Breaking Down What Kansas State's Collin Klein Said About Backup QB Battle

The Kansas State Wildcats are pretty much set at quarterback this season with senior Avery Johnson. 

He is entering his third season as the full-time starter. The question first-year coach Collin Klein has is who will be the backup. Here's what Klein had to say about the competition at media day. 

"Every one of them has had some really, really high moments. Consistency, again, is the word for them. Who is going to solidify that backup role and who's going to take it? I said it at the end of the spring, and so far, a week and a half in, I think we're still in about the same state. 

JACOB KNUTH

Klein's take: "Jacob Knuth has got a lot of experience. You can tell he's very mature. He doesn't let any of the highs and lows of his own play or what's going on around him affect him very much. He's very, very steady."

The skinny: He's probably the favorite to land this spot just because of Klein applauding his experience. He is the most ready of the players. 

BLAKE BARNETT

Klein's take: "You look at Blake Barnett – some of his flash plays are really, really exciting. Obviously, very, very athletic, really, really good twitch, good tools and can really push the ball down the field, and he has created some explosive plays through the course of camp pushing the ball down the field. Then, again, the consistency factor, he's still growing into that."

The skinny:  The fact Klein says he's still growing means he still needs some time. 

DILLON DUFF 

Klein's take: "Dillon Duff has worked incredibly hard. He's very, very efficient throwing the football, has made really, really good decisions and protected the ball at a really, really good clip."

The skinny: He may be last on this list, but let's see how it goes. 

DON'T FORGET THE MEET AND GREET 

This is perhaps the most anticipated football season for the Kansas State Wildcats in recent years. 

It marks the first year of the coach Collin Klein era. He replaced the successful Chris Klieman, who resigned unexpectedly following last year's 6-6 finish. A former Wildcats star, Klein has hopes of making them once again a contender in the Big 12 conference. 

And fans can have their chance to meet Klein and the players Aug. 22 at the annual "Meet the Cats" event at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m.

MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS 

K-State football trying to bolster 2028 recruiting class with latest offer 

What can Avery Johnson do to improve his NFL draft stock? 

This guy could be the key cog for the Kansas State offense

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]