Why Kansas State is using star offensive lineman Cooper Beebe at multiple positions
Cooper Beebe felt like a utility infielder as he lined up at three different positions on Kansas State’s offensive line last week.
During a 45-0 victory over Southeast Missouri State, the Wildcats asked their best blocker to start at left guard and then shifted him to both left tackle and right tackle as the game went on.
All that moving around was enough for him to break out a baseball reference.
“I joked that I was trying for the O-line cycle,” Beebe said. “I have to get in at right guard at some point this year. Then, who knows, maybe they