Kansas State football adds linebacker Gavin Forsha in recruiting victory over USC

Kansas State addressed a key defensive need and picked up an impressive head-to-head recruiting victory at the same time Tuesday when Tyler (Texas) Junior College linebacker Gavin Forsha announced his commitment to the Wildcats for the upcoming season.

K-State extended a scholarship offer to Forsha during his recruiting visit to Manhattan earlier this month, but had to hold off a late charge from LSU and Southern California. He made his decision after also visiting USC, announcing it on Twitter.

Forsha made the announcement with a Twitter post declaring, "Dreams to reality."

Forsha, a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder from Nashville, Tennessee , was a critical pickup for the Wildcats, who had lost three linebackers to the transfer portal since mid-April. As a true freshman at Tyler, he recorded 45 tackles in 12 games, including 11.5 sacks — ranking him fifth nationally in the NJCAA — and 13.5 tackles for loss.

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K-State has created quite a pipeline to Tyler of late, also signing safety Kobe Savage in December and cornerback Justice Clemons earlier this spring.

K-State already was set at middle linebacker with starter Daniel Green returning for his senior season, backed up by fellow senior Nick Allen. Forsha most likely will compete with Nebraska graduate transfer Will Honas, 2021 backup Austin Moore and others on the weak side.

K-State's depth took a recent hit when sophomore Maryland transfer Branden Jennings re-entered the portal in the final week of spring practice and was followed in short order by redshirt freshman Gaven Haselhorst and sophomore Kienen Gaskin. Jennings has since landed at Central Florida, while Haselhorst returned to his hometown and signed with Fort Hays State.

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Forsha is the sixth defensive player and the seventh overall to sign with the Wildcats since the end of spring practice. Asked at a Catbacker event in Salina last week if expected any further additions to the roster, coach Chris Klieman didn't rule it out, citing a new recruiting trend brought on by the transfer portal.

"We're always trying to add depth because we've lost so much depth (to the portal)," he said. "You should have your football team set, and you always used to have your football team set, at the end of spring ball. (But) now it's another recruiting cycle to try to fill needs in May."

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football adds junior college linebacker Gavin Forsha