Top Kansas State Wildcats receiver Malik Knowles makes decision about his NFL future
The Kansas State football team will need to replace a pair of its top playmakers next season.
Malik Knowles, a senior receiver who led the Wildcats in catches (48) and receiving yards (725) this past season, has decided to forgo an extra year of college football and declare for the NFL Draft.
Knowles announced his decision via social media on Thursday, saying that he had already received an invitation to compete at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine that takes place before the draft.
“Thank you Wildcat nation for the memorable moments, coaches, teammates and most importantly the fans who keep me on my feet. I have dreamed of this moment since playing little league and my dreams are finally becoming a reality.”
Most expected Knowles to make the leap after his senior year was complete.
Though Knowles had one year of eligibility remaining as a “super senior” he accomplished a great deal during his five seasons with the Wildcats, piling up 1,867 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. He was at his best this past season while serving as the top target for both Adrian Martinez and Will Howard.
A 6-foot-3 vertical threat from Mansfield, Texas, Knowles will now try to earn a spot on a NFL roster.
“I am thrilled to begin this journey of fulfilling my destiny of playing the game I love professionally,” he wrote.
Knowles will follow in the footsteps of star running back Deuce Vaughn, who also declared as an early entrant for the NFL Draft earlier this week.
That means K-State will be tasked with replacing its leading rusher and receiver next season.
While that is never easily done, the Wildcats are expecting to return all five starters on their offensive line. That should make the process less taxing.
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 6:58 PM.