Capital-Journal
Patton commits
Although he was unable to make an official visit to Kansas State earlier this month, Winfield quarterback Nick Patton has given the Wildcats an oral commitment.
Patton is already in San Antonio practicing for the Army All- America game on Jan. 4 and confirmed his commitment there to Rivals.com.
“He made (the decision) a while back,” Winfield athletic director Dave Morford told The Capital-Journal on Monday. “I know he’s still going to make an announcement at the all-star game.”
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Patton threw for 1,262 yards, rushed for 339 yards and accounted for 18 touchdowns this past season. He also visited Kansas and Missouri, and previously considered Iowa and Michigan State. He is the first quarterback to commit to K-State, who welcomed another prep QB, Brent Schaeffer of Deerfield Beach, Fla., for a visit on Dec. 19.
In addition to Patton, K-State also secured a recent commitment from McCollins Umeh, a 6-3, 240-pound defensive end from Houston.
Bearing gifts
The Kansas State players didn’t bring too many remnants from their victory over Oklahoma for the Big 12 championship. They were awarded a championship watch and commemorative T-shirts.
“We don’t get too spoiled around here. It keeps us humble,” senior linebacker Josh Buhl said.
The Fiesta Bowl will try to change all that. Before players arrived, each received a portable DVD player. The NCAA allows up to $300 in gifts for players, but the Fiesta Bowl buys at discounts, so sometimes the value is more. Players also receive a $400 per diem.
Cats watch NFL
Most of the Kansas State players attended the NFL game Sunday between Arizona and Minnesota. However, the Wildcats missed the Cardinals’ late rally. They had to leave in the middle of the third quarter so the K-State staff could attend a coaches meeting.
“We left right when the good stuff happened,” said linebacker Josh Buhl.
The Cats did hang around long enough to gain a favorable impression of the next level, though.
“I think guys were overwhelmed by how big they are,” Buhl said. “I think we were all trying to picture ourselves out there.”
Cool in the desert
Temperatures have been unseasonably cool in the Phoenix area since the teams arrived on Dec. 26. Kansas State’s first practice was conducted with the thermometer stuck in the 40s and a north wind blowing through the practice field at Scottsdale Community College.
Highs are supposed to hit only the low 60s the remainder of the week.
— Kevin Haskin
RECEIVING LEADERS
K-State’s all-time leading receivers in bowl appearances:
Player G No Yds Avg. TD1. Darnell McDonald 2 12 330 27.5 52. Quincy Morgan 2 15 249 16.6 23. Kevin Lockett 4 15 245 16.3 34. Mitch Running 3 14 215 15.4 15. Andre Coleman 1 8 144 18.0 1GAME RECEIVING RECORDS
Receptions — 8, Andre Coleman, vs. Wyoming, 1993 Copper; 8, Quincy Morgan, vs. Washington, 1999 Holiday.
Yards — 206, Darnell McDonald, vs. Syracuse, 1997 Fiesta.
Longest reception — 88, Darnell McDonald, vs. Purdue, 1998 Alamo.
Touchdowns — 3, Darnell McDonald, vs. Syracuse, 1997 Fiesta.
Copyright 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.
