, Mike Jr. (26), Reginald (20), Anthony (19) and Trevis (14)… Plans to study business administration.... Uncle, Greg Jefferson, was a DE for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Why K-State?: "I have been planning on going back to K-State since I got (to Garden City) out of high school. I'm excited about going back to play at K-State."

Defensive End

6-3, 255

Tustin, Calif. (Orange Coast College/Tustin)

Quickly: An athletic defensive end who was recruited as a linebacker out of high school… Originally signed with Fresno State before transferring to Orange Coast… Was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked as the No. 17 middle linebacker in the country by the recruiting service as a prep… Currently a three-star rated defensive end by Rivals.com… The No. 15 defensive end in the nation by College Football News.

Orange Coast College: Played just one year for the Pirates… Totaled 29 total tackles… Led the team with 8.5 tackles for loss, and was the team leader in sacks with four… Named second team All-Mission Conference… Played with fellow K-State signee Jimmy Niutapuai… Coached by Mike Taylor.

Fresno State: Appeared in six games during 2003 as a redshirt freshman… Recorded eight tackles, six solo, with two behind the line of scrimmage… Redshirted the 2002 season… Position coach was Tom Mason.

Tustin HS: One of the top linebackers in California as a prep senior ... Started three seasons for the Tillers… Was a two-time All-Golden West League first teamer… Registered 50 tackles and four sacks in 2001… Also played fullback, rushing for 950 yards on 150 carries with 19 touchdowns... Used primarily as a tailback as a junior, rushing for 1,050 yards and 17 touchdowns… Coached by Myron Miller.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over offers from Washington and San Diego State… Signed with Fresno State out of high school and was recruited by Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA and Wisconsin while a prep.

Personal: Ricky Miller was born Dec. 25, 1983, in Anaheim, Calif… Son of Richard and Melanie Miller… Plans to major in social science… Has a sister, Quinn, and two brothers, Marcus and Anthony… Uncle is former major leaguer Mike Davis, who played for the Dodgers, Reds and A's.

Why K-State?: "You can't go wrong with (Kansas State's) program, and what they've done with junior college players. I don't think there is anyway I can go wrong in going to Kansas State. I'm excited about becoming a Wildcat."

Fullback

6-0, 265

Westminster, Calif. (Orange Coast College/Huntington Beach)

Quickly: A powerful blocking fullback… A two-star prospect by Rivals.com … The No. 6 JuCo running back in the country according to College Football News.

Orange Coast College: A two-year starter at Orange Coast… Appeared in 10 games during 2004 for the Pirates… Used primarily as a blocking back, but gained 43 yards on 14 carries… Also caught three passes out of the backfield for 17 yards… Earned second team All-Mission Conference honors… Selected Coast's "Hitter of the Year"… Played with fellow K-State signee Rickey Miller… Coached by Mike Taylor.

Huntington Beach HS: A three-year starter for the Oilers… Was a two-time All-Sunset League selection… Coached by Mike Grossest.

Recruiting: Chose Kansas State over Illinois.

Personal: Jimmy Niutapuai was born March 21, 1985, in Fountain Valley, Calif… Parents are Sámi and Lorene Niutapuai… Has four brothers, Joseph (23), Johnny (22), Justin (14) and Jesse (12) and a sister, Jackie (16)… Plans to major in social science… Career plans include becoming a football coach.

Why K-State?: I really loved everything I saw about Kansas State. The stadium was packed and the crowd was into it. It was really impressive to see them stay behind their team. They were extremely loyal to their team and that is something I won't forget. Talking to Coach Snyder really did it for me. He is just so real. When I spoke to him he just really broke it down for me and how important school and academics are as well as the football. His presence is really something that gets to you."

Tight End

6-4, 257

Omaha, Neb. (Central)

Quickly: A heralded tight end who is both a strong run blocker and a solid receiver… An All-Midlands pick by PrepStar… Listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com … Rated as the No. 22 high school tight end in the nation by Rivals… Also Rivals No. 2 prospect in the state of Nebraska… The No. 22 tight end in the country by College Football News.

Central HS: Started four years for the Eagles… Hauled in 15 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns as a senior… Also collected four sacks on defense during 2004... Had 31 catches as a junior for 415 yards and 10 TDs, despite playing in a run-dominated offensive attack… A two-time honorable mention All-State Class A selection by the Omaha World Herald, Lincoln-Journal Star and The Associated Press… Also a two-time all-metro selection… Coached by Joe MacMenamin… Also lettered two years in basketball and four years in track & field… An all-district pick in hoops as a freshman and sophomore… Earned all-state track honors as a junior.

Recruiting: Chose Kansas State over Iowa State, Kansas and Michigan.

Personal: Nate Prater was born Oct. 18, 1986, in Omaha, Neb… Son of Cynthia Prater… Has three brothers, Randy (21), Shaun (15) and Shane (15)… Intends to major in business.

