Linebacker Ethan Johnson takes in Kansas State visit

Kansas State has had success recruiting in Georgia. It was in the past when Bill Snyder was the head coach and has continued with Chris Klieman at the helm.

Buford native VJ Payne is entering his junior season for K-State after starting a handful of games as a true freshman and starting every game last year. Safety Jack Fabris of Bogart played in a handful of games last season as a true freshman for the Wildcats.

After not taking a Peach State prospect in the 2024 class, could Kansas State resume their pursuits in 2025? A newer target to keep in mind is Ethan Johnson of Decatur. The junior visited K-State earlier this month.

“I wanted to meet all the coaching and staff and get a real understanding of the culture and program,” Johnson said. “Also just seeing the campus and what makes the school special. I wanted to learn everything I can about Kansas State. from the culture, to the community, to the traditions and how they play football.”

He is newer to the recruiting board. K-State offered him a scholarship February 1. With that in mind, so far his main recruiters have been Van Malone and Hank Jacobs, though the Wildcats are recruiting him as a linebacker.

“[Malone is] very passionate and energetic,” Johnson shared.

Kansas State sees the junior as either a ‘Mike’ or ‘Will’ linebacker in their defensive scheme. The 3-3-5 is intriguing to Johnson because of how the linebackers are utilized in it and having three on the field at once.

“I think it creates a lot of opportunity and freedom for the linebackers, so I like it,” he pointed out.

Johnson has already visited UAB and also plans to visit Cincinnati March 29, Memphis April 18 and Delaware later in the Spring. The visit to Birmingham was positive for the junior.

“The coaches and staff were very personable,” he commented. “And I got a true perspective on what college football is, the pros and cons. It’s a nice campus with good people.”

As of now the junior does not have a commitment date in mind. And K-State also has other linebackers on the board that they are pursuing, such as Weston Polk of Texas and Maguire Richman of Blue Valley High in Kansas City.

However, Johnson does know what he is looking for in a school he commits to.

“A place where I can grow and develop in my craft,” he answered. “A place with great culture and opportunity, good education and where I can play some good football.”