Kansas State's Collin Klein Promises Lots Of Competition In Preseason Camp

The Kansas State Wildcats are basically having an open training camp this preseason. 

By "open," it means first-year coach Collin Klein will have competition at every position the next few weeks. With the exception of quarterback Avery Johnson and probably running back Joe Jackson, every position is up for grabs. 

Here's what Klein had to say earlier this week when he met with the media. 

"Competition is something we want in this program, and that is never going to stop," Klein said. "Who wins this job, that isn't worth the paper that it is written on. You have to go out every single day on that practice field, and you have to earn it. You have to do what the team needs you to do for us to be successful on that unit. That's at every position across the board, every day."

The Wildcats are coming off a disappointing 6-6 season. It ended with the team skipping a bowl invitation and led to coach Chris Klieman stepping down. With Klein in charge, the program is looking at a rebuilding project. This is his third stint with the Wildcats. 

He starred at quarterback in the early 2010s and was a Heisman Trophy finalist after his senior season. Klein returned to Manhattan as an assistant after his playing days ended before spending two seasons as the Texas A & M offensive coordinator. 

In the last few months, Klein has worked on placing his stamp on the program. He's already made solid inroads at recruiting while using an old-school approach to take charge. It's similar to the way K-State legend Bill Snyder was in charge. 

An open competition just adds to the Snyder-like environment. In time, the Wildcats will release a depth chart but for now the players will have to deal with the competition for the next couple of weeks.  

MEET AND GREET SET 

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 

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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]