Five observations from Kansas State’s first depth chart of football season
The Kansas State football team unveiled its first depth chart of the season on Monday as the Wildcats make their final preparations for their opening game against South Dakota.
It featured more than a few surprises.
Here are some key observations from the two deep:
1. And the starting safeties are ...
Who will start the season playing at safety for the Wildcats? That was the best kept secret of preseason training camp in Manhattan. K-State coach Chris Klieman was open about where competitions stood at most other positions. But he kept information close to the vest whenever it came time to discuss the secondary.
Until now. Josh Hayes will start at strong safety, Kobe Savage will get the nod at strong safety and Drake Cheatum or Cincere Mason will start at the third safety spot.
Hayes seemed like a lock, because he used to play for Klieman at North Dakota State before he transferred to K-State. Savage hit the ground running as a junior-college transfer. The race is apparently still too close to call between Cheatum and Mason.
Fans will also likely see backups TJ Smith and VJ Payne or Hunter Henry on Saturday. But the pecking order has been set.
2. New season, new offensive line
Only one offensive lineman will open the year at the same spot where he finished last season. That blocker is Christian Duffie, who will once again anchor the front five at right tackle.
Cooper Beebe has moved from left tackle to left guard. That switch created a starting spot for KT Leveston at left tackle. Taylor Poitier is back from injury to play right guard. And either Hayden Gillum or Hadley Panzer will start at center.
It seems like Gillum, as a senior, has an edge over Panzer, a sophomore, in the middle. But Klieman has said he wants to play both of them. Panzer is also listed as the primary backup at right guard. So fans might see him play in multiple spots this season.
3. No Will Honas?
The Nebraska transfer surprisingly is not listed on the Week 1 depth chart.
Coaches had previously said that he was in a position battle with Austin Moore and Jake Clifton at the “will” linebacker position. But he is apparently a step behind each of them, and Gavin Forsha, at that spot. Honas was limited at various times during preseason camp. Perhaps his injury history slowed him down.
In any case, Moore will start alongside Daniel Green at linebacker against South Dakota. Missouri transfer Shawn Robinson or Khalid Duke will start at the other linebacker position.
Excitement has been building around Moore in recent weeks. Coaches have said the junior from Louisburg arguably had the best camp of any linebacker on the team.
4. Freshmen ready to make an impact
Earning a spot on the depth chart is a nice accomplishment for any freshman.
Eight of them can be found on K-State’s current two deep, including three who are fresh out of high school.
Linebacker Jake Clifton, free safety VJ Payne and cornerback Jacob Parrish have all earned backup spots as true freshmen. It will be interesting to see if coaches try to limit their playing time to four games, in an attempt to preserve their redshirts, or use them in every contest.
Five redshirt freshmen joined them on the depth chart: cornerback Omar Daniels, receivers RJ Garcia and Xavier Loyd, running back DJ Giddens, left tackle Andrew Leingang.
5. Clarity at defensive end
The position battle between sophomore Nate Matlack and senior Jaylen Pickle was fun to watch this month. It ended with a clear winner.
Unlike six other positions, where the Wildcats seem to be keeping their options open, the word “or” can’t be found between Matlack and Pickle. Matlack is the clear starter. He enters this season with high expectations after making 17 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year.
Fans can still expect to see Pickle play. He will rotate in and continue to make tackles just like he did a year ago. But Matlack will be the primary guy playing across from Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
This story was originally published August 29, 2022 at 12:27 PM with the headline "Five observations from Kansas State’s first depth chart of football season."