Junior college CB Will Lee recaps Kansas State commitment

Kansas State added to its 2023 recruiting class last week and started its 2024 class on the same day. That happened when junior college cornerback Will Lee of Iowa Western Community College and Mill Valley High offensive lineman Gus Hawkins committed to K-State.

Assistants Van Malone, Conor Riley and Joe Klanderman of Kansas State closed on Lee after chasing him for several months. They nearly landed him over the Summer when he took his official visit to Manhattan despite being committed to Oregon State.

However, other programs continued to pursue the St. Louis native.

Lee held offers from UConn, East Carolina, Florida State, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Middle Tennessee, Oregon State, UAB and UTSA, in addition to K-State. He was also committed to the Beavers until October 8.

“The relationship I built with K-State over these months have been amazing,” Lee said. “Plus with them losing two top cornerbacks, I felt it would be the best fit for me.”

“Coach Malone and I are very close,” he added. “He really showed me the ins and outs when I visited K-State back in the Summer.”

Committed 1000% 💜🤍 @KStateFB #EMAW @CoachStrohmeier @CoachEricFinney pic.twitter.com/rhfJtc34ju

— William “The Blanket” Lee (@TheBlanket8) November 29, 2022

Lee’s visit to Kansas State was in July for the team barbecue.

“Everybody was so genuine,” he commented. “And all of the players there looked like they were at home. It really showed what type of place it is.”

That place is now home to the Big 12 Champions. K-State defeated TCU in Arlington on Saturday in overtime after a game-winning field goal from Ty Zentner, which avenged one of their three losses on the year.

The Kansas State season also left a mark on the potential 2023 starter.

“I like how they’ve been dominating on defense,” Lee answered. “That played a big part in my commitment. I felt that they have really focused on their defense a lot. Their secondary is aggressive. I like how everybody flies to the ball. They play with a chip on their shoulder every game.”

Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman has also played a big role in his verbal pledge to K-State.

“[Klanderman] was just a genuine person and kept it real with me all of the time,” Lee noted.

He is also close to two current Kansas State commits and one current player on the Wildcat roster.

“I’m cool with Avery Johnson, Chiddi Obiazor and Jordan Wright,” Lee pointed out. “We talk here and there. It’s all mostly football-related.”