Kansas State's Wendell Gregory Living Up To All Expecatations

Defensive end Wendell Gregory Jr., arrived at Kansas State with high expectations. 

He's already exceeded them. 

The coaching staff is extremely thrilled with the way Gregory has impacted the program in such a short time. He transferred after playing one season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. 

Here's what Wildcats defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson had to say about Gregory thus far in training camp. 

"He's put on some weight over the course of the summer," Peterson said. "He's a lot more comfortable with the scheme and what we're asking him to do, and I think that he is one of those guys that can kind of be a natural leader just because of what he puts on tape and what he does every day. I could have pulled 15 or 20 plays from the last four or five days of practice of a level of strain that is the standard for our defense. So, he's continued to grow, continued to do the things that we're asking him to do, and – to be honest – and then some."

Gregory was one of the hottest players in the transfer portal in the offseason. Last year he was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year for the Cowboys. He was also third-team All-Conference after finishing with 27 tackles (12 for loss), four sacks and a forced fumble.

He is expected to be an immediate contributor for the Wildcats. His presence should help make up for the departure of linebacker Austin Romaine, who transferred to play for the Texas Red Raiders. 

The hope is he can become an all-conference defender to help turn the Wildcats into Big 12 contenders. Last year they finished a disappointing 6-6 that ultimately led to coach Chris Klieman resigning at the end of the season. 

He was replaced by Collin Klein, who spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Texas A & M Aggies. After being a star quarterback at K-State in the early 2010s, Klein is attempting to make the Wildcats once again a national power. 

MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS 

It's never too early to start looking at potential bowl opponents 

Two Wildcats offensive lineman go down with season-ending injuries

K-State basketball in the running for son of NBA Hall of Famer 

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