Linkon Cure, a five-star tight end out of Goodland, Kansas, caught the attention of Kansas State early in his recruitment. Cure was initially offered by the Wildcats, who informed him that he could significantly influence the Big 12 program. Head coach Chris Klieman and his staff started to place even more importance on him as his reputation continued to grow.
During his official visit to the Ducks, Oregon made a significant effort for Cure and moved up his list; however, the next weekend, he was welcomed by Kansas State. Along with quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards, the 6-foot-4.5, 210-pound recruit also spent time with the Wildcats’ coaches while he was in Manhattan. Cure decided he wanted to play for Kansas State during that “amazing” trip, and on Monday he committed to the Wildcats over Texas A&M, Kansas, and Oregon.
Cure said to On3 that “it was a feeling that I got.” I had almost no sleep that Saturday night. I texted Taylor Braet first. I contacted him at seven in the morning to rouse him up, saying, “Hey, can you come pick me up at the hotel and take me to the stadium?” All I need is some time to reflect. Yes, I’ll be right there, he replied. He then drove me to the stadium, where I went up to either seat 17 or 18. I was checking to be sure I had made the right choice as I sat down.
Regretfully, I shed a lot of tears. I started my entire journey in a camp at K-State, and that’s where it ended, so it was rather emotional for me. That was ultimately what it was all about for me, and it was undoubtedly quite emotional. I was aware that it was correct. It was pretty wonderful that Coach Klieman also came up there and spoke with me. I cherished everything about the time we spent alone in the stadium.
Cure went to games at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium as a child, growing up as a Kansas State supporter. Now that he’s settled in, Kansas’ No. 2 player is eager to stay at home and help the Wildcats reach new heights.
Cure, the No. 2 tight end and No. 27 overall prospect in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking, stated, “I always had that love for them.” “When I was sitting up in those stands thinking about everything, it meant the world to me that Kansas State was my first offer, that my recruitment began and ended there. I will always remember that particular time in my life.
Despite the fact that Goodland is almost 300 miles away from Kansas State, Cure likes to hang out in Manhattan since it is home to “my type of people.” The community around the Wildcats’ campus and their devoted supporters were significant factors in his choice to play college football in his own state.
Cure was particularly impressed by Klieman’s culture at Kansas State. The Wildcats finished 9-4 in the previous campaign and won the Big 12 Championship the year before, defeating TCU, who advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Regarding the culture at Kansas State, Cure remarked, “You can’t beat it.” “Every single man that K-State has is an excellent individual. They are an excellent person in addition to being a skilled footballer. That is something about them that I adore.
Cure was coming off an injury-plagued season when he showed up at the Kansas State camp a few years ago. Although the Wildcats’ coaches had not seen much of Cure’s film, they were very impressed with his performance that day. The five-star believed that Klieman and his staff took a chance on him, so when Kansas State finally made an offer, it “meant everything” to him.
In the end, Cure and the Wildcats were glad they took that gamble. Along with Kansas State’s director of recruiting, Klieman, he also forged close relationships with offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Conor Riley, tight ends coach Brian Lepak, and other key figures.
Cure remarked, “I really adore that coaching staff.” “Being around them a lot during my official visit was really cool, because I have so much respect for them.”
Cure, who became close to Klieman throughout his recruitment, is eager to play for him. The two remained close during Cure’s visit last month, and the Kansas native is eager to pick up knowledge from the head coach of the Wildcats when he gets to school.
Cure remarked, “Coach Klieman’s leadership qualities for both his staff and that program are his greatest asset.” “He is admired by all, even the coaching staff. It’s a pleasure to be in his company. We had a long conversation when I got to go golfing with him. I also got to talk to him about that in the stadium. You should not only play for him. You would give all and everything for this person. I want to go out there and give him everything I’ve got.