Wildcats in Waiting, 2020: Sam Shields, Offensive Linemen, Kansas

Manhattan offensive linemen Sam Shields has committed to play for his hometown Wildcats as part of Chris Klieman's Class of 2020.

The decision to commit to Kansas State was an easy one for Manhattan High School product Sam Shields: "I chose Kansas State because they made me feel like family. It has been kind of a dream of mine to have this opportunity ever since i was little, having grown up in Manhattan."

Shields is an interior offensive line prospect ranked 14th in the Class of 2020 in Kansas. He is also the 78th ranked guard prospect in the country. 

THIS IS HOME......#EMAW20 pic.twitter.com/TZK8Dzd9rq

— Sam Shields (@SamShields75) April 18, 2019

Shields says that he was first contacted by Kansas State from coach Taylor Braet, KSU's director of recruiting in the summer of his Junior year. 

And, while KSU was always the top choice, Shields says that "I took visits to Kansas, NDSU, Mizzou, Iowa, and K-State," and also that "I held offers from Kansas, NDSU, and South Dakota"

Shields is excited to join the Wildcat family. "What stood out to me the most was how genuine the coaches were and how everyone made me feel like family," Shields told the Maven.

-@DYoungRivals breaks down the commitment of Manhattan High offensive lineman Sam Shields (@SamShields54), projects where he fits on the offensive line and much, much more. https://t.co/iEI3xwd8Zn

— Matt Hall (@1_MattHall) April 18, 2019

He also indicates that new head coach Chris Klieman was one of the driving factors in his decision to commit to the Wildcats: "I first talked with coach Klieman on my junior day visit. It was great talking to him and I could tell right away that he was someone I would like to play for."

Shields plans to major in business while at Kansas State.