Kansas State's 2023 Preferred Walk-On Class

Recognized as one of the most walk-on friendly and walk-on rich programs in the country, K-State has once again secured a talented batch of non-scholarship performers for the future. 

Here's a look at all of the playmakers who committed to become non-scholarship Wildcats for 2023.

WOOLF BIO:
Offensive Tackle
Brewster (KS)
Triplains-Brewster High School
6-foot-6, 260 pounds

WHAT WOOLF SAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“There’s no place I’ve really wanted to be except MHK, so the decision was made pretty easily. It’s going to be a giant privilege to be under Coach Riley because his family values and the relationship he has with his players is amazing."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT WOOLF:
Like any PWO but particularly one from the 6-man level, Woolf is a project add for the Wildcats. But one that fits the mold for success under Conor Riley (here's looking at you Cordell Volson). As the saying goes, you can't teach size, and Woolf has the type of frame that Riley and Trumain Carroll's strength staff dream about bulking up. Woolf is a solid overall athlete too. He placed second in discuss and seventh in shot put at state track last spring and this winter has averaged a double-double in basketball. Once his body fills out and the lineman can get acclimated to the level of competition, there's reason to believe in time he could challenge for a rotational spot. 

McCLANNAN BIO:
Specialist
Omaha (NE)
Millard South High School
6-foot-1, 165 pounds

WHAT McCLANNANSAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“Coach Burnham is a super cool guy and I feel like he understands the kicking and punting game a lot more than other coaches at this level."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT McCLANNAN:
Committing to K-State in the summer, McLannan arrives in Manhattan looking to challenge for playing time. A short, simple approach to field goals makes him very accurate on shorter kicks and extra points and with Ty Zentner departing the program, he will likely be in the mix for the placekicker spot his first season on campus. Routinely booting balls in the end zone off the tee on kickoffs, this seems to be one of the stronger parts of McClannan's game. Being able to kick, punt and handle kickoffs makes him a very valuable piece. 

ENGRAM BIO:
Running back
Verona (WI)
Verona Area High School
5-foot-8, 175 pounds

WHAT ENGRAMSAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“For me, K-State had always been one of my favorite schools and after coming on my official visit, seeing the culture and the people here, the top-notch facilities, the coaching staff and so much more really sealed the deal for me. Additionally, seeing the history of backs of shorter stature like myself being able to have legendary careers here is really inspiring."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT ENGRAM:
Look past his height and most might agree that Engram could be a sneaky good get for the Wildcats as a PWO. The son of a longtime NFL player and assistant coach, the pedigree is there in terms of understanding the game and the little things necessary to be elite. Averaging 107.2 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry as a senior in Wisconsin, Engram is reminiscent of Keithen Valentine in his ability as a shorter tailback to make quick jump cuts, slip out of tackles and sense where seams could appear amongst the traffic. We feel this is a great addition for the backfield competition over the next four years because Engram is good enough to push those around him.

COBB BIO:
Specialist
Rose Hill (KS)
Rose Hill High School
6-foot-3, 200 pounds

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT COBB:
A specialist with a big frame and an even bigger leg, Rose Hill's Cobb can really boom it. A placer in the 110M hurdles before being named 4A first team all-state on the gridiron, Cobb is an athletic prospect for the position and figures to be a real challenger for kickoff duties down the road. Though his punting habits are impressive too, watching him boom it through the end zone off a tee and running downfield to cover is something the Wildcats should put to use in the future.

GRAY BIO:
Strongside linebacker/Edge
Wichita (KS)
Bishop Carroll High School
6-foot-3, 215 pounds

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT GRAY:

Gray is an absolute animal on tape and the perfect fit for K-State's edge/outside linebacker position in the way he can pressure the pocket. His jump off the snap is a severe problem for sluggish blockers, while his agility and bend give him the ability to get under outstretched arms. If you were to go back and watch his prep highlights, there's a lot of Ryan Mueller similarities with Gray but the Bishop Carroll product is an even better athlete than Mueller was in the way he runs and leaps. Again, that should allow him to acquaint himself well to a position that must pursue and cover; an area Gray doesn't have much experience at coming from hand in the ground duty in high school. 

