Two more recruits commit to Jayhawks
The Kansas University football team has had a good week.
Tuesday, two more Texas high school standouts gave non-binding oral commitments to play football for KU in 2005 — cornerback Jacob Lacey and wide receiver Raimond Pendleton. Each is from Garland, a Dallas suburb, though the two attend different high schools.
With the commitments, nine prospects have committed or signed with KU since Sunday, the last day of the last big recruiting weekend of the calendar year. In all, 21 recruits have pledged their services to the Jayhawk coaching staff, meaning this year’s class is close to wrapping up.
Jon Kirby of rivals.com estimated KU hoped to sign about 25 players for 2005.
Both Pendleton and Lacey long have been on KU’s list, too. Pendleton visited Lawrence on Dec. 3 and finally chose the Jayhawks over Texas Tech and Utah. At 6-foot, 182 pounds, Pendleton told rivals.com he hoped to make an impact quickly at KU.
“One of the big reasons was the chance to step in and play right away at Kansas,” Pendleton said. “They did a great job recruiting me from the beginning.”
Lacey, meanwhile, made four official visits during his recruiting and eventually chose Kansas over Iowa, Colorado, Wisconsin and Oklahoma State. His physique isn’t exactly imposing — he stands just 5-11 and weighs 155 pounds — but his 4.5 40-yard dash time and his abilities as a shut-down corner made him a sought-after recruit. He also played quarterback for Naaman Forest High this season.
“I am ready to get to Kansas and work hard,” Lacey told rivals.com. “I would like the chance to get on the field.”
Lacey and Pendleton are the 14th and 15th known prep standouts that have committed to KU for 2005. Of the 15, six are from Texas, a state that six of KU’s nine assistant coaches keep their eye on: Lacey, Pendleton, Josh Bell (Hitchcock), Terrel Nemons (Cedar Hill), Val Taylor (Dallas) and Jeff Wheeler (Houston).
National signing day for high school seniors is Feb. 2.
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Mangino chat on tap: KU football fans can spend a part of their Christmas Eve with coach Mark Mangino.
Mangino will answer questions from KUsports.com readers at 3:30 p.m. Friday on the Web site. The KU coach will spend 20-25 minutes discussing the Jayhawks’ 2004 season, spring practices and other topics.
Visit KUsports.com to submit a question.
| Players who have signed to play football for Kansas University in 2005:Marcus Anderson, 6-3, 280, OL, CC of San FranciscoPaul Como, 6-2, 240, DE, Saddleback (Calif.) CCJacob Cox, 6-5, 295, OL, Iowa Central CCBrian Murph, 6-2, 190, WR, Butler County CCEric Washington, 6-2, 220, LB, Minnesota West CCWayne Wilder, 6-3, 295, DL, Garden City CCPlayers who have made oral commitments to play football for Kansas University in 2005:Josh Bell, 6-7, 250, TE, Hitchcock, TexasCaleb Blakesley, 6-5, 270, DL, OttawaRussell Brorsen, 6-4, 235, DL, Stillwater, Okla.Dustin Fortson, 5-11, 208, LB, MiamiBobby Johnson, 6-3, 270, DL, Kansas City (Mo.) WestportJacob Lacey, 5-10, 155, DB, Garland, TexasKerry Meier, 6-2, 207, QB, PittsburgTerrel Nemons, 6-3, 315, DL, Cedar Hill, TexasRaimond Pendleton, 6-0, 182, WR, Garland, TexasJose Rodriguez, 6-6, 255, OL, La Puente, Calif.Jake Schermer, 6-2, 200, LB-S, Ozark, Mo.Darrell Stuckey, 6-1, 180, DB, Kansas City WashingtonVal Taylor, 6-1, 180, WR, DallasAdam Welty, 6-6, 270, OL, NewtonJeff Wheeler, 6-7, 245, DT, Houston |