99 Days To Kansas State Football Countdown: Recruiting Class Of 2010

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

For our second installment of the 100 day countdown to kickoff against North Dakota State University, the number 99 represents the Scouts.com ranking of K-State’s 2010 recruiting class. That’s right, for a squad that’s been in contention for a BCS bowl the past two years (including a spot in the Fiesta Bowl last year), this year’s class of (mostly) outgoing seniors was worth a sniff from the national media.

This sort of disregard is something K-State fans have become used to, but also vastly overlooks the talent of that class. Among the most prominent members was JUCO transfer Adam Davis, who combined with MeShak Williams to form one of the NCAA’s best defensive end duos. Javonta Boyd and Ray Kibble – a couple of 300 pound DT menaces that kept blockers busy and off of Davis and Williams – were also part of that class. In all, they helped formed one of the more dominant defensive lines Bill Snyder has put together in Manhattan.

In addition to the junior college transfers, this class included multiple high school players looking to shine this year. Ty Zimmerman returns to lead the defense after recording five interceptions and being named an All American last year despite missing the final two games with a lower leg injury. Tre Walker also returns from injury to head the linebacking unit and should help return this group to prominence after being a three start recruit out of high school.
–Note: Ty Zimmerman technically came to K-State’s campus in 2009, but did not officially join the team or take a scholarship until 2010. While part of the 2010 class in terms of joining the team, he was not necessarily considered a part of this recruiting class.

On the offensive side of the ball, Curry Sexton and Kyle Klein will both look to find significant playing time as the #3 and #4 wide receivers. Sexton had 75 yards on seven catches last year and caught one touchdown pass. That throw came from Kyle’s older brother – Collin Klein – who also came to K-State as a wide receiver no one outside of this coaching staff gave much credit. Also catching balls from this class will be new starting tight end Zach Trujillo who had two receptions last year – including a 58 yard pass – and received significant playing time as a blocking tight end.

Several other players from this recruiting class will be looking to step up in 2013 as well, and we’ll have to wait to see precisely how the depth chart shakes out. And although this may not be the most star-studded recruiting class this school has ever seen, several of the players already are or will soon be commonly known names across the state. This school is one of the nation’s best at both identifying and maximizing talent, and the nation’s 99th best recruiting class in the nation is out to prove that fact once more.