Rapid Recap: Kansas State still carving out plan at quarterback

Kansas State quarterbacks

All three Kansas State quarterbacks of Will Howard, Avery Johnson and Jake Rubley are on the initial depth chart. Howard is the unquestioned starter, but the battle for the back-up job has been tight and a lot of fun for offensive coordinator Collin Klein to watch.

All have made massive strides over the last year. It starts with Howard, though.

His maturation process over the last year and being the reserve who was inserted in games without warning has helped him be a leader in the locker room. He’s fought through a lot of adversity. The senior quarterback has helped both Rubley and Johnson prepare in case their number is called.

Klein reiterated that both Rubley and Johnson had great training camps. Because they both had that fantastic month, the first designated two-deep doesn’t have to be the end result, either. Everyone in the room knows that.

As for who goes in first between the two, it is still to be determined. Klein and K-State head coach Chris Klieman will make that call when they discuss the game plan on Friday. The Wildcats’ play-caller did mention that all three quarterbacks have to be ready to play, though.

Growth as an offensive coordinator

It is year two for Klein calling the plays and being in charge of the offense.

He compared last year to like being a player. There is no better way to grow than through game reps. Klein learned what to do in terms of preparation that worked and some things that didn’t. Essentially, he discovered what is more important on a weekly basis and how to better prioritize it.

It is important to note that the Kansas State offensive coordinator is still learning as well.

Replacing Deuce

It is hard to replace a player like Deuce Vaughn. Not only in terms of having the dynamic player, but having him on the field at all times helped other players along the offense because it gave them more favorable matchups.

It will not just be one person helping fill the void of Vaughn. It’s going to be a team effort, and there are a lot of players ready to step in and contribute. Even with how dynamic Vaughn was for K-State, the offense still had balance and put players in the position to succeed.

This year they may not have a player as super explosive and dynamic because Vaughn is one of one in that department, but they do have the potential to be even more balanced than they were a season ago because of the multitude of weapons.

DJ’s growth at K-State

DJ Giddens stated at the press conference on Tuesday that he thinks he is a more complete back. Not only does that involve being a more complete player on the field, but off the field as well. Being around Vaughn helped the Junction City product improve his work habits.

On the field, the Kansas State coaching staff always knew he had good ball skills. Giddens had a few catches in the first meeting with TCU, as well as a good catch and run versus Alabama. Where he has really improved to being more complete, though, is his route running.

Being around Vaughn and learning from the now Dallas Cowboys running back really helped him out in the passing game.