Kansas State Wildcats land new football recruit, host notable transfers this weekend
An important weekend of recruiting is off to a good start for the Kansas State football team.
Jalen Klemm, a three-star offensive tackle from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, has orally committed to the Wildcats and joined their 2022 recruiting class less than a week ahead of the early signing period.
He could have a bright future at K-State. Klemm is a 6-foot-5 and 262-pound high school senior who picked the Wildcats after also picking up offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina State and others.
His father, Adrian Klemm, played in the NFL for the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers in the early 2000s and now serves as the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Kansas State is exactly what I was looking for,” Klemm told Rivals after announcing his commitment. “Coming into the process, the main things I was looking for were development and an environment where football is important and matters every day. I think that Kansas State is exactly that. I’ve got a really good relationship with with the offensive line coach, Coach (Conor) Riley, and he’s had a plan for me since day one. That’s something I could really appreciate.”
Perhaps his commitment will serve as a good omen as K-State hosts a handful of important other recruits on visits this weekend.
Fans will be most interested to see if a pair of notable transfers end up choosing the Wildcats.
Nebraska transfer quarterback Adrian Martinez and Delaware transfer linebacker Colby Reeder are both expected to visit Manhattan this weekend, according to a report from K-State Online.
Both could make major impacts for the Wildcats next season.
K-State fans have been buzzing about the idea of adding Martinez ever since he announced he would return to the Cornhuskers for a fifth season.
He is dating a member of the K-State soccer team and made an unofficial visit to campus last week. It seems as though he will pick between K-State and Cal. But it sounds promising for the Wildcats that he is willing to take a second visit to Manhattan.
Martinez was a four-year starter at Nebraska who played in 39 games with the Huskers. He has thrown for 8,495 yards and 45 touchdowns while also rushing for 2,288 yards and 35 touchdowns. He has one year of eligibility remaining, and he could help the Wildcats next season as their future quarterback plans are murky. They may need a transfer to command the huddle if Will Howard, Jaren Lewis and Jake Rubley aren’t ready to start on a permanent basis.
He does come with some question marks, though. He was turnover prone at Nebraska and never won more than five games in a season there. He also recently had surgery on his throwing shoulder, which will likely prevent him from participating in spring practice.
But he could definitely help K-State next season.
Reeder could give the Wildcats a boost on defense. The 6-foot-3 senior made 161 tackles, including 7 1/2 sacks, and grabbed four interceptions during his time at Delaware.
K-State is looking for a veteran linebacker to help replace Cody Fletcher next season. Reeder will likely choose between K-State, Iowa State and Rutgers.
This story was originally published December 10, 2021 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Kansas State Wildcats land new football recruit, host notable transfers this weekend."