TRAGLIA BIO:
Defensive line
Wichita (KS)
Butler County C.C. / Kapaun Mt. CarmelHigh School
6-foot-5, 270 pounds

WHAT TRAGLIASAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“I felt that K-State was going to be the best fit for who I am as a person and what I believe in. K-State was the right fit because they are a program with a history of giving PWOs a chance to not only earn a scholarship but also playing time. It just felt like the right move."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT TRAGLIA:
Betting on himself, the big defensive lineman arrives in Manhattan after he spent the last few seasons at Butler Community College. Traglia played defensive tackle for the Grizzlies in their four-man front and likely projects as a defensive end, where he'll have the learn the 3-3-5 that Joe Klanderman runs. A physical player who looks a lot like Jaylen Pickle on film and could be a rotational piece down the line if he learns the system and can eat up blockers. Holding Division II offers as well as being recruited by multiple FCS schools, Traglia chose K-State over other opportunities at KU and New Mexico State. 

HARSTAD BIO:
Tight end
Loveland (CO)
Loveland High School
6-foot-5, 200 pounds

WHAT HARSTADSAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“I chose Kansas State because I love the family atmosphere that the coaches bring and the energy of the program. I love how they care for their players and want to win. I also love the community surrounding K-State and how much buy-in the fans have to K-State football."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT HARSTAD:
Harstad chose K-State over Colorado State, Northern Colorado (offer) and Wyoming all while being a standout in basketball as well. Varsity football coach Allan Jefferies says he's "naturally gifted" but what makes him truly special is "his work ethic and desire to compete" which should help him fit right into the culture that Klieman is building. He finished his career with over 1,600 yards passing and more than 3,800 yards rushing including 18 games where he eclipsed 100 yards. He also averaged 8.3 per carry. Turning on the tape, it is like flashing back to high school Collin Klein, who also went to Loveland. Harstad is a bit on the lighter side, weight-wise, but will try and follow the Ben Sinnott-type route of seeing the field early, even as a walk-on. 

BERGERON BIO:
Safety
Shawnee (KS)
Mill Valley High School
6-foot-2, 190 pounds

WHAT BERGERONSAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“I chose to walk on at K-State because they have been historically successful with walk-ons, especially Kansas kids. Not only have they been successful developing walk-ons but their staff is truly a family and treats everyone with respect up and down the roster. K-State was also one of the first schools to be interested in me and the relationship I have built with them makes them feel like home."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT BERGERON:
Bergeron is the complete package and an ideal PWO for K-State. He's a proven winner from a decorated in-state program. He's been a vocal and figurative leader in how he's gone about his business for the past two seasons, and he's a versatile playmaker that held positions at all three phases for the Jaguars. When Mill Valley needed to lock down receivers, his mental instincts and size made him a tough match-up for opponents to excel against. Physical and long, Bergeron chose K-State over Kansas and is the reigning Sports in Kansas 5A Defensive Player of the Year. Simply put, look for Bergeron to quickly become an asset on special teams and eventually maybe even defensively, too.

DELORT BIO:
Cornerback
Manhattan (KS)
Manhattan High School
5-foot-10, 165 pounds

WHAT DELORTSAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“I just thought this would be a good opportunity for me to progress with football and get better. I’ve always loved K-State so I felt confident going here."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT DELORT:
Hailing from Manhattan, Dolert was a starter on a 6A state championship team. He onlyallowed four catches this season which equaled a 16% completion rate when targeted.  He chose the Wildcats over other options from Washburn, Coffeyville and Butler. He was named a KFBCA all-state selection and was particularly impressive against Derby, tracking down and limiting big plays from Dylan Edwards, whom he defeated twice during his senior season. Delort may be a little undersized, but he has the speed and capability to be a staple on special teams for years to come. 

COOK BIO:
Wide receiver
Frankfort (IL)
Lincoln-Way East High School
6-foot-1, 185 pounds

WHAT COOKSAYS ABOUT K-STATE:
“I chose K-State because of the amazing coaching staff and reassurance that even though I’d be a PWO, I’d still be given the same opportunities as everyone else. I remained confident in my ability to play the highest level of college football and the coaches felt that way as well. So it was a perfect fit."

WHAT GPC SAYS ABOUT COOK:
Hailing from the greater Chicago area, Cook chose K-State over FCS schools such as Drake and Dayton and a PWO from Wake Forest was in the works prior to the commitment to the Wildcats. During his senior season, his team was the 8A runner-up this season. His head coach Rob Zvonar has called Cook an "amazing student" in addition to his football skills. He is also a very good basketball guard who flashes his leaping ability often in contested situations. On the football field, Cook will be working with a new wide receivers coach in 2023. Cook possesses the speed and height to play at a high level where if he can continue to get bigger and faster, he is another multi-sport athlete that could see the field and find success in Manhattan.