Linkon Cure is the highest rated recruit in Kansas State Wildcats football history but has yet to make an impact
No football player has arrived on the Kansas State Wildcats campus with more fanfare than tight end Linkon Cure.
He is the first Wildcats five-star recruit. He received interest from just about every major school before choosing Kansas State.
Despite all the hoopla, Cure has yet to make a huge impact. He's caught just three passes for 23 yards. First-year coach Collin Klein said it's just a matter of time before Cure gets more heavily involved in the offense.
"He's been doing a great job. It'll be crucial for us," Klein said during his weekly press conference. "We've been in 12 personnel a lot and used all three of those guys in a lot of different ways. So, I'm not worried about him stepping up and doing a great job."
Cure arrived with such high expectations after a standout prep career at Goodland (Kan.) High School. He was a three-sport star, excelling also in basketball and track. The Oregon Ducks and Texas A & M Aggies were among the top programs bidding for his services.
In the end, Cure chose to stay in his home state. At times, he showed flashes of his talents during his freshman season. He had six catches for 37 yards before being slowed by injuries midway through the year.
The hope is Cure catches on soon and becomes a more integral part of the offense. The fact the Wildcats have two other solid tight ends _Garrett Oakley and Will Anciaux _ has also played a role in the slow start.
Oakley is receiving interest from several NFL teams ahead of next year's draft. Anciaux has been key contributor for the past two seasons.
So it hasn't been exactly easy to get more touches for Cure. Regardless, the coaching staff plans to do everything possible to utilize one of the team's best playmakers. What separates Cure from other tight ends is his athleticism. He's basically like a third or fourth receiver when he's on the field.
"I don't know exactly what the numbers per percent as far as him being targeted," Klein said. "I don't know if I could speak to that specifically, or what it should be. I know we got three really good ones."
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
