Monday, July 2, 2012

College Football Preview: 20. Kansas State Wildcats

20. Kansas State Wildcats Returning Starters: 14 Returning Star: QB Collin Klein Key Loss: DT Ray Kibble Player to Watch: WR Tyler Lockett The surprise of 2011 returns 14 starters including All Big 12 quarterback Collin Klein. Needless to say, two straight 10 win seasons isn't out of the question. Klein had a huge junior year but hopes to improve his passing game in his senior season, as the Wildcats had the worst air game in the Big 12. Klein is durable and is athletic and should run for 1,000 plus yards once more. His arm isn't that strong but he can make deep plays and has decent accuracy. Also back is junior runningback John Hubert who has great speed. Hubert can also catch the ball out of the backfield which should help Klein mature in the passing game. Senior Angelo Pease should also get rushes. The most underrated player on this team? Senior fullback Braden Wilson leads the way for both Klein and Hubert two of the best rushers in the Big 12. The receivers are good with the return of sophomore Tyler Lockett, senior Chris Harper and senior Brodrick Smith. Lockett is the most talented and should continue to improve in his second year with the Wildcats. Tight end Travis Tannahill is a reliable receiver and is a pretty good blocker. The offensive line is on the weaker side of things. Guard Nick Puetz is the top blocker on the squad. This defense is very underappreciated. The line is definitely a weakness after losing tackle Roy Kibble. End Adam Davis is a fantastic pass rusher and senior Meshak Williams could break out on the other side. But this line has little or no depth. Senior Arthur Brown had a big junior year and has no way to go but up in his senior year. Brown is athleitc with great field vision and should lead this Wildcats team in tackles. Also back is junior Tre Walker who should also improve this season. In the secondary, JUCO transfer Nigel Malone had an All-American season after leading the Big 12 with seven interceptions. Though senior Allen Chapman has to step up on the other side. Safety Ty Zimmerman is a hard hitter who is a playmaker in the back. The special teams is good with kicker Anthony Cantele coming back. Heisman Hopeful: Collin Klein Big 12 Rank: 5th

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