Kansas football recruiting class leans heavily on Texas

The Kansas football recruiting class announced Wednesday will reflect the background of coach David Beaty: Texas-heavy.

Of the 16 or so reported commitments, eight are from Texas, where Beaty has spent his entire coaching career except his years at Kansas.

The highest rated among the group, according to Rivals.com, are three-star prospects Chris Hughes, an offensive lineman from Harker Heights, Texas; Maciah Long, a linebacker from Houston; Kyle Mayberry, a defensive back from Tulsa, Okla.; and Isi Holani, a defensive tackle from Riverdale (Calif.) Community College.

Some newcomers are already on campus, including Laquvionte Gonzalez, a transfer from Texas A&M, where Beaty coached before arriving at Kansas.

Gonzalez, a four-star member of A&M’s 2013 recruiting class, sat out last season. In two years at Texas A&M he had 26 receptions for 317 yards. He figures to complete immediately as a wide receiver and return specialist.

Two others were part of Kansas’ 2015 recruiting class but didn’t make it to campus last year. Cornerback Shola Ayinde signed last year but delayed his enrollment until this semester. Cameron Durley, an offensive tackle from Houston, arrived on campus last month. He had received offers from TCU and San Diego State among others.

KANSAS’ TOP FIVE RECRUITS

Not a recruit but a transfer who is in the program and is a big pickup for the Jayhawks. Gonzalez spent two seasons at Texas A&M and caught 21 passes from Johnny Manziel as a freshman.

Another transfer who should help right away. Holani, originally from Hilo, Hawaii, was also recruited by Kansas State.

He missed his senior season with a knee injury but turned heads in an off-season camp work.

Also a dual-threat quarterback in high school who had offers from Arizona State and UCLA, among others.

An explosive athlete who picked up an offer from Virginia Tech. Mayberry also played wide receiver in high school.

NA Not applicable. NR Not ranked.

*Rivals.com national popsition rankings

One who got away

Marquis Smith, a three-star athlete from Ypsilanti, Mich., announced on his Twitter account in November that he had decommitted from Kansas.

Still fishing for

Everything. Coming off an 0-12 season and playing with a scholarship count in the mid-60s last season, Kansas’ needs are everywhere.

Position answered

Kansas figures to sign several defensive backs on Wednesday, including one of its top prospects, Kyle Mayberry of Tulsa, Okla.

Position unanswered

Well, none. Not if you check out the team rankings. The Jayhawks likely will finish last in the Big 12 and perhaps just inside the top 100 nationally, hanging out with some Conference USA and Sun Belt programs. But the class will provide immediate help at some positions with Big 12-ready players.

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 8:17 PM with the headline "Kansas football recruiting class leans heavily on Texas."