Kansas State Recruiting: Wildcats Add JuCo WR Tyrone Howell to 2021 Class

Just when you thought Kansas State was finished adding players to the 2021 class, Tyrone Howell, a 6’3”, 210 pound wide receiver from Hutchinson C.C., announced his commitment to play for Wildcats.

Howell has been on a college football adventure over the last two years. The Idabel, Oklahoma native started his college football career at DII Central Oklahoma, transferred to Hutchinson C.C., had his fall season canceled, played a pivotal role in Hutch winning the NJCAA National Championship, committed to Louisiana-Monroe, and then flipped to Kansas State three days later.

The NJCAA National Championship game played a crucial part in Howell receiving this offer. He hauled in 18 passes for 301 yards and 3 touchdowns in the spring 2021 season, but his 6 catch, 108 yard performance against Snow in the championship game put him on the radar.

Kansas State landed Howell over ULM and several smaller schools. I wouldn’t read too much into his offer list because he burst onto the scene late, and most schools were already focused on their 2022 class. He’ll have 3 years to play 3 seasons in Manhattan.

What He Brings to the Table

He’s a big, physical wide receiver with sticky hands and the ability to go up in traffic and pull down “50/50” balls. In addition to his receiving skills, he’s a physical blocker on the outside.

I feel the same way about Tyrone that I feel about his recently signed Hutch teammate Kingsley Ugwu, he’s not a take unless the coaching staff feels he can contribute in 2021. Physically, he’s ready to go right out of the box. He looks like a P5 wide receiver.

At Hutch, he played both the boundary and field receiver position, and I think he’ll play a little of both for K-State. Outside of what he brings to field, he should allow the coaching staff to slide Malik Knowles around the formation. In particular, I think you’ll see Malik play in the slot, with Howell playing the boundary position. This will give Courtney Messingham one of the most physically imposing wide receiver group in the Big 12.

He also provides solid cover at both the boundary and field spots. Returning starters, Chabastin Taylor and the above mentioned Knowles have shown flashes of high level potential, but they’ve also shown a propensity to pick up nagging injuries. Howell’s versatility to play either outside wide receiver positions should help the coaching staff sleep easier. I doubt you’ll see the Wildcats line up three slot receivers out of necessity in 2021 with the addition of Howell and 6’1” 200 pound Nebraska transfer Kade Warner.

What’s Next?

Ok, for real this time, Kansas State is officially done with the 2021 recruiting class. Adding two potential contributors in late June/early July is a coup for the staff. It also shows a tight relationship with one of the premier JuCo programs in nation. Ugwu and Howell won’t be the last Hutchinson C.C. stars to matriculate to Manhattan.

In terms of 2021, fall camp is up next...and then...actual football.