As with most battles in the state of Kansas, it often turns into a war between Kansas and Kansas State. And that appears to be the case again with the state’s No. 10 player, Wichita Heights running back Gary Chandler.

Chandler camped at K-State this summer, where he ran a 4.46-second time in the 40-yard dash, but it’s the Jayhawks that have stepped up first with a scholarship offer to the 5-foot-11, 190-pound rusher. The Wildcats at this point have not offered but are monitoring his progress.

“I would say Kansas is my leader,” Chandler said. “I like them a lot because they’ve already offered me. I got an offer from them about four weeks ago, in a letter from coach (Mark) Mangino. I was very excited since it was my first real offer.

“I was tempted to commit, but my father told me to weigh my options, so I’ll probably wait until after football season.”

And it’s a season that can’t come soon enough.

Chandler rushed for 1,061 yards and 10 scores as a junior, earning all-area honors. He hopes to help his team to the state playoffs.

“I want to just stay focused and take my team to state,” he said. “I want to rush for 1,200 yards to break the school record, but my goal is to get 1,500. I want to get that.”

Chandler got calls in May from Kansas, Wyoming and Missouri.