Hard-working Sonn impresses collegiate coaches, commits to Kansas State Wildcats

Westgate head coach Ryan Antoine has worked with several NFL players during his career, which makes his praise of senior wide receiver Makholven Sonn particularly noteworthy.

“He’s the hardest-working kid I’ve been around in my life,” Antoine said.  “Makholven comes here and gives 100% in everything that he does.  He had a breakout season last year as a receiver and is committed to Kansas State right now as a corner.”  

Sonn doesn’t need any help getting motivated, according to Antoine.

“He’s all energy,” Antoine said.  “Makholven is a real versatile athlete who plays with 100% passion.  That’s the biggest thing for him.  The sky is the limit, and I’m glad he found a home at Kansas State.  

“Coach Van Malone and their staff have penciled him in as the leader of their 2020 class.  He’s been helping getting other recruits on board for Kansas State, and that’s a great thing he’s been doing.”

Sonn does more than merely pump iron and run sprints to stay in shape.

“He does stuff outside of here to stay on top of his game like yoga, Tae Bo, and even some UFC-type with his trainer, Tyler Latiolais,” Antoine said.

In April, on the eve of a planned visit to the University of Kansas, Sonn decided to accept an invitation from Kansas State to also see their campus.

“I was originally going to visit the University of Kansas,” Sonn said.  “Two or three weeks earlier, though, Kansas State had hit me up and asked me to come see what the campus is about and to join the family.  

“I visited Kansas State first.  Once I got to K-State, I pretty much had it in mind that I was going to commit.”

The KSU coaching staff took a personal interest in Sonn, which made all the difference in the world.

“What really impressed me is how they talked about what I’m going to do with life after football,” Sonn said.  

“They were talking about other things besides football, like what I want to do when I get older, and what occupation I want to ultimately have.

“They were valuing me as a person, not just as a football player.”

KSU first-year head coach Chris Klieman made it clear that the Wildcats want Sonn in their next recruiting class.

“It really impressed me that the head coach talked to me, and said he liked my film and enjoyed watching me play,” Sonn said.  

“I’ve been feeling good about my commitment.  They’ve stayed in contact with me.  Some coaches, they’ll hit you up but then they’ll stop texting you.  

“The thing I like about Kansas State is that they’re constantly communicating with me when they can.”

Sonn plans to visit KSU again in late October when the Wildcats host Oklahoma.

“I’ve been enjoying the process ever since I committed,” he said.  “I love it.”

The 38th-ranked senior in Louisiana according to Rivals.com, Sonn has some specific goals in mind for this fall.

“I’m trying to have seven interceptions, return two to the house, and have at least 15 total touchdowns,” he said.