GOODLAND, KS. (KSNT) - On Monday, July 1, Linkon Cure became the first five-star prospect to ever commit to Kansas State.
The Goodland native, and No. 2 tight end in America for the class of 2025, said the commitment might have come even earlier if Collin Klein hadn't left Manhattan. Despite the hiccup, K-State won out in the recruitment of the talented Western Kansas pass-catcher.
"For me, honestly, it was just that feeling- when you know you know," Cure told 27 News moments after announcing his commitment. "I had that feeling. It brought a lot of tears out of me. It's a program I want to be a part of. It's guys I want to be around. It's a coach I want to play for. This is going to be one of the most exciting times in Kansas State history. I'm just excited to be a part of it, I'm excited to get to work."
He's embracing the opportunity to play alongside a whole bunch of other Kansas kids in Manhattan, including quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards.
"It means everything," he said. "They share the same goals as me. They have common backgrounds, they know what it's like to be from Kansas. I think it's time we start supporting our state as they support us. Means everything to me to be their teammate and I'm just excited to play with them."
Cure said he trusts Johnson, and the offensive staff, to give him a great shot at success. Plus, he knows they believe in his ability.
"They see a lot in me," Cure said, pointing out the fact that K-State extended an offer in the summer of 2023, before any other power-conference school and while there still wasn't much tape on his game. "I bring a lot to the game, I'm not an average tight end. I bring a lot more speed and catch radius and hands. I'm excited to see how [associate head] coach Matt Wells uses me. He keeps expressing to me how excited he is to get to work and put things together. The biggest thing that they've said to me is get the ball in my hands and let me make plays."
Cure's brother, Leyton, transferred from Fort Hays State to KU during the 2024 offseason. Did it sway him towards the Jayhawks at all?
"I definitely thought about it," Cure said when asked if he weighed in the option to join his older brother in Lawrence, before continuing with a smile. "...You know I never really enjoyed the moments I got to play with him, I'd rather just play against him."
Cure will appear on this Sunday's edition of K-Nation in a one-on-one interview with 27 Sports Director Glenn Kinley.
