Kansas State is staying busy on the 2028 recruiting trail, and the latest name on the board is a big one.
Four-star edge rusher Steven McClendon, a Douglas County High School product in Douglasville, GA, announced Tuesday night that the Wildcats had come through with an offer. McClendon posted, "Blessed to receive an offer from Kansas State University," after adding another Power Five program to his list.
McClendon is coming off a productive season, finishing with 51 total tackles, four sacks and eight tackles for loss. Kansas State’s interest fits the broader push the program is making to keep stacking talent on defense, especially along the line.
That momentum starts with the Wildcats’ 2027 class, which already includes seven defensive linemen, among them two edge rushers. It’s a group that gives coach Collin Klein and his staff a strong foundation, and it also helps explain why the staff is working so aggressively with younger prospects.
Kansas State still does not have a 2028 commitment yet, but the offer sheet shows the staff is clearly planting flags early.
McClendon is only the newest player to hear from the Wildcats. The program has also offered four-star cornerback Bryce Willingham of North Atlanta High School in Atlanta, GA.
Another defensive back on the list is four-star Bryson Hazley of East Laurens High School in East Dublin, GA, who recorded 41 total tackles, five interceptions and five pass deflections last season. Hazley’s other offers include Florida, Maryland and Georgia.
The Wildcats have also gone after a pair of twin brothers at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, GA. Quinn and Cole Pollock, both three-star defensive backs in the 2028 class, are already drawing interest from Florida State, Nebraska and Arizona State as well.
Kansas State’s list of 2028 targets also includes four-star running back Dalen Powell from Ruston High School in Ruston, LA. Powell, who also runs track and field and plays baseball, has offers from Florida State, Auburn and Miami. Last season, he rushed for 1,156 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 18 catches for 239 yards and three more scores.
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