Rapid Recap: An analysis of the Kansas State offensive roster in the Spring

On3 imageby:Derek Young•03/29/23•

DerekYoungKSO

WHY KLEIN STAYED AT KANSAS STATE

A well-documented part of the Kansas State offseason was the journey that led Collin Klein to remaining at K-State as the team’s play-caller. He had other opportunities, most notably the one at Notre Dame and nearly left Manhattan for it.

Instead, a stressful 72-hour experience culminated in him agreeing to remain the head of the offense for Chris Klieman at K-State. And he acknowledged the chance that he had and how grateful he was to receive the phone call that granted him the opportunity.

However, he leaned on his faith and something was telling him that he still had more to prove at Kansas State and wanted to remain locked into the mission with the players in his room. Those relationships were too tough to leave.

QB2 IN MANHATTAN

I bluntly asked Klein if Jake Rubley was the unequivocal No. 2 quarterback for K-State this season, behind unquestioned starter Will Howard. While he didn’t refute it, it was clearly not a notion that he supported, either.

Klein instead called it an ongoing competition between all three of Rubley, Adryan Lara and Avery Johnson and that it would remain that way throughout the offseason. The Kansas State play-caller did admit that Rubley had quite the headstart, though.

SKILL POSITION THOUGHTS

Everyone has made sure to point out that Deuce Vaughn is irreplaceable. That is not a debate, even if they are tasked with trying to do so in the 2023 season. It surely helps to have some guys ready to step up and a very deep offensive line.

However, the coaches had strong compliments for the group that has slid into those roles.

New K-State receivers coach Matthew Middleton described RJ Garcia as someone with a high football IQ that has placed himself into position to being that next guy for the Wildcats. Keagan Johnson is ahead of the curve according to his offensive coordinator and someone that is elite at getting in and out of his breaks.

Klein noted that Johnson consistently creates separation.

In regards to Treshaun Ward, it was noted by the Kansas State offensive assistants that he has a fantastic demeanor and outstanding short area quickness. He is not someone that they have to worry about in terms of work ethic.

OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH DEPTH

Speaking of that deep offensive line, there’s as many as 10 guys and perhaps more that are game ready at this point, and that is the most that Collin Klein can remember having at K-State. It is also putting a big smile on the face of offensive line coach Conor Riley, and that is something that is hard to do.

His sessions with media are typically encompassed with some tough love for him and how much better they have to get. While that will always be the case in his eyes, it is easy to see that he knows he has a special room with a lot more talent than what they have been graced with the last few years.

In addition to the five starters, both Klein and Riley had great things to say about Sam Hecht and Riley gave some direct praise for what he has seen out of offensive tackle Carver Willis as well. Taylor Poitier is more healthy now than he even was in fall camp last year.

Additionally, the Kansas State offensive line coach gushed about Andrew Leingang and his continued ascent as a player. Although he was an offensive tackle a year ago, K-State has locked into playing him almost exclusively on the interior during spring ball.

MEETING THE NEW K-STATE ASSISTANT

Energy is definitely the first thing that comes to mind with Middleton. That is the first thing noted by the players when they ask about his coaching style and presentation, and it is certainly the first thing I glean from him after the first conversation.

He also has a joy of football and coaching and an appreciation for his home state of Kansas.

I also loved his approach to teaching. It’s not a one size fits all thing, and he understands that. Every person learns differently. Every player learns differently. It’s about finding different ways to reach different individuals.

Like Klieman, he is a player-first coach. He is a keen supporter of that approach. Everything at Kansas State is player-led and they have a lot of power in how everything is run to the tiniest detail. Even Middleton being named the new coach was recommended by the players and he was embracing of that.

You may also like