Kansas Football: 2013 Recruiting Update

As frustration from early season late-game losses mount for the Jayhawks football program, it might be a good time to look ahead at what most Kansas fans were excited about when Sheahon Zenger lured Charlie Weis to Lawrence: Recruiting.

As the bye week approaches and with in-state rival and national title contending Kansas State preparing for a visit from Kansas in two weeks, the first full recruiting year awaits for Weis. Upon arrival, the former Notre Dame coach immediately stressed the importance of competing with Bill Snyder's staff for in-state recruits and reiterated his desire to quickly close the enormous talent development gap. 

Two high-profile transfer quarterbacks gained national attention as they chose Kansas over elite programs across the country but there has been mediocre interest from upper tier Midwest prep recruits. Although early in the 2013 recruiting season, a sluggish start to 2012 has many looking ahead to QB-in-waiting Jake Heaps and a new wave of prep players and JUCO transfers.

Kansas regularly attracts dozens of two and three-star prospects, but rarely garners more than one four-star player and hardly ever receives a second glance from the elite five-star prep phenoms. Weis has his eye on a few of those elite players across the country and could land a couple as he dangles name recognition and immediate playing time as temptation. As the season progresses, a few of these out-of-state, higher profile targets will be highlighted.

Verbal Commitments

Kellen Ash - OLB
Ballwin, Missouri

Rivals: 3-star (#10 Missouri Preseason Top 10 2013)
ESPN: 3-star (Scout Grade: 77)

Jordan Darling - QB
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 

Rivals: 3-star (#5 Kansas Preseason Top 10 2013)
ESPN: 3-star (Scout Grade: 75)

   

Ben Johnson - TE
Basehor, Kansas 

Rivals: 3-star (#6 Kansas Preseason Top 10 2013)
ESPN: 3-star (Scout Grade: 75)

Joey Bloomfield - OT
Louisville, Kentucky

Rivals: 3-star (#7 Kentucky Preseason Top 10 2013)
ESPN: 3-star (Scout Grade: 72)

Taylor Lewis - S
DeSoto, Texas 

Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 3-star (Scout Grade: 71)

Colin Spencer - CB
Dallas, Texas 

Rivals: 2-star
ESPN: 3-star (Scout Grade: 74)

Montell Cozart - OLB
Ballwin, Missouri

Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 2-star (Scout Grade: 69)

Marcus Jenkins-Moore - OLB
Woodland Hills, California

Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: N/A

Andrew Bolton - DE
Raymond, Mississippi

Rivals: N/A
ESPN: N/A

In-State Prep Targets

Brady Moore - TE
Marysville, Kansas

Rivals: 2-star (#9 Kansas Preseason Top 10 2013)
ESPN: N/A

Moore has flown under the radar since transferring high schools from New Mexico last year. He lacks dynamic play-making ability and impressive quickness, but is a consistent blocker with above average hands. Rocky Long and San Diego State has shown the most continued interest and therefore remains the front-runner for his services, but a late offer or preferred walk-on status are also possibilities.

Coleman McCann - OG
Mill Valley, Kansas

Rivals: 2-star (#10 Kansas Preseason Top 10 2013)
ESPN: N/A

Despite playing tackle in high school, McCann would most likely slide to guard if he becomes a Jayhawk, similar to the transition of Dylan Admire. He has received interest from lower tier FBS programs and currently holds three offers: Penn, Northern Colorado and South Dakota but appears to have a good relationship with offensive line coach Tim Grunhard, although not yet receiving an offer from KU. Coleman McCann has an excellent reputation as a physical, do-it-all aggressive lineman and could be a nice prospect following a redshirt season in 2013.

High Profile out-of-State Prep Targets

Jamone Boyd - DE
Lee's Summit, Missouri

Rivals: 4-star (#4 Missouri Preseason Top 10 2013)
ESPN: 4-star (Scout Grade: 83)

Unless it's on the hardcourt, Kansas rarely has success enticing elite athletes from the Kansas City area to come to Lawrence. Jamone Boyd, a 6'4" 245 lb defensive end and arguably the best recruit in the state of Missouri, has been dominating opposing lineman this year with his stock only continuing to rise. Reportedly, the Kansas program left a strong impression during his visit last spring, but has since shown strong interest in Arkansas, Nebraska and Missouri, as well. Jamone Boyd would be a mammoth signing for Charlie Weis and defensive coordinator Dave Campo as they continue to retool the Jayhawk defense.

Paul James III - DE
Miami, Florida

Rivals: 3-star (#63 Florida Preseason Top 100 2013)
ESPN: 4-star (Scout Grade: 83)

Another game-changing defensive end, Paul James III out of Miami Norland, received an early offer from Kansas and while they continue to heavily recruit him, he has tagged three different programs as favorites: Alabama, Illinois and West Virginia. Upon mentioning Alabama's development of Courtney Upshaw and a lack of Courtney Upshaw-type Kansas alumni, or any elite defensive ends from the Kansas program for that matter, it appears James is a long shot unless something falls through.

Kyle Meadows - OT
West Chester, Ohio 

Rivals: 3-star (#28 Ohio Preseason Top 65 2013)
ESPN: 3-star (Scout Grade: 79)

Meadows has not tipped his hand as to which of the dozen FBS programs he is favoring as he enters the Fall recruiting period but the Jayhawks remain on the list along with West Virginia, Florida State and Pittsburgh. Weis offered Kyle Meadows a scholarship last spring, but it might be a current Jayhawk commit that has the most impact on the 6'5" 270 lb offensive tackle's decision. Jordan Darling also attending Lakota West in Ohio before transferring to Shawnee Mission East last year therefore could potentially sway his former teammate to join him in Lawrence.