Graves being patient, Kansas remains on his list

When it comes to recruiting Chester Graves has played it quiet and isn’t rushing into any decisions. The standout from Park Hill is focusing on his senior season according to Park Hill head coach Josh Hood.

“He is not going to commit until after the season,” Hood said. “He has held his ground on that. He has made a few visits here and there but during the course of the season he likes to concentrate on the guys on the team.”

Graves has made several trips over the last year to Lawrence including junior day, the spring game, and a few unofficial trips to games.

“He said he has liked his visits to Kansas,” Hood said. “I know he likes going out there. I know he attended a basketball game and he bought a jersey. He has always been pumped about going out there and seeing the place. Every time he goes out there he says he is treated really well. He likes the way the coaches treat him and what he is heard from them.”

Hood says he stays in touch with the Kansas staff and has good communication with Gene Wier, the former Olathe North coach who is the director of high school relations.

“Coach Wier has done a good job communicating and staying in touch,” Hood said. “Kansas has done as good a job as anyone in the nation. Coach Beaty has been good when he has come here to our high school.”

When Graves visits Kansas he visits with Kolin Hayes, a long snapper on the Jayhawks team. Hayes is from Park Hill High and the two are friends.

Graves has offers from Kansas, Missouri, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas State, and others. Once his season is over the recruiting will heat up and the Jayhawks are in good position to be in the race.

“They have done a good job of staying with him,” Hood said of Kansas. “When he has gone there he says he is treated like family and there are some guys there on the coaching staff the communicate well with him. He likes the campus and what the school has to offer.”