Kansas State lands three-star CB
Wilmington (Calif.) Los Angeles Harbor C.C. cornerback Billy McClellan stepped onto the Kansas State campus as a Wildcat recruit, but his experience over the course of the weekend made it clear to him that he was ready to change his status to a Kansas State commit instead.
"The trip went wonderful," McClellan said. "I talked to all of the coaches and they were all showing a lot of love and a lot of respect. They showed great respect for me and my game."
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McClellan's excitement wasn't limited to the respect he got from the coaching staff. The energy from the crowd left quite an impression on the 5-9 defensive back as well.
"We were on the sidelines during warm-ups and they had me fired up," he said. "Everything was 'Wildcat this' and 'Wildcat that'. They had me wishing I could put on the pads right then and there."
It took one night of sleep after his gameday experience for McClellan to make his decision.
"I committed Sunday morning," he said. "I sat down one-on-one with coach Prince and he laid it out there for me and I committed."
What coach Prince laid out for McClellan was an opportunity to see the field early on.
"They said that we're not bringing you in there to redshirt you or sit you on the bench, we want you to compete," he said. "'We see what you've done in high school and in junior college and we want you to come here to play right away.'
"They want me to play corner and I'm ready to go out there and compete for a spot right away."
McClellan lists Oregon State, Utah State, Wyoming and Washington State as the schools that are showing him the most interest outside of the Wildcats. While he has no immediate plans to visit any other schools, the December graduate does have some specific requirements of any school that wants to make a late push.
"At the moment I don't have any plans to take any visits," he said. "I'm open to taking them only if someone can offer what K-State can and by that I mean that K-State takes a lot of credits towards my major so that I can graduate in two years. At K-State I'll be able to graduate on time in May. If I continue playing after college I don't want to have to come back to get my degree. Graduating on time and getting my degree is very important to me."
McClellan, who has three years to complete his final two years of eligibility, can now focus on his season with his recruitment behind him.
"Committing definitely takes a lot of pressure off," he said. "The season is going pretty good. We have a great team. It's about putting it together, the offense and the defense. Right now I've got seven deflections and one interception. I just have to make the most of my opportunities. For me that's what it's all about."
While making the most of his opportunities on the field this season, McClellan will be anxiously awaiting the opportunity to make those plays for the Wildcats as well.