Chris Klieman adds another two in-state prospects to Wildcats’ 2021 recruiting class
The Kansas State football team is suddenly on a recruiting hot streak.
After going several weeks without adding any new members to their 2021 recruiting class in July, the Wildcats are closing out the month with a bang.
K-State landed a pair of in-state recruits on Tuesday.
Darrell Jones, a 5-foot-11 defensive back from Coffeyville, was the first. He pledged his services to K-State football coach Chris Klieman with an announcement on social media Tuesday afternoon. Damian Ilalio, a 6-foot and 270-pound defensive tackle from Manhattan, was the second. He announced his commitment a few hours later, making it a heck of a week for K-State when it comes to recruiting prospects from the Sunflower State.
They both committed to the Wildcats a day after Hays linebacker Gaven Haselhorst started the trend.
“I’ve dreamed of these moments ever since I was a kid, turning my dreams into reality,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “With that being said, I will be committing to Kansas State University.”
“Thank you so much to all the other schools who saw potential in me,” Ilalio wrote on Twitter,” but I have made the decision to stay home and become a Wildcat at Kansas State.”
Jones currently plays for Field Kindley High School. He does not have a star rating on Rivals, but he impressed K-State coaches during recent summer camps and picked up a scholarship offer last week.
He wasted little time committing to the Wildcats. He chose them over Eastern Michigan.
Ilalio also jumped at the opportunity to play for his hometown college after K-State extended an offer. The two-star defender, per 247sports, selected the Wildcats over Illinois State. He also received interest from Army, Air Force and Kansas.
With Jones and Ilalio on board, K-State’s 2021 recruiting class now features 13 members.
Jones is the third defensive back of the group and projects to play cornerback in college. His speed and athleticism could help him eventually stand out as a member of the Wildcats’ secondary.
Ilalio is the second defensive tackle. His size and explosiveness at the line of scrimmage will give him a chance to succeed at the next level.
K-State’s 2021 recruiting class is beginning to develop a local flavor. When Haselhorst committed to K-State on Monday, he was the fourth member from an in-state high school. Now the Wildcats have six.
This story was originally published July 28, 2020 at 4:36 PM.