Newly-offered running back grows up Kansas State fan

Kansas City will always be a major hub for Kansas State recruiting. Both sides of the metro are important for the Wildcats. A new target to keep in mind from that part of the local region is Fort Osage High School athlete Ryver Peppers.

K-State offered the junior March 21.

“I was shocked and speechless,” he said. “Kansas State has been one of my favorite college football teams growing up. So being able to get an offer from there still blows my mind.”

It was K-State head coach Chris Klieman who extended the scholarship.

“He told me that I was a scholarship player for them and that they were going to offer me a scholarship,” Peppers shared. “Klieman also told me that they didn’t know what position I would play, but that I’m a good athlete and a threat when I have the football in my hands.”

“I think what stood out to me most was that he is a genuine person and he’s not going to lie to me,” Peppers added. “And he’s going to be straight up with me.”

It has been Kansas State offensive coordinator Conor Riley and running backs coach Brian Anderson that have spearheaded the relationship with the junior. That’s not stunning considering the region that Riley recruits and the position that Anderson tutors.

“I have a pretty good relationship with them,” Peppers pointed out. “They have both came to my school a few times to visit with me and my coach. They also said they are coming to see me in April or May.”

That would be immediately after spring ball and during the time of the evaluation period. The K-State staff will be able to catch up with Peppers, receive updated information about his progress in the classroom and watch him work out.

While the junior has not visited Kansas State yet this spring, that will likely change soon.

Peppers has also visited Manhattan before, including attending for a few different games. He also does happen to be close with the little brother of former K-State quarterback Skylar Thompson, Anthony Thompson.

“I think the fan base has stood out to me,” Peppers noted. “Their games are always sold out and the environment in the stadium is always crazy.”

A few schools have jumped out to the front of Peppers’ recruitment thus far.

“Iowa State, Northwestern, Harvard, K-State, Iowa, and Eastern Michigan are all schools that have stood out to me so far,” he revealed. “Those are the schools that have kept in contact with me throughout this process.”

Peppers plans to commit to a school in either June or July. He has a few things he wants the school he commits to to have.

“I’m looking for a school that can help me grow as a player and also help me become a better person,” he explained. “I also look for a program where I can build good relationships with the players that are there.”