KSU Preview
1 year 3 months ago - 1 year 3 months ago #389
by wvu4u2
KSU Preview was created by wvu4u2
Kansas State is coming off the program's best season under coach Chris Klieman and another run at the conference title isn't out of the question with quarterback Will Howard leading the way in 2023. The Wildcats must replace standout running back Deuce Vaughn and reload a secondary that will be tested by the Big 12's high-powered offenses.
Previewing Kansas State's Offense for 2023
Head coach Chris Klieman made something abundantly clear last season when he stuck with Will Howard at quarterback.
“This,” Klieman often said, “is his football team.”
At long last, Howard will enter his fourth year at Kansas State as the unquestioned leader of the Wildcats’ offense. He found his form and played like an All-American while leading K-State to a Big 12 championship last season.
Howard, a 6-foot-5, 242-pound QB, was sensational when he got his opportunity to start. He threw for 1,633 yards and 15 touchdowns in just seven games. Expectations are once again high with Howard back at quarterback and Collin Klein returning as offensive coordinator.
Replacing star running back Deuce Vaughn (1,936 yards from scrimmage in 2022) will be a monumental challenge, but the Wildcats are excited to see what DJ Giddens can do with increased playing time. Treshaun Ward, a transfer from Florida State, should also make big plays. Blocking shouldn’t be a problem. K-State returns its entire offensive line, including star guard Cooper Beebe.
Receiver is a question mark, with Phillip Brooks returning as the only proven starter. But RJ Garcia II appears ready to make a splash, and the Wildcats landed impact transfer Keagan Johnson from Iowa. They will also get help from tight end Ben Sinnott, who had 31 catches for 447 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Previewing Kansas State's Defense for 2023
Few expected Daniel Green to remain in college as a “super senior,” but the Wildcats are glad that he did. The 6-3, 245-pound defender is one of the best linebackers in the conference when healthy. Green has made 219 career tackles with the Wildcats. Linebacker will be a position of strength with Austin Moore also returning after making a team-high 87 tackles last season.
K-State should be formidable up front with Khalid Duke and Nate Matlack at defensive end and Uso Seumalo in between them at nose guard. They will try to replace elite pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
In the secondary, only Kobe Savage returns. The Wildcats will look to switch to a committee approach at cornerback with Keenan Garber, Jacob Parrish, Colby McCalister and possibly others all splitting snaps. Look for VJ Payne and North Dakota State transfer Marques Sigle to help Savage at safety.
Previewing Kansas State's Specialists for 2023
State lost kicker/punter Ty Zentner and return man Malik Knowles. But they have talent waiting to replace them. Expect Chris Tennant to retake his spot at starting kicker and Jack Blumer to reclaim his role as starting punter. Brooks will get lots of action on returns.
Final Analysis
It might be unfair to expect another Big 12 championship out of the Wildcats given how much talent they lost to the NFL Draft. But there is little doubt they will once again be one of the best teams in the conference. Continuity at quarterback and head coach is hard to beat in college football, and the Wildcats have that heading into 2023.
See more at athlon sports.com
Previewing Kansas State's Offense for 2023
Head coach Chris Klieman made something abundantly clear last season when he stuck with Will Howard at quarterback.
“This,” Klieman often said, “is his football team.”
At long last, Howard will enter his fourth year at Kansas State as the unquestioned leader of the Wildcats’ offense. He found his form and played like an All-American while leading K-State to a Big 12 championship last season.
Howard, a 6-foot-5, 242-pound QB, was sensational when he got his opportunity to start. He threw for 1,633 yards and 15 touchdowns in just seven games. Expectations are once again high with Howard back at quarterback and Collin Klein returning as offensive coordinator.
Replacing star running back Deuce Vaughn (1,936 yards from scrimmage in 2022) will be a monumental challenge, but the Wildcats are excited to see what DJ Giddens can do with increased playing time. Treshaun Ward, a transfer from Florida State, should also make big plays. Blocking shouldn’t be a problem. K-State returns its entire offensive line, including star guard Cooper Beebe.
Receiver is a question mark, with Phillip Brooks returning as the only proven starter. But RJ Garcia II appears ready to make a splash, and the Wildcats landed impact transfer Keagan Johnson from Iowa. They will also get help from tight end Ben Sinnott, who had 31 catches for 447 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Previewing Kansas State's Defense for 2023
Few expected Daniel Green to remain in college as a “super senior,” but the Wildcats are glad that he did. The 6-3, 245-pound defender is one of the best linebackers in the conference when healthy. Green has made 219 career tackles with the Wildcats. Linebacker will be a position of strength with Austin Moore also returning after making a team-high 87 tackles last season.
K-State should be formidable up front with Khalid Duke and Nate Matlack at defensive end and Uso Seumalo in between them at nose guard. They will try to replace elite pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
In the secondary, only Kobe Savage returns. The Wildcats will look to switch to a committee approach at cornerback with Keenan Garber, Jacob Parrish, Colby McCalister and possibly others all splitting snaps. Look for VJ Payne and North Dakota State transfer Marques Sigle to help Savage at safety.
Previewing Kansas State's Specialists for 2023
State lost kicker/punter Ty Zentner and return man Malik Knowles. But they have talent waiting to replace them. Expect Chris Tennant to retake his spot at starting kicker and Jack Blumer to reclaim his role as starting punter. Brooks will get lots of action on returns.
Final Analysis
It might be unfair to expect another Big 12 championship out of the Wildcats given how much talent they lost to the NFL Draft. But there is little doubt they will once again be one of the best teams in the conference. Continuity at quarterback and head coach is hard to beat in college football, and the Wildcats have that heading into 2023.
See more at athlon sports.com
Last edit: 1 year 3 months ago by wvu4u2.
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