Kansas State Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up

Strengths & question marks coming out of spring

Second-year starting quarterbacks under coach Bill Snyder have shown marked improvement – Collin Klein developed into a Heisman Trophy finalist. That bodes well for Jake Waters, who has a firm grasp on the offense and a go-to receiver in Tyler Lockett.

Running back and offensive line are unsettled. On defense Kansas State need to replace six starters and are particularly inexperienced in the secondary where strong safety Dante Barnett is the only returning starter.

Name a few breakout players to keep an eye on in 2014

Tight end hasn’t been utilized a great deal in K-State’s passing game but senior Zach Trujillo could develop into a third-down safety valve and dangerous option over the middle.

Will Davis is next in line to fill the inside linebacker position previously held by Blake Slaughter and Arthur Brown. The sophomore is a smart, aggressive player with good instincts for the position.

Grade each position group

Quarterback: A. Jake Waters won’t be on a time share this year.

Running back: C. It could be a position by committee among senior DeMarcus Robinson and sophomores Charles Jones and Jarvis Leverett.

Receivers: B. Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton are proven commodities and Deante Burton is an emerging performer.

Offensive line: C. B.J. Finney is an anchor at center but filling the tackle spots is an issue as the Wildcats must replace a pair of All-Big 12 performers.

Defensive line: B+. End Ryan Mueller tied the school record with 11.5 sacks last year.

Linebackers: B-. Solid, if not spectacular, with depth.

Secondary: C. Cornerback spots need to be determined.

Special teams: B. Lockett among the nation’s best return men and Jack Cantele a dependable kicker.

What can we expect from Kansas State in 2014? 

If Kansas State can find some answers at running back and along the OL and a productive run game develops, the offense could be very good.

The defense has several holes to fill, especially in the back seven. Plugging the gaps left by both starting cornerbacks (Kip Daily, Dorrian Roberts), Ty Zimmerman at safety and All-Big 12 pick in linebacker Blake Slaughter will be critical, but an influx of junior college transfers could make a significant difference.

If Kansas State can iron out some kinks before the season starts they are in position for a seven- to eight-win season and could be a challenger in the Big 12.

---

Ken Corbitt, the K-State beat writer for The Topeka Capital-Journal provided the information for our Kansas State Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up. For more K-State football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Ken on Twitter @KenCorbitt.

---