Kansas State Solidifies Linebacker Position With Recruit De’Vondre Campbell

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

With seniors Arthur Brown, Justin Tuggle, and Jarell Childs being sent off this spring, Kansas State is faced with the prospect of replacing one of the school’s most accomplished linebacking units. And while the 2013 unit has some significant shoes to fill, it may have secured the personnel to fill them. It starts with senior Tre Walker, who returns from a knee injury against Texas Tech that knocked him out for the season. The inspirational leader has 118 career tackles and an interception for his career and will take a center role in the unit this year.

In December, the future got a little brighter when ILB and four star recruit Nick Ramirez from Lee’s Summit West High School changed from Missouri to Kansas State. Then on Tuesday, three-star prospect OLB De’Vondre Campbell announced his intention of joining the Wildcats as well. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Campbell reportedly runs a 4.49 40, and will provide even more speed to a team known for its combination of quickness and hitting ability.

Campbell is another JUCO prospect and comes from Hutchinson Community College. During his past year at Hutch, Campbell recorded 80 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and an interception. Campbell announced an early intention to sign with Tennessee in May, and during once signing season began in December SB Nation announced that he had signed with Texas. However, none of these predictions proved correct. He will matriculate to Manhattan after choosing the Wildcats over offers from Minnesota, Texas, Tennessee and Texas A&M.