Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein has tough task of leading the program built by legend Bill Snyder
Collin Klein has plenty of advantages heading into his first season as coach of the Kansas State Wildcats.
He already knows the area because he starred at K-State during the early 2010s. He knows star quarterback Avery Johnson because he helped recruit him while he was an assistant. He's also one of the most respected former players in school history.
That alone should help him ease into the transition from offensive coordinator for the Texas A & M Aggies to the head man in charge in Manhattan.
But, perhaps, the biggest edge Klein has is an endless support from K-State legend Bill Snyder. When Klein was hired last December, Snyder immediately championed the decision. Eight months later, Snyder is standing behind his words. With preseason camp set to begin, he once again backed Klein.
"I'm pleased to have him back for a lot of reasons," Snyder said in an interview with the Topeka Capital-Journal. "One, because he's a part of the family. And two, because he's the right person for the job."
Klein has a big challenge ahead of him. Last year the Wildcats finished a disappointing 6-6 finish. It led to coach Chris Klieman stepping down at the end of the season and K-State skipped a chance to play in the postseason.
Instead, the focus turned to Klein starting the rebuilding process. He inherits a team that was predicted to finish No. 8 in the preseason media poll. While first-year coaches often have difficulty winning over the fan base, that shouldn't be a problem for Klein.
Especially when he has a larger than life figure like Snyder in his corner.
KLEIN ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL
Kansas State football still has yet to land a 2028 class commit.
But the program still has plenty of time. And it's not for a lack of effort, either. The Wildcats have been extending a ton of offers to players to land their first of the class, including the latest one Wednesday.
The latest name was tight end AJ Criss, who currently attends Krum High School in Krum, TX. He is 6-foot-7 and weighs 205 pounds. Last season, he had 34 receptions for 574 yards and eight touchdowns. Criss also received offers from Florida State and Texas Tech.
MORE K-STATE NEWS
K-State making a move for 2008 tight end
Kansas State legend makes return to Big 12
Have we seen the best of K-State quarterback Avery Johnson?
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
