This won't completely erase all the memories of the way Kansas State manhandled Texas A&M last October in Manhattan, Kan., or the way the Wildcats dealt the Aggies a heartbreaking loss in 1996 at Kyle Field. But the signing of Corsicana's Billy Yates is a key step toward making sure history doesn't continue to repeat itself the next time the Aggies meet the Wildcats. One of the top offensive line prospects in Texas, Yates appeared to be solidly in the Wildcats' camp for much of the recruiting process. But after committing to Kansas State in mid-January, Yates had a change of heart that dramatically improved the Aggies' 1998 recruiting class. With the Aggies losing three starters in the offensive line from the 1997 team and possibly losing as many as three offensive line starters following 1998, adding a strong class of linemen this year was essential. And, of the four offensive linemen A&M signed this year, Yates may be the best of the bunch. Yates' high school coach, former Texas A&M head coach Tom Wilson, told Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine that Yates was "the most dominant lineman I've seen in high school football." Although some scouts and coaches have voiced their concern about Yates' height, nobody questions his tenacity, toughness and ability to dominate opposing defenders. "If he was two inches taller, he would probably be (rated as) one of the top two or three offensive linemen in all of Texas," said Bobby Burton of the Austin-based National Recruiting Advisor. "I'm really impressed with (Yates) because of his toughness. He's a guy who's not afraid to mix it up in the trenches, and he can physically whip people." In helping to lead Corsicana to the Class 4A Division I title game in 1997, Yates consistently took control of his area of the line of scrimmage. A three-year starter and two-time Class 4A All-State selection, Yates is equally adept at run and pass blocking. Along with his toughness and physical style of play, Yates also has tremendous footwork. He is quick off of the snap count and can run down field extremely well. "He's a tenacious football player, who is very, very athletic," said Texas A&M assistant coach Tam Hollingshead, who was largely responsible for recruiting Yates. "We really like his mobility. He fires off of the line of scrimmage extremely well. We see him as a guy who can pull, get to blocks anywhere on the field quickly and lead block down field very effectively." Yates, who also played basketball at Corsicana, is so athletically gifted that Hollingshead said he could eventually play any of the five offensive line positions for the Aggies. At this stage in his career, Yates reminds some A&M followers of a young Calvin Collins, a four-year starter at A&M from 1993-96. Collins (6-3, 298 as a senior) was versatile enough to earn all-conference honors at both guard and center for the Aggies. While Yates has established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in Texas high school football, he also is an extremely strong student, who already has qualified academically. "He's just an all-around great kid, with many, many positive attributes," Hollingshead said. "We're very pleased to get him. Kansas State obviously saw the same things that we saw in him, and that's why they went after him so hard. We feel very fortunate that he signed with us. He's a major addition to our class." Yates had attended an A&M football camp in the summer of 1997 and enjoyed his time in College Station. That experience may have ultimately contributed to his decision to stay in the Lone Star State. Whatever the reason, Kansas State's loss is certainly A&M's gain. A very big gain, in fact.