Chris Klieman initially missed out on recruiting linebacker Jayshawn Ross when he chose Alabama over Kansas State out of high school, coming from Liberty North. However, Ross is now ready to join the Wildcats. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound versatile defender committed to K-State as a transfer on Tuesday after spending his freshman season in the SEC.
He is expected to play a hybrid role with the Wildcats, lining up as both a defensive end and linebacker, primarily as a pass rusher. K-State’s defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman, will likely utilize Ross in various ways upon his arrival.
Ross was a key target for Klieman and his staff when they began looking at transfer portal options. Although Ross didn’t record any stats for Alabama this past season, K-State had a strong understanding of his talent, having previously recruited him as a four-star prospect.
Alabama had beaten K-State and Nebraska for Ross’s commitment, though he had received 25 scholarship offers. The Wildcats clearly left a lasting impression on him during the recruiting process, leading him to choose them when exploring transfer options.
With Ross’s commitment, K-State has now added 10 incoming transfers for this recruiting cycle, including Jerand Bradley (Boston College), Gabe Ervin (Nebraska), Amarion Fortenberry (South Alabama), Gunner Maldonado (Arizona), Mar’Quavious Moss (West Georgia), Gabe Powers (Ohio State), Jayden Rowe (Oklahoma), Amos Talalele (USC), and Jaron Tibbs (Purdue).