Free State’s Frantz thrilled to join KSU

Free State High football coach Bob Lisher, standing center, introduces senior football team members before they sign letters of intent to play at the collegiate level. From left are Carson Bowen, Baker University; Scott Frantz, Kansas State; and Michael Georgie, Fort Scott Community College.

Several hours after faxing in his letter of intent to play college football at Kansas State, at his signing ceremony Wednesday in the Free State High library, FSHS senior Scott Frantz choked up while thanking everyone who has helped him along the way.

Frantz, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound left tackle, chose the Wildcats because of their close location, so his parents could watch him play, and their winning tradition. Kansas State posted on Twitter that it received his paperwork at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday.

“This means a lot,” Frantz said. “It’s just a surreal moment. I put a lot into this game. Just to know that I’ve made it this far — made it to the Big 12 — it’s just an awesome feeling.”

Surrounded by teammates, coaches and classmates at the ceremony, Frantz specifically thanked his parents, Free State coaches, Fred Roll and Keith Loneker Sr.

This year, Frantz picked up first-team All-Sunflower League honors for the second straight season, while also earning a selection to the All-Simone team and to the Shrine Bowl. He’s ranked as a three-star prospect by rivals.com and the 48th-best offensive tackle in the nation.

Frantz expects to red-shirt next fall before competing for a starting position in 2016, but he was happy to for the day he has been waiting for since he committed to K-State in June finally to arrive.

“It was really exciting,” Frantz said of signing day. “I’m just glad to know it’s all over. It was a long, stressful recruiting process. But it’s over now, so it’s good.”

Along with Frantz, Free State seniors Carson Bowen and Michael Georgie also signed with colleges Wednesday.

Bowen, a second-team all-league pick at linebacker, will play at Baker University. Georgie, a defensive lineman, signed with Fort Scott Community College.

Area signings

Mill Valley senior offensive lineman Evan Applegate will join Frantz at Kansas State.

The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Applegate, a two-year first-team All-Kaw Valley League selection, helped the Jaguars average 407 yards per game last season.

The Wildcats received Applegate’s paperwork at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, and he was thrilled he could celebrate during his ceremony at his high school.

“It’s really a reward,” Applegate told the Shawnee Dispatch. “After putting in all of the work and all the effort for four years, it’s nice to hang out with your family and talk and mingle with people. I have a lot of friends that are signing today, too, so it’s a lot of fun.”

Baldwin High’s Christian Gaylord signed with Nebraska, despite a coaching change at the end of November.

After the Cornhuskers fired former coach Bo Pelini, Gaylord was immediately recruited by numerous high-profile schools. However, he has enjoyed his interactions with new Nebraska coach Mike Riley and didn’t waver on his original commitment.

Gaylord, a 6-foot-6, 275-pound lineman, was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and opened holes for 2,890 yards on the ground this season.

Eudora High senior offensive guard Justus Merz signed with the University of North Dakota on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Merz committed to UND in November after the school began recruiting him last summer.

“I probably got an hour of sleep last night,” Merz said. “It’s been kind of an emotional roller coaster the last couple of days. I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I get to go play college football.’ Then it felt like, ‘Oh, I’m moving away.'”

Merz faxed in his letter of intent from his high school on Wednesday morning. A three-year starter on both sides of the ball for the Cardinals, Merz is looking forward to joining his future school.

“Oh man, I’m really excited,” he said. “I really like all of the coaches up there. There’s not too many people that get the chance to play Division-I football … I’m just blessed to be one of them.”

Other expected area football signees: Tyler Davidson, Baldwin (Fort Scott CC); Carl Hecht, Tonganoxie (Benedictine); Jonathan Ortiz, Eudora (Northwest Missouri St.); and Chris Rivers, Eudora (Fort Scott CC).