By CONOR NICHOLL

cnicholl@dailynews.net

Phillipsburg High School senior Sean Newlan described the recruiting process as "very exciting," and, at times, "extremely stressful." Recently, Newlan, a standout in three sports, went through a week where he thought he might have to walk on to Kansas State University.

He had several offers from NCAA Division II schools such as Pittsburg State University and University of Nebraska-Kearney. PSU wanted Newlan to make his decision about three weeks ago. Newlan was going to sign with the Gorillas and then weighed his options. He talked with Kansas State defensive coordinator Tom Hayes.

"He assured me that they were going to do whatever they could to get me there," Newlan said.

Newlan waited it out and didn't sign with Pittsburg State. Then, a couple of weeks ago, Newlan received a call from Hayes. Kansas State offered Newlan a full ride. The senior was going to achieve a lifelong dream and play for the Wildcats.

"They worked something out, and they were going to have a scholarship with my name on it, and that was probably one of the most exciting moments of my entire life as you can imagine," Newlan said. "Afterwards, I called my parents and told them the good news and rushed home, and they were waiting for me with tears in their eyes and huge smiles on their faces, and we hugged. It was just a magical moment. It was a very proud moment for my parents as well."

When Newlan will receive his full ride scholarship still is uncertain. Newlan will possibly grayshirt this fall, remain in Phillipsburg and help coach J.B. Covington with the Panther team -- a choice he is fine with.

"There is no pressure on me at all," Newlan said. "I know my five years as a Wildcat are insured no matter which route we end up taking. Right now, I just sit here and enjoy the ride."

However, Newlan said the Wildcats are waiting on a few more recruits. If those recruits fall off, Newlan is among the next in line to receive a full ride for this fall and redshirt the 2013 season.

"I could find out later on tonight or two days from now, or two weeks from now," Newlan said. "I don't know, it could be anywhere. Hopefully, it could be within the next week, but it could be now or a month, who knows."

Track might be a possibility as well for the four-time track champion.

Wildcat head coach Bill Snyder was expected to talk to the track coach and work out an arrangement. Still, when Newlan sees more playing time, he is "not sure" how it will work out with track.

"To consider myself as a Wildcat like I have always wanted to do, it's just a dream come true," Newlan said. "It's always something that I have grown up with. All of my friends and family have all been huge K-State fans, and ever since I was eight, I knew I was going to make it. For this moment to finally be here, it's just surreal."

Other area signings:

La Crosse fullback/linebacker Kip Keeley will walkon at Kansas State. ... Plainville lineman Bradey Chard and Norton running back Jacob Brooks will attend Hutchinson Community College. Ness City's Dalton Gantz and Oberlin-Decatur Community's Channing Fortin will play for Garden City Community College. Russell lineman Jesse Boomhower will play for Butler Community College. Hill City wide receiver Kyle Helberg will play for Friends University.