#40 Spencer Trussell — Like incoming freshman Dalton Knapp, former K-Stater Spencer Trussell (40) — who unfortunately needed to medically retire after the 2021 season — was an underrated, hard-working defensive end, which makes it all the more fitting for his No. 40 jersey to be dedicated to the use of Knapp now. | Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In which BracketCat counts down the 40th day until the 2025 kickoff with a profile of Kansas State defensive end Dalton Knapp.

#40 Dalton Knapp

True Freshman | 6-4 | 223 lbs. | Grapevine, Texas

Position: Defensive End
Previous College: None
Projection: Redshirt
Status: On Scholarship

Dalton Knapp (b. March 7, 2006) is a defensive end from Grapevine, Texas who plans on majoring in business. He is probably going to redshirt and not play during the 2025 season.

Knapp prepped under head coach Aaron Beck at All Saints’ Episcopal School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was rated the 89th-best edge defender in the Class of 2025 by ESPN in addition to being ranked No. 96 by On3.

He earned all-state and all-district honors as both a junior and senior, the latter year in which he led the Saints to a state championship.

Knapp carded 43 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks to go along with three passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a junior. He tallied 79 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks as a senior, and also competed in track and field.

Knapp picked the Wildcats over offers from Arkansas State, Boise State, Fordham, Houston, Kansas, Lafayette, Memphis, Miami (Ohio), New Mexico State, North Texas, Oregon State, Purdue, Texas State, Toledo, Tulsa, Utah, UTEP and Washington State, as well as interest from Texas Tech.