{"time":1788631547283,"blocks":[{"id":"mtop1i5i","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/0315ec3d-0e9e-44ca-a89d-fed06833b975/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/0315ec3d-0e9e-44ca-a89d-fed06833b975/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"0315ec3d-0e9e-44ca-a89d-fed06833b975","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/0315ec3d-0e9e-44ca-a89d-fed06833b975/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/0315ec3d-0e9e-44ca-a89d-fed06833b975/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/0315ec3d-0e9e-44ca-a89d-fed06833b975/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"O9-TEiW2xf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Kansas State Wildcats knew they needed to find a replacement at linebacker after star Austin Romaine decided to transfer to play for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. "}},{"id":"PirT9JyXeW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Turns out, the Wildcats feel they found their answer in the very same transfer portal. Senior Mekhi Mason, who played last year at Louisiana Tech, turned heads enough during the spring and training camp to earn one of the starting spots. "}},{"id":"bPojY5H239","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"He has already impressed first-year coach Collin Klein. "}},{"id":"6LCFDdVbyT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\"His twitch and snap to the football and instinct is special. To be at his size, have his level of physicality, while still having the ability to run in an inside backer position is like somebody I played with.\""}},{"id":"GBKKkblKzl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Klein was obviously referring to former K-State star Arthur Brown, who was one of the best linebackers in school history. Brown was an All-American and the 2012 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. "}},{"id":"Pl8SzT-wKn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"That's how high the Wildcats are on Mason. Last year he started 11 games for Louisiana Tech. He finished with 68 tackles (14.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks and four passes defended. That earned him second-team All-League in Conference USA."}},{"id":"X75Dh3AmXu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mason and defensive end Wendell Gregory are two of the key transfers who are expected to have huge impacts. Gregory played last year for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, where he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. "}},{"id":"0bEax-OYrp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"They hope to fill the void left by Romaine, who is one of the nation's top linebackers. Although today's game won't measure up to the competition they will face in the Big 12, today at least gives fans a look at how well the defense plays. "}},{"id":"pkqXsz94FT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"HOW TO WATCH TODAY'S K-STATE VS NICHOLLS GAME "}},{"id":"kI6HfvgB-I","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"WHAT: Nicholls at Kansas State Wildcats"}},{"id":"LJyiCXEYNZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"WHEN: Saturday at 7 p.m., at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan "}},{"id":"kcKpdtBUUN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"TV: ESPN+"}},{"id":"327Un9kT5Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"LINE: Kansas State +40.5"}},{"id":"XUT0lAnsn3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS "}},{"id":"4NdpAmOucu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"How to watch Saturday's game against Nicholls in debut for K-State coach Collin Klein"}},{"id":"RlEDww7mfN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What is the biggest adjustment for Collin Klein in his first year as head coach?"}},{"id":"ytCHB61Nsy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"How does Kansas State coach Collin Klein feel about new eligibility rule?"}},{"id":"WO6h05g_SA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"JOIN THE COMMUNITY"}},{"id":"yQ4scoosgd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!"}},{"id":"aaR60352u0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members."}},{"id":"NuqD1fSaGW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com "}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

Kansas State's Mekhi Mason Gets Passing Grade To Earn Starting LB Spot

A transfer from Louisiana Tech, Mekhi Mason had an impressive spring and training camp to earn starting linebacker position

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