Weis lands first KC recruit

Kansas head coach Charlie Weis informed Tre Parmalee he had a scholarship offer over the weekend. However, Parmalee didn't have a chance to talk with his parents about the new offer until Sunday night when they returned home from New York.

Parmalee's father, Bernie, a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, has known Weis for a long time. After they had a chance to sit down and talk Parmalee welcomed coaches from Northern Illinois into his house on Wednesday.

"I really liked Northern Illinois and all of their coaches," Parmalee said. "But Kansas is close to home and I have always wanted to play for coach Weis. I want to be a part of rebuilding the program."

Last weekend Parmalee took his visit to Northern Illinois. He didn't expect anything to happen that would change his mind. Then the phone call came from Weis with a new offer.

"I talked with my parents about it and how it all unfolded," he said. "I felt Kansas was the best place to be and it was close to home. Plus I know some good friends that are also looking at KU."

Parmalee is referring to Gehrig Dieter and David Perkins. Weis was at Washington High in South Bend this afternoon to talk with both players.

This season Parmalee was unstoppable on offense and won the Otis Taylor Award given to the best receiver in Kansas City. He was also first team, all state. What has gone unnoticed is the fact he was a first team, all league selection on defense.

"I don't know what position I will play at KU," Parmalee said. "I will go wherever they need me."

The last few days have been stressful on Parmalee, but he is glad all of the recruiting appears to be behind him.

"It feels great," he said of picking Kansas. "I live in Kansas. I have been up there and taken visits."

Before Parmalee broke the news of his decision he told Charlie Weis Jr. who he has been good friends with since fifth grade.

Now Parmalee will join his high school Tim Grunhard next year in Lawrence. Weis announced yesterday Grunhard will joins his staff as the offensive line coach.

"He's a really good coach and he will do a good job recruiting," Parmalee said. "He's one of those guys that when you do well he will tell you. And you will know when you didn't. He knows the insides and outs when it comes to technique. He will do great as a recruiter and the kids around here will love him."