With injuries to John Patore and George Fitzpatrick, freshman Oliver Miller could see some playing time
The Kansas State Wildcats football team was dealt was a huge blow with offensive tackles John Pastore and George Fitzpatrick sustaining season-ending injuries during training camp.
Even though the news is unfortunate, it provides an opportunity to some of the other players. Among them who could be called upon is freshman tackle Oliver Miller. K-State offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson said Miller is in the mix for possibly getting some reps this season.
"Wherever he settles, he's going to be a great player," Gleeson said. "He's going to be a great player from whenever he takes his first snap."
Gleeson said he's been most impressed with Miller's football smarts. That is why they feel like he could earn a spot in the "musical chairs" rotation on the offensive line because of the absences of Patore and Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick is still recovering from a preseason medical emergency that caused him to miss all of last season. Pastore sustained a knee injury during training camp. Both were expected to help anchor the Wildcats offensive line this season.
The good news is Miller has the credentials to help fill in. He was a two-year starter at Cherry Creek (Colo.) High School, the same school Fitzpatrick attended. He was rated a top 50 offensive lineman recruit by most scouting services.
WILDCATS HAVE LATE ADDITION TO ROSTER
Tight end Elias Wilson was supposed to be a member of the 2027 recruiting class for the Kansas State Wildcats.
Instead, he will arrive a year earlier.
Wilson announced he was reclassifying so he can play for the Wildcats this season. He is expected to arrive on campus this week.
"I'm super excited for this next chapter," Wilson posted on his social media account on X. "EMAW!"
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Wilson is from Denmark. He is known for his athletic ability, possessing a 37-inch vertical leap. He had an impressive showing on the summer camp circuit, especially at Florida State. He drew raves from many of the scouting services in attendance.
Wilson joins a solid group of tight ends that includes seven players. Senior Garrett Oakley is expected to land the starting spots, with five-star recruit Linkon Cure as the backup. Both should be primary targets for quarterback Avery Johnson, who is back for his third season as the full-time starter.
MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS
Who could be the Wildcats' X-Factor on defense?
Where does Avery Johnson's NIL rank in Big 12?
Get to know the latest member of the Kansas State football team
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
