Another day, another defensive loss for Kansas State. The latest to enter the transfer portal was sophomore defensive end Chiddi Obiazor.
In his three seasons with the Wildcats, Obiazor totaled 46 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, and four pass deflections. He helped the defensive line get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, contributing to a pass rush that ranked well in the Big 12 in sacks.
At this point, Wildcats fans are probably hoping coach Collin Klein banks on his SEC experience to bring in some prominent names.
COULD AVERY JOHNSON BE THE NEXT TO LEAVE KANSAS STATE?
With all of Kansas State football's significant departures, anyone within the central core is left on the table, possibly to retreat as well.
Including quarterback Avery Johnson. It's crazy to ponder this outcome, but considering Jayce Brown, Austin Romaine, and several other stars are leaving, it symbolizes more than just the natural direction of the transfer portal season. It symbolizes a change coming in Manhattan, KS. For better or worse, Chris Klieman's retirement may have shifted the mindsets of several primary players. Stars come and go every season, especially major ones, but this many early on illustrates a wholesale change.
And with that said, Johnson could be on the move. He had another decent but disappointing season, throwing for just 2,385 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing for 477 yards and eight touchdowns. He protected the ball for the most part, but his late-game turnovers and inability to push the ball down the field failed to elevate his passing attack. Part of the blame can be placed on offensive coordinator Matt Wells, but there were several times when Johnson seemed to settle for short passes or not use his legs.
The team may want a change at quarterback, and Johnson may want to take his talents elsewhere. In his season-ending press conference, he expressed his desire to stay with the team and continue playing for then-coach Chris Klieman, while keeping options open.
"Just being a Kansas kid, coming to K-State and playing for Coach Klieman has been great up to this point," Johnson said. "There’s gonna be question marks and things that are gonna be taken into account. But there’s no doubt in my mind that I wanna play for Coach Klieman, and this is the place that I wanna be. There are things I gotta talk to my family about and pray about. But I’m committed to this place, and I love this place more than anything in the world."