23 DAYS TO 2016 KICKOFF: Blake Richmeier

Blake Richmeier is a walk-on linebacker from Butler Community College, where he played for one season before transferring to K-State. He apparently didn't redshirt in JUCO, so he should have four years to play three seasons.

Prior to selecting the Grizzlies to begin his college education, Richmeier played his high school football at Holcomb.

A 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker who also played in the Longhorns’ backfield, Richmeier was regarded as one of the top players in western Kansas during his junior and senior seasons. Watch his high school highlights here.

In addition to Butler, he received recruiting interest from Fort Hays State, Dodge City Community College and Garden City Community College. This farmboy's one season in El Dorado produced just nine tackles.

During his senior season, Richmeier helped the Longhorns to post a 10-2 record while advancing to the Class 4A Division II semifinals, before losing to eventual champion Andale.

He had 101 total tackles (52 solo), intercepted one pass, forced two fumbles and had two fumble recoveries.

On the offensive side, with the Longhorns utilizing a spread system, Richmeier had 119 carries for 533 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. For his career, he had 1,308 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns, 142 solo tackles and 138 assisted tackles, along with four interceptions and four sacks.

"He’s a great kid and provided great leadership for us this past year," Holcomb coach Kent Teeter said of Richmeier in a February 2015 interview with The Garden City Telegram.

"He’s mature for his age. He has high goals and expectations, and has great leadership abilities."

Richmeier tore his anterior cruciate ligament early in the second half of the loss to Andale, but his rehabilitation went well. He was selected to play for the West team in the 2015 Kansas Shrine Bowl.