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National Signing Day 2016: Ranking, grading every Big 12 football recruiting class

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong celebrates the win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong celebrates the win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2015; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder looks on against the Baylor Bears at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Bears won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2015; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder looks on against the Baylor Bears at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Bears won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 Kansas State recruiting class features 18 signees, including four junior college transfers, and the potential to add a few more late prospects. The star of the group is dual-threat quarterback Skylar Thompson, who is already on campus and could compete for playing time despite multiple experienced QBs returning from the 2015 roster.

K-State’s class is ranked No. 73 nationally and doesn’t include a single four-star prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. Of course, that’s not much different that most of the classes that head coach Bill Snyder has signed during his tenure in Manhattan. No one on the current K-State roster signed with the Wildcats as part of a top-40 class nationally, yet Snyder’s teams are a constant threat in the Big 12.

Instant Impact Performer: OT Breontae Matthews

K-State lost four senior starters on the offensive line following the 2015 season, and as a result made the unit a high priority in the 2016 recruiting cycle. Of the three linemen signed to date (a fourth is committed but has not yet signed), two are JUCO transfers expected to compete immediately for a spot in the starting lineup. Three-star Breontae Matthews, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle that had interest from Missouri, Auburn and others, is a good bet to take the first snap against Stanford Sept. 2.

Defensive back Cedric Dozier, a grad transfer from Cal, also has a great chance to start at corner.

Underrated Signee: WR Isaiah Harris

The Wildcats signed four wide receivers and two tight ends, including a pair of 6-foot-2 wideouts in early enrollee Corey Sutton and junior college transfer Byron Pringle, both of whom should see significant playing time in 2016. Another player to watch is Isaiah Harris, a 5-foot-8, 165-pound speedster from Fort Worth, Texas. Harris has the potential to be a big-time playmaker in the slot and as a return man, though because of the depth in the receiving class, he could end up as a defensive back.

Complete 2016 Kansas State Recruiting Class:

Final Thoughts: K-State is well-known for overachieving under Bill Snyder, often winning with a collection of JUCO transfers, underrated prospects and walk-ons. However, as Snyder continues to age, and retirement whispers grow louder, it will be interesting to see if the Wildcats can continue to recruit and develop players well enough to stay relevant in the Big 12.

Next: Iowa State

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