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Three of the biggest pieces to the 2014 Kansas St. Wildcats football recruiting class are in this preview. You might want to pause, however, as two of those pieces, both on the defensive side of the ball, have some issues to face long before we ever get to summer practices.
D'Vonta Derricott
Linebacker
Garden City CC / Hermitage High School (Richmond, Virginia)
6'1", 230 lbs, 4.5 40
The Good: One of the first high-profile targets to pledge his services to K-State back in August, Derricott took K-State fans on a bit of ride through the fall as he weighed other options, including his "favorite" school, Miami. It was the Purple & White that won out, however, and that familiar Miami/Manhattan linebacker storyline has some fans hoping overall for big, BIG things from a defense that, on paper, suddenly looks like it could be a force in the Big 12 in 2014, with the tackling missile Derricott -- who has been reported to have nearly 30 or more offers, including from eight Big 12 schools -- a major, but not only, reason.
The Bad: Derricott was arrested on Jan. 29 by Garden City police for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and interfering with a law enforcement officer. All of those charges are misdemeanors, and Derricott was quoted by the Garden City Telegram.
"I don't know how they got me with possession because I didn't have anything on me," Derricott told the newspaper. "I don't even smoke."
"The police just wanted to arrest somebody," Derricott also said.
Derricott is expected to sign with K-State on Signing Day.
Terrell Clinkscales
Defensive tackle
Dodge City CC / Proviso East High School (Maywood, Illinois)
6'4", 315 lbs, n/a 40
There is no understating how much of a talent Clinkscales is, who has topped his position list nationally at times among junior college players. With his having standing offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Ohio St., Oregon ... it's one of those pinch-me moments for K-State fans that Clinkscales flipped on his commitment to Nebraska (he gave the indication that he didn't feel wanted enough) and chose Manhattan.
However, now, in the most stereotypical scenario ever, Wildcats fans must sweat out the spring and summer as they wait to find out if the dominant defensive tackle can devour credit hours as well as he does quarterbacks. He racked up several incompletes during the fall -- blaming football and his recruitment process -- and now it's up to him to put in the work necessary to get on the field for KSU in 2014.
If he gets the work done, both off the field and then on it ... whoa, momma, look out.
A.J. Allen
Offensive tackle
Grossmont CC (El Cajon, California) / Valhalla High School (El Cajon)
6'7", 315 lbs, n/a 40
One of the last pieces to the 2014 class, Allen has the potential to be one of the most important cogs to the upcoming season's wheel as he is expected to fill an immediate need at one of the tackle positions. Had Allen chosen his other finalist, the Purdue Boilermakers, as he indicated was very close to happening, K-State would have been in some trouble at the tackle spot. The Kansas Jayhawks tried to get in on Allen, promising playing time and a chance to help the program build, but that relationship never really took hold.
Also, in a story that all K-State male fans aged 30+ can relate to, Allen is reportedly trying to lose about 10 lbs in order to reposition some body mass and improve his strength before next season. (Here's to Allen being much more successful than schlubs in too-tight-fitting Under Armour gear still holding on to dreams of athletic glory. Guys, it's a big mirror, not a time machine.)
Dalton Risner
Offensive line - Center
Wiggins High School (Wiggins, Colo.)
6'4", 295 lbs, n/a 40
An athletic lineman, Risner committed nearly a year ago and represents a piece of the future for K-State, which appears solid on the offensive line for another year or so. Missouri, California, Colorado, Colorado St. and Arizona St. also sought out Risner's services, but the lineman -- who said he has played linebacker and tight end in 7-on-7 drills -- stuck it out with little fanfare through his senior season and should arrive on campus with no issues.
NEXT: Derek closes out the day with the final four commits.
