Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein is in his first year at his alma mater. He just recently wrapped up spring practices
New Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein has the lofty challenge of coaching at his alma mater.
Some have flourished (Kirby Smart at Georgia) while others struggled mightily (Scott Frost at Nebraska) in this situation. Klein replaced Chris Klieman, who surprisingly stepped down after last season.
Klein, a former Wildcats quarterback, spent the last years as the offensive coordinator at Texas A & M. After completing spring practices, Roundtable Sports writer Jayden Armant broke down some of Klein's comments about the program.
"[Klein] highlights specific groups with (significant) improvements, which were the linebackers, the defensive line and the running backs," Armant said. "I think that's music to a lot of fans' ears. We're going to have the see the full product in the fall."
Joe Jackson leads the running back unit after leading the team in rushing last year. The Wildcats also added Jay Harris and Rodney Fields from the transfer portal. Harris transferred in from Oregon after rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns with the Ducks last year. Fields, who ran for 614 yards and a touchdown a year ago at Oklahoma State, is also expected to figure into the mix. There's also Monterrio Elston Jr., who could challenge for a spot in the rotation in his sophomore season.
The defensive line had to be addressed because they lost Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder to the SMU Mustangs in the portal. Klein was fortunate to land Wendell Gregory (Oklahoma State Cowboys) and Elijah Hill (Kennesaw State).
"Especially on the defensive line," Armant said. "They lost so much star power to the transfer portal. It concerned some about how they were all going to come together and ultimately rebound from that. Right now, they're looking pretty good. Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill are the biggest names, obviously, as the star edge rushers. There's a lot of other guys making their mark as well."
The other areas of concern are how they plan to replace Jayce Brown at receiver.
"He was pretty much the entire Wildcats offense last season," Armant said. "That's just a huge guy to replace. Running back, I was never concerned."
The Wildcats open the season against Nicholls Sept. 5
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com