K-State loses offensive line recruit to Texas
Bill Snyder made a rare recruiting trip to Belton, Texas last week to show longtime Kansas State commit Zach Shackelford how much he means to the future of the program.
It wasn't enough.
Shackelford, a three-star offensive lineman, announced Sunday he will enroll at Texas instead of K-State. The late change of heart is a blow to the Wildcats' 2016 recruiting class. Shackelford originally committed to Snyder and his coaching staff in July.
Snyder rarely leaves Manhattan for recruiting purposes, but he flew to the Lone Star State on Thursday to make a positive late impression on a player capable of playing guard immediately next season.
K-State will now have to look elsewhere for talent and depth to add to its offensive line.
Shackelford is the third prominent commit K-State has lost. Wichita East defensive end Xavier Kelly switched to Clemson and St. Louis running back Tre Bryant flipped to Nebraska.
As an early enrollee, Shackelford will begin school at Texas this week and take part in spring practice.
He chose Texas after making an official visit to the college over the weekend.
I will be headed south on I-35 tmrw morning! pic.twitter.com/TiGFdRMd2M
— SHACK (@shackattack1997) January 17, 2016"This was one of the hardest decisions of my life," Shackelford explained on Twitter, "and it took countless hours of thinking, talking and praying to make the choice that is best for me and my future."
He said he was excited to continue his football career in Austin.
"I want to help bring this university back to the top," he said.
Kellis Robinett: @kellisrobinett
This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 3:53 PM with the headline "K-State loses offensive line recruit to Texas."