Last season, the Kansas State Wildcats surprised a lot of people, finishing the season 10-3 behind the dynamic QB play of Collin Klein. This year Klein returns, but will the Wildcats winning ways?
In this, his SR season, QB Collin Klein will be one of the most exciting players to watch, anywhere in the country on Saturdays this fall. He is electric with the ball in his hands, and is excellent at making plays with his feet. He will need to continue to develop as a passer if he is going to be successful at the next level, but if he continues to progress, K-State will be tough for opponents to stop. When it is not Klein carrying the rock, it is typically going to be JR John Hubert. Hubert is small (5'7") but powerful in the lower body. It makes him very difficult to bring him down because of that strength and low center of gravity. Klein has some weapons to throw to this year, so he should look to do that a bit more. JUCO transfer Marquez Clark arrives in Manhattan after a 98 catch 1600 yard season last year with a lot to prove. If his play can be to that level, Klein will be quite happy. In addition to Clark, the Wildcats have SO WR Tyler Locket who has shown a lot of promise. He is not a projected starter this year, but should see some time, and could continue to develop. Up front, the line returns 3 full time starters, and they add in another JUCO transfer with a high ceiling. JR Tavon Rooks will be another of these JUCO guys looking to make a name for himself on the big stage. This line should be good, and keep this offense moving the chains.
Defensively, this is a talented team too. Up front, SR DE Meshak Williams is one of the most promising pass rushers in the country. He needs to continue to develop his technique to go with his raw strength, but he could absolutely emerge as a 12 sack guy this year for HC Bill Snyder. At linebacker, Arthur Brown is one of the best in the business, and is getting attention as a possible day one selection in next April's draft for good reason. He is all over the field, has a great nose for the ball, and simply makes plays for this defense. The addition of former QB, SR Justin Tuggle will be an interesting experiment this season to watch as well. Although he has never been a starting linebacker, he certainly has the potential and a mentor in his father, former multiple time pro-bowler for the Atlanta Falcons, Jessie Tuggle. The secondary has another emerging star lined up in SR CB Nigel Malone. Malone was a candidate for the Thorpe last year, and was a Walter Camp All-American as well. He will be a name to watch, as will S Ty Zimmerman, who although overshadowed by Malone at times, was still a good play maker in his own right.
Although I'm not sold on another 10 win season from K-State, I do think this is a talented ball club with a lot of potential. Because of the attention Klien will bring, they won't sneak up on anyone this year, but if anyone fails to take them very seriously, the Wildcats will hand it to them.
No comments:
Post a Comment