The second linebacker appearing on our list of potential impact newcomers made quite a splash when he committed to K-State in December. One of the country's top junior college players and a 4-star recruit, Ulla Pomele's unique combination of strength and quickness has Wildcat fans everywhere excited for his K-State debut, and it seems possible that the recruiting gem with limitless upside could immediately become starter for head coach Ron Prince.

Ulla Pomele

linebacker

6-foot-1, 235-pound junior

Santa Rosa (Calif.) Junior College

Rivals.com notes: A 4-star prospect and the nation's 38th-rated junior college player, Pomele is one of the most celebrated pieces of Prince's third recruiting class. The former junior college linebacker racked up 64 tackles as a sophomore in 2007, 32 of which were of the solo variety. After being named an all-conference selection last season, the hard-hitting Pomele accepted a scholarship from K-State over offers from such schools as Washington State, Fresno State and San Diego State

Pomele on K-State: "Other students recognize me in my classes here. They come up and talk to me. Sometimes, I'll be like, 'Wow, how do you know me?" It's weird for me. I'm a guy that likes to fly under the radar. I don't really like to be out a lot. I guess I'll have to get used to that stuff."

Why he will help: Pomele was an imposing presence at middle linebacker during his time in junior college and there's no reason to believe his production will drop off completely at the Division-I level, as the junior possesses the size and athleticism to compete for a starting job in K-State's system. In fact, the 20-year-old mid-term arrival has already inserted himself into the competition for a starting job. Pomele is one of the most touted players in K-State's 2008 recruiting class and keeping him off the field will be the duty of veteran linebackers Reggie Walker and John Houlik, whose seniority does not, in any way, guarantee them starting positions.

Why he could sit: Pomele's first season of organized football came just five years ago, when he strapped on pads during his sophomore year at Elsie Allen (Calif.) High School, so getting used to life at the BCS level could be harder for him than other junior college transfers. In fact, failure to adjust to life as a Division-I athlete could be the only thing that keeps him off the field this fall, because it's obvious the talent necessary to make an immediate impact is present.

Check out Ulla Pomele[/ 's profile page by clicking on his name to see more pictures, previous prospect updates, measurables, rankings and more.

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