Why K-State?: "Kansas State is a Big 12 powerhouse and a tradition. It is a great opportunity for me to continue my career. I'm very excited about being a Wildcat. Kansas State was the best situation for me in the end. It is a great school."

Athlete

6-5, 225

Sedan, Kan. (Sedan)

Quickly: A solid all-around athlete who could see time on either side of the ball... A two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Sedan HS: Played both ways while at Sedan... Helped Sedan reach the semi-finals of the 2004 state tournament and an 11-1 overall record... Saw time at defensive end and linebacker on offense while playing tight end, wide receiver and fullback on offense... A Class 2A all-state performer by both the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital-Journal in 2004... Coached by Lee Davis.

Wide Receiver

6-3, 200

Keller, Texas (Keller)

Quickly: A physical receiver who knows how to use his size and speed… Earned All-Midlands honors from PrepStar… A three-star prospect and the No. 67 receiver in the country by Rivals.com… Ranked as the No. 98 overall prospect in Texas by Rivals… Max Emfinger rates him as the No. 76 overall player in Texas… Rated as the No. 37 prospect in the Dallas Metro area by the Dallas Morning News.

Keller HS: Started three years for the Indians… Helped Keller to an 8-3 record in 2004 and berth in the Texas state playoffs… Had 41 receptions for 677 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior… Also returned an interception 100 yards for a score on defense… Earned first team honors as a defensive back and second team accolades as a receiver in District 5-5A, one of the toughest in Texas… Played in the Coca-Cola

High School All-Star Football Game Jan. 29… Hauled in 33 passes as a junior for 423 yards and eight TDs… Coached by Kevin Atkinson.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State early in the recruiting process but did receive heavy interest from Arkansas, Baylor, Iowa, North Carolina and Oklahoma.

Personal: Andrew Richards was born Dec. 4, 1986, in Hickory, N.C… Parents are Mike and Leigh Ann Richards… Has a brother, Matthew (21)… Plans to major in education and history… Career plans include becoming a history teacher and high school football coach.

Why K-State?: "I really enjoyed Coach Peterson and the entire staff. I visited K-State three times and loved it every time. They're all great coaches up there that will bring the best out in me."

Linebacker

6-2, 205

Liberal, Kan. (Liberal)

Quickly: A tackling machine at linebacker who possess good size and excellent speed… The top-rated linebacker and No. 7 overall prospect in the state of Kansas by Rivals.com… An All-Midlands selection by PrepStar… Earned two stars from Rivals.com… One of just three Kansans in K-State's 2005 recruiting class.

Liberal HS: A three-year starter for the Redskins… Played both outside linebacker and safety as a prep… Led the state of Kansas in tackles during 2004 with an incredible 177 stops… Earned first team Class 5A all-state honors from the Topeka Capital-Journal… A three-time all-league performer… Team captain and MVP as a senior… Selected to play in the 2005 Shrine Bowl… Coached by Steve Warner… Also lettered three years in track & field and one year in baseball.

Recruiting: Received recruiting interest from Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Personal: MacKenzie Rosel was born Sept. 3, 1986, in Liberal, Kan… Son of George and Lonnie Rosel… Has two sisters, Michelle (28) and Adrienne (21), and a brother, Eric (25)… Brother, Eric, played at Michigan… Plans to major in engineering.

Why K-State?: "I fell in love with the place and I am happy to be a Wildcat."

Offensive Lineman

6-6, 260

Topeka, Kan. (Hayden)

Quickly: A force in the trenches… Was a dominating blocker and defender as a prep… Rated as the top offensive lineman in Kansas… An All-Midlands selection by PrepStar… A three-star prospect by Rivals.com… Rivals' No. 2 overall player in Kansas and No. 45 offensive tackle nationally… Scout has him rated as the No. 81 offensive lineman in the country… One of three Kansans in K-State's class of 2005.

Hayden HS: A three-year letterwinner and two-year starter for Hayden… Helped lead the Wildcats to the 2004 Class 4A state title… Played both ways primarily tight end on offense and defensive end on defense… Hauled in 22 passes for 348 yards and five touchdowns during 2004… Collected 104 tackles, three sacks and 16 tackles for loss… Had a 90-yard interception return for touchdown in the state championship game that propelled the Wildcats to victory… Also helped lead Hayden to the 2003 state title game… Played offensive tackle and defensive end as a junior… Named to the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle top 11 all-class teams as well as the Kansas Coaches' Association's top 11 squad… A Class 4A first team all-state selection as a defensive lineman by both the Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle… Selected to play in the 2005 Kansas Shrine Bowl all-star game… A two-time All-Centennial League and all-city performer… Coached by father, Tom Stringer… Also lettered three years in basketball.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over offers from Kansas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State… Also received recruiting interest from Missouri and Nebraska.

Personal: Nick Stringer was born June 7, 1987… Parents are Tom and Jeanette Stringer… Father is head coach and assistant athletic director at Hayden High School… Father was an All-American lineman at Pittsburg State… Has one sister, Dawnly (11), and one brother, Tomas (4)… Plans to major in education… Career plans include becoming a teacher and football coach.

Why K-State?: "The main reason I picked K-State is the program. I just really liked how they did things."

Wide Receiver

6-1, 180

Dallas, Texas (South Oak Cliff)

Quickly: A speedy wide receiver who has good hands and can stretch the field… An All-Midlands selection by PrepStar… A two-star rated prospect by Rivals.com.

South Oak Cliff: A three-year letterwinner and two year starter for the Golden Bears… Helped lead South Oak Cliff to a 9-3 record and a berth in the second round of the 2004 Texas Class 4A-II playoffs… Caught 25 passes for 586 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior… Earned first team All-District 13-4A honors… Coached by J.B. Wallace… Also a standout in track & field, clocking times of 10.3 in the 100, 21.5 in the 200 and 46.9 in the quarter mile.

Personal: Caspolica Valtino Taylor Jr. was born Nov. 22, 1986, in Dallas, Texas… Son of Caspolica and Janette Lynn Taylor… Has two brothers, Steve (23) and Demarcus (8), and two sisters, Cindy (21) and Shelita (14)… Plans to major in communication… Would like to pursue a career in radio and television.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over offers from Kansas and UTEP.

Why K-State?: "I'm excited about the future at K-State and I get the chance to be part of them getting back on the winning track. The tradition there is too good to let it go away. And the tradition is a big part of what drew me to K-State."

Offensive Lineman

6-5, 305

Corpus Christi, Texas (Calallen)

Quickly: A solid pass-protecting lineman with excellent size… Was K-State's first commitment in the class of 2005… Selected All-Midlands by PresStar… Received three stars Rivals.com… The No. 15-ranked prospect at guard in the country, according to Rivals… Also Rivals' No. 39 overall prospect and No. 4 offensive lineman in the state of Texas… The No. 43 offensive lineman nationally by College Football News… Ranked among recruiting analyst Max Emfinger's top 125 players in Texas as well as the Houston Chronicle's top 100 players.

Calallen HS: A two-year starter for the Rams… Helped Calallen reach the third round of the Texas Class 4A Division II state playoffs and post a 9-4 record in 2004… Named second team Class 4A all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association… Earned a first team spot on the prestigious Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine 2004 Super Team… Also received first team All-Bay Area 4A and All-District 31-4A honors… Helped Calallen to a 13-1 record in 2003, earning All-District 30-4A accolades… Coached by Phil Danaher.

Recruiting: Selected Kansas State over offers from Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and SMU… Also received recruiting interest from Baylor and Texas A&M.

Personal: Brock Unruh was born Sept. 6, 1986, in McPherson, Kan… Parents are David Unruh and Marnie Hoeme… Father, David, played offensive line at Wichita State… Has one sister, Kendra (12)… Intends to major in political science… Plans to attend law school following completion of his undergraduate degree and pursue a career in criminal law… Finished seventh in regional powerlifting competition as a junior, totaling 1,360 lbs. in bench press, deadlift and squat.

Why K-State?: "I have a lot of family that have gone to K-State over the years. I was actually born in Kansas and have family all over the state. I basically grew up following (Kansas State) and knew from the start that is where I wanted to play college football. It is a great college team that is energetic and has a great atmosphere."

Linebacker

6-2, 220

Sacramento, Calif. (Grant)

Quickly: A big-hitting, physical linebacker who runs well in pursuit… An All-West selection by PrepStar… Ranked as the No. 53 prospect in California by Superprep… A three-star prospect by Rivals.com… The No. 20 linebacker in the country, according to Rivals… Also Rivals' No. 53 overall prospect and No. 6 linebacker in California.

Grant HS: Started three years for the Pacers… Helped lead Grant to a 9-2 record and a Metro Conference title in 2004… Finished senior season with 113 tackles, 21 for loss, including nine sacks, forced six fumbles and recovered four… Also had a touchdown on defense… Earned first team Division I All-CIF Sac-Joaquin Section honors… Named first team All-Sacramento Metro by the Sacramento Bee… Also a first team All-Metro Conference selection and the league's defensive MVP… Helped Grant to a 12-2 mark and the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title in 2003… Collected 144 tackles, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles as junior…. Returned two fumbles for touchdowns… Named first team All-Metro Conference… Coached by Mike Alberghini… Was also an all-conference selection in rugby.

Recruiting: Chose Kansas State over offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, Fresno State and Boise State.

Personal: Reggie Walker was born Dec. 15,

1986, in Fairbanks, Alaska… Parents are Reggie Sr. and Myra Walker… Has three brothers, Ambre (20), Tony (14) and Thomas (7)… Plans to major in history… Involved with the math honors club at Grant… Grew up in Missouri before moving to Sacramento just prior to starting high school.

Why K-State?: "Kansas State is a great school, a good fit for me, they want me and the football program is one of the best in the country. I couldn't go wrong by picking Kansas State."