Kansas State standing out to 2024 offensive lineman Mitch Hodnett
Kansas State will be adding a large class of offensive linemen in the 2024 recruiting cycle. That is largely in due to their entire starting group deciding to return to Manhattan for one more season, including All-American Cooper Beebe.
That means the exodus is pushed out another year and a big group will depart the K-State campus following the 2023 season. They have to recruit with that in mind. Not only does Beebe likely only have one year left, but the same will apply to Hayden Gillum, Christian Duffie and KT Leveston.
In fact, they have already added a commit, and it’s an offensive lineman in Mill Valley offensive tackle Gus Hawkins.
Another to keep in mind is Louisiana native Mitch Hodnett. He visited for the Texas game on November 5 and received his offer from K-State after the final camp of the summer July 29. He impressed the coaches enough to warrant being extended a scholarship.
“I felt welcomed and had a blast watching the game,” Hodnett said of his second trip to Manhattan. “The atmosphere up there is amazing. I don’t really have a favorite part. It was all great, but if I had to say something, it was the game itself. The student section and the runout stood out to me. And the way they show their faith before the game.”
The Wildcat offensive line play throughout the season has caught his eye as well, the same group that will essentially return every single contributor outside of Kansas State guard Dawson Delforge.
“They were physical and aggressive,” Hodnett commented. “And they played till the whistle blew. “My relationship with Coach (Conor) Riley has grown by knowing him as more of a person outside of football.”
K-State head coach Chris Klieman always preaches staying in the fight and never giving up, to his team. That message has resonated on the recruiting trail as well.
“What stood out is how Kansas State never stopped fighting,” Hodnett pointed out. “Win or lose, they came back the next game or the next play even better.”
How are the Wildcats positioned for the 6-foot-5, 280-pound junior?
“Kansas State is definitely one of the top schools that I’m interested in,” Hodnett revealed.
