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Bill Snyder's new approach of offering players earlier in the recruiting period appears to be paying off as K-State secured its 7th verbal commitment late Wednesday night. Chase Johnston announced his commitment via Twitter:
Just committed to K-State! So proud to be a wildcat and a part of the #family! #EMAW #blessed �
— Chase Johnston (@chasejohnston13) July 10, 2014
Johnston, a 6'4" 220lbs linebacker, is un-ranked by both Rivals.com and 247sports.com and ESPN doesn't even have a recruiting page for him. However, Johnston had interest from Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, although his only offer came from K-State. It's nice to see us land a kid who has interest from the big major schools in and around Missouri.
According to Otis Kirk, a Hawgs247 insider, Johnston ran a 4.57 40 during the Arkansas Camp on June 12th. Kirk also reported that Johnston had 93 tackles last season as a junior for Carl Junction High School in Carl Junction, MO. Johnston seems like the type of commit Bill Snyder thrives on getting. An over looked, small school prep star, who will come in and work hard to prove that he belongs at the D-1 level. Think of a Jonathan Truman type, freak, because 93 tackles at any high school is no joke.
From his Hudl.com highlights he appears to excel at shedding blocks and wrapping up running backs/option QB's. However, his coverage skills appear minimal at best and he will need to work on improving in that area if he hopes to be an every down linebacker.