Childs working on getting better

Kansas City (Mo.) Oak Park running back Jarell Childs has had a productive spring, picking up his first scholarship offer from Kansas State. Now he's working hard toward getting ready for his senior season.

"I want to win district and try to make it on to state," he said. "I want to be an all-state running back. I want to work on being an all-purpose running back. I want to be able to come out of the backfield and catch the ball too rather than just running it. I want to get in the passing game."

"My biggest strength would probably be my power. I'm able to run over people."

At 6-foot-3, 216-pounds, Childs is a powerful runner. He racked up 1,333 yards rushing in 2006. It was those numbers that caught the eye of the Wildcats. K-State offered him a few months back and the Wildcats are in a good position with him.

"I haven't narrowed it down to any top schools yet, and I'm still keeping my options open, but I really like Kansas State right now," Childs said. "My parents like Kansas State too, but we haven't really visited anywhere else.

"The last visit I went to was Kansas State's junior day and their spring game. It went pretty well. We went to their blue chip day. We went to a baseball game while there. I also got to talk to head coach Ron Prince."

Childs said other schools are interested.

"Kansas State, Kent State, Kansas and Colorado mainly are the ones that are looking at me," he said. "I'm just looking for a school where I feel comfortable at. Some place that my parents like and that I like. I really liked Mizzou growing up because that's where my brother (Jaron Baston) is going to. They've been talking to me a little bit.

"My brother just told me to go wherever I feel comfortable. It doesn't matter whether I'm playing with him or against him. He just wants me to be comfortable."