Marshall duo headed to Big 12

The heavy involvement in the state of Texas is starting to pay off for the Kansas State coaching staff as they reeled in two more Lone Star commitments this week.

Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall prospects Tyrone Sonnier and Kendrick Matthews committed to the Wildcats only 24 hours a part to each other. Defensive back Matthews was one of the top players on his team last year that featured several top cornerbacks. Sonnier is a sleeper with loads of potential.

"Yeah, it was Wednesday night when I committed," Matthews said. "That was the best option at the time. It was between UTEP and them. UTEP had offered and K-State did too on the same day. I came home, prayed about it, and Kansas State was where I needed to go."

Matthews says that there were many factors in his decision toward committing to the Wildcats.

"Mainly, it was because they were in the Big 12 and that's one school that produces a lot of defensive backs," Matthews said. "The secondary and defensive coach told me how they wanted to use me. I'm in track and that's what they liked.

"They wanted somebody with speed that could hit. I can do that."

Matthews had a solid season, but didn't collect any honors.

"Well we run a four man rotation in our defensive backfield," Matthews said. "None of us made all-district or all-state teams because of it. But, we play as a team and I was just one of the guys trying to help the others out."

When asked to describe his playing ability, Matthews said that he brings a lot to the table for a cornerback.

"I'm very fast, quick, and aggressive," he said. "I have good coverage skills, but I'm not there yet. I can still get better. Plus, I love to tackle and make the big hit. That's my strongest ability."

As for his teammate Sonnier, Matthews says his decision wasn't planned.

"This was not a big, package deal," he said. "I committed on Wednesday and he did on Thursday. We didn't plan it this way. We had two different offer sheets. I just did what was best for me and so did he."

Sonnier is a 6-foot-2, 225-pounder who is considered a sleeper. He backed up several top defensive lineman last year but should get a chance to shine during his senior season.

Kendrick and Tyrone committed yesterday," Marshall assistant coach Michael O'Guin said. "I think both of these guys are extremely fast and have a lot of speed. Kendrick is a 5-foot-11, 170 pound cornerback. He's been timed as fast as 4.41 and never been timed higher than 4.47. He's extremely physical for someone of his size. He plays speed wise at another level. As a defensive back, that's going to attract people.

"Tyrone is a kid that has a frame that will allow him to grow, he's 6-foot-2, 225. He ran a 4.62 in our spring test. He's a really athletic kid. He was moved over after his sophomore year from the tight end position to defensive line. You saw glimpses of what he might do this upcoming season. He's been having a really good spring. I think speed and just the fact that Tyrone is a young man who could put on 270 pounds and still be a sub 5.0 40-yard dash guy is what makes him attractive."

Both players were being recruited by K-State assistant Raheem Morris.