K-State Officially Signs DB Gunner Maldonado

The Kansas State Wildcats signed a plethora of recruits and transfers Wednesday morning.
Dec 28, 2023; San Antonio, TX, USA; Arizona Wildcats safety Gunner Maldonado (9) holds the most valuable defensive player trophy after the Alamo Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2023; San Antonio, TX, USA; Arizona Wildcats safety Gunner Maldonado (9) holds the most valuable defensive player trophy after the Alamo Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Kansas State officially signed former Arizona safety Gunner Maldonado Wednesday. Maldonado had a solid 2023 campaign but was limited to just five games last season. He had 79 tackles, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions in his last full year as a starter.

FORMER K-STATE DB EXPECTED TO MAKE NOISE AT SENIOR BOWL

As NFL prospects prepare for the Draft in April, they are seeking any opportunities to elevate or solidify draft value.

The Senior Bowl provides the chance for redemption and revelation for players like former Kansas State defensive back Jacob Parrish.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler explained what he liked about the Kansas State product.

In this draft cycle, Parrish fits the mold as a “don’t overthink it” kind of prospect," Brugler wrote. "At right around 5-10, 195, he has big-time speed as a former state champion sprinter and competes with surprising play strength in all areas. Parrish loves to play press man and challenge receivers, which is even more impressive considering he told me that he 'never played cornerback' until he arrived at Kansas State...He will see plenty of those press-man reps during Senior Bowl practices."

During his time at Kansas State, Parrish recorded 102 tackles, five interceptions, and 23 pass deflections. He was an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in each of the last two seasons.

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.


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Jayden Armant
JAYDEN ARMANT

Jayden is a journalism school graduate of Howard University. He was the 2024 recipient of the Terez Paylor scholarship award. He previously worked at the Orlando Sentinel.