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#29 Kent Gainous |
Position: Safety Previous College: Trinity Valley Community College Projection: Second-String Status: On Scholarship |
Kent Gainous (b. April 6, 1992) is a JUCO defensive back who transferred in this summer from Trinity Valley Community College, where he was a teammate of fellow Wildcat signee Wesley Hollingshed.
Gainous tallied 35 tackles and an interception last year for Trinity Valley and was an All-SWJCC first-team selection.
He also made Florida's All-4A third-team as a senior at Edgewater High School in Orlando. He should compete for the starting safety spot opposite Ty Zimmerman as soon as he arrives for fall camp, challenging Thomas Ferguson.
Like Zimmerman and his predecessor, Tysyn Hartman, Gainous is a quarterback-turned-safety who brings the unique talents of the former position to bolster his abilities at the latter.
Here are some of his highlights. Gainous chose K-State predominantly because of its acclaimed business school.
But here are some other reasons he elected to become a Wildcat, in his own words:
Kansas State is my leader. Coach(es) Michael Smith and Tom Hayes are recruiting me. When they talk to me, it is all honesty. They are great guys. They tell me what it will really be like, not what they think I want to hear.
Coach Smith and Coach Hayes were honest with me from the start and let me know that as long as I'm prepared, in shape and on my game, it doesn't matter if I get there now or this summer.
They are in a good conference, the Big 12. That is some good football being played there. I think it would be a great place to play football. I'm from Florida, so distance isn't a big deal. I've been playing in Texas, so I'm fine with being away from home.
I liked the campus a lot. It is nice. The people were very nice. Everyone was friendly. I really liked going to the basketball game. The atmosphere at the game was amazing. I could only imagine what the football stadium would be like with 50,000 people there.
The way (Hollingshed) came back all excited ... he didn't tell me too much, I just remember him saying, "When you see it, you'll love it" and that helped sell me.
That defense was something fun to watch during the Cotton Bowl. I know the offense didn't run it like they wanted to, but watching K-State's defense, I liked the enthusiasm and the effort.
I've got the abilities. I have good hands and I'm a smart player. The coaches have been straightforward with me the whole time and I'm going to come in ready to work.
The coaches and I talked about the school and how I could come in and earn a spot on the field. They have an opening, and they feel like I can compete for that spot and make the team better by doing so. I'm excited to get there and get to playing.