Kansas State's Collin Klein Hoping Healthy Rotations At RB, TE Leads To Success

Many expected running back Joe Jackson and tight end Garrett Oakley to earn the No. 1 starting spots at their positions. 

After all, they both had impressive seasons last year. When the depth chart was released earlier this week, Jackson and Oakley were provided with some motivation. Both had the dreaded "or" listed next to their names. 

Jackson will likely be in competition with transfers Jay Harris or Rodney Fields while Oakley is expected to face the same against Will Anciaux and Linkon Cure. Perhaps it's just a ploy from first-year coach Collin Klein to keep both of them on their toes this season. 

"Again, I think that's what will really, really take shape here in these first couple weeks," Klein said during his weekly press conference ahead of the season opener against Nicholls Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. I'm excited to see those guys compete. I think depth there is really, really good. How they've competed, how they've worked together has been really, really good. I'm excited to see them make some plays for real." 

If anyone knows how little depth charts mean, it's Jackson. Last year he was in the background while Dylan Edwards was listed as the starter. That didn't last too long. Jackson eventually overtook the job, rushed for more than 900 yards and was named honorable mention All-Big 12. Despite this, the Wildcats still brought in Harris and Fields from the transfer portal. Both had some success at Oregon at Oklahoma State and didn't switch schools to sit on the bench. 

Oakley is In a similar situation because of the presence of Anciaux and especially Cure. Despite getting attention from NFL scouts during training camp. Oakley has Cure looking over his shoulder. Cure is the first five-star recruit in K-State history after receiving interest from just about every school in the country. His freshman season slowed by injuries but he's healthy and had a solid preseason. 

MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS 

Is defensive line the best position for K-State Wildcats? 

Offensive line could be one of the biggest concerns for Wildcats

Collin Klein tries to downplay attention being placed on himself

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