KFBCA Top 11: Linkon Cure

The Kansas Football Coaches Association picked their All-State teams in early December, including the All-Class Top 11. Kansas Pregame is providing capsules for each of the Top 11 selections. Check out Goodland tight end and defensive back Linkon Cure's capsule below. For a look at the complete 2024 KFBCA All-State teams click here.

Goodland senior Linkon Cure’s high school football career was nothing short of remarkable, as he established himself as one of Kansas’ top recruits and an electrifying presence on both sides of the ball. Standing 6-6 and weighing 220 pounds, Cure showcased an exceptional combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ that set him apart as he finished his senior season with 1,049 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns, 208 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns through nine games. 

“Linkon’s biggest strength as a football player is the ability to make a positive and electric impact on the game in an instant when the ball is in his hands,” Goodland head coach Jordan Moshier said.

After a Week 1 loss to Colorado powerhouse Wray High School, a team that went on to win the Class 1A CSHSAA title with a 13-0 record, Cure led his Cowboys to a 4-1 stretch during his senior season that included blowout wins over Burlington (Colo.), Oakley, Ulysses, and rival Colby.

Against Ulysses in Goodland’s Week 6 homecoming game, Cure turned a basic route into a highlight-reel touchdown by breaking tackles attempted by just under half of the defenders on the field.

“The play from this past season that sticks out in my mind and exemplifies why he is such a great player is a play in our game against Ulysses, which was our homecoming game at Goodland,” Moshier recalled. “Linkon ran a simple drag route across the field, then proceeded to sit down in space to be available to our quarterback. Once he received the ball, he accelerated towards the sideline, proceeded to break about five tackles, and then turned a ten-yard pass play into a 26-yard touchdown reception.”

Cure finished the 48-28 win with 205 total yards and two TDs on offense and three tackles and an interception on defense.

The Cowboys eventually ran into a tough three game stretch against Scott City, Hugoton, and Hesston - 3A powers with a combined 23-7 record on the season - competing particularly hard in their 35-33 loss to Hugoton and 43-34 loss against Hesston in the first round of the playoffs, leaving Goodland 4-5 on the year.

Across his career, Cure accumulated 102 receptions for 2,089 yards and 32 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 20.5 yards per catch. His versatility also extended to rushing, where he added 214 yards and six touchdowns on 40 carries. Cure additionally contributed as a defensive back and special teams player, further underscoring his all-around value to the Cowboys. 

On defense, Cure recorded 52 tackles, three interceptions, and two passes defended during his senior season, averaging 5.8 tackles per game.

Cure also excels on the hardwood and track, earning all-state in basketball as a junior for the 22-4 3A runner-up Goodland team that is a favorite by many to hoist the 3A championship trophy in 2025. In track, he’s a two-time 3A state champ in the 300-hurdles and one-time champ in the 110s. 

Moshier lauded Cure’s influence as a leader and teammate, describing him as a player whose presence elevated the entire program.

“Linkon has an unbelievable positive impact on his teammates that allows them to not only elevate their own individual play, but also the playmaking ability of our entire team,” Moshier said. “He is a leader on and off the field.”

Cure’s talent and work ethic earned him a football scholarship to Kansas State University, where he committed despite major interest from numerous Power 4 programs, including Oregon, Texas A&M, Penn State and many, many more. According to Moshier, Cure will thrive in Manhattan both as a football player and a person.

“I believe Linkon is a great fit for K-State not only because of the football player I know he can develop into, but also the young man he is,” Moshier said. “He will be a weapon that will make an impact on the field sooner than later, and he will be a great positive individual to add to their program as a whole.”