Colorado LB Big 12 bound

Colorado has always been kind to Kansas State and under coach Ron Prince the Rocky Mountain State has been a priority. In 2007, the Wildcats signed quarterback Collin Klein, in 2006 KSU pulled in long-snapper Corey Adams and in 2006 they landed defensive back Chris Carney.

And in the class of 2009, the Wildcats will sign another Colorado prospect.

Colorado Springs (Colo.) Sierra outside linebacker Clarence Bumpas has committed to the Wildcats.

The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder said he pledged to the Wildcats after receiving a scholarship offer from the Wildcats following a strong performance at K-State's summer camp. He was also offered a scholarship by New Mexico and was getting heavily recruited by Wyoming, Colorado State and Arizona State.

Bumpas said he was sold on the Wildcats after spending time in Manhattan this summer.

"I loved how the whole town was centered on Kansas State," Bumpas said. "It's also close to home. It's not too far from home, and everybody in the town is focused on K-State and they love football there. It's a really nice environment where the people support the team. I also liked the program. I think they're on the verge of a breakout season."

Bumpas said he was recruited by Wildcat running back coach Ricky Rahne.

"He's a phenomenal guy," Bumpas said about Rahne. "He's really down to earth. I liked all the coaches, but he's a really cool coach that will be fun to play for."

Even though Bumpas flew under the radar with most recruiting analysts, local coaches recognized his play as a junior. He earned first-team all-state honors after racking up 80 tackles and 16 sacks. He was also recently picked as a pre-season all-state selection.

"I go hard on every play, and I play with a lot passion," Bumpas said. "I think I'll be a good fit for what K-State wants out of its linebackers. They said they were really impressed with how I played at their camp. I think I really impressed them."

He was also impressive for Sierra.

"Last season went pretty good," he said. "We made it to the playoffs for the first time in like 10 years. I had 16 sacks, and I had a pretty good season. I also had a few receptions, too, at tight end. I played tight end, but we ran a lot of doubles, so I was lined up like a receiver out there."