South Paulding’s Chandler Burks became Kennesaw State’s first commitment in football earlier this morning.

He said he is more than happy to be the pioneer for coach Brian Bohannon, who was hired earlier this year to lead the start-up program. The first game will be 2015.

“You have to start somewhere,” Burks, who will be a senior this fall, said. “If it has to start with me, I don’t mind. This program is going to be successful. You look at who they are recruiting, they are going for the best of the best. We are going to start a tradition that will start a dynasty.”

Burks, 5-10, 170 pounds, has played quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, punt returner and kick returner. He said it doesn’t matter to him where he plays. He said he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. He is unrated by Scouts and Rivals. South Paulding coach Ed Koester said Burks has quick feet and has football smarts.

“I think that’s why he’s a valuable recruit, particularly for a program that’s getting off the ground and can’t make any mistakes,” said Koester, who took over for Tim Glanton who is now an assistant coach at KSU. “There’s no way he’s going to be a recruiting mistake.”

Burks said he committed while visiting Bohannon at his office earlier this morning with his father. Burks said he put his mom on speakerphone when he announced his decision. Bohannon isn’t allowed to comment, per NCAA rules.

Burks, who has a 4.0 GPA, said he is also being recruited by Air Force, Furman, Georgia Southern, Fordham, Lehigh and Lafayette. However, he said his mind is made up.

“I’m 100-percent sold on KSU,” he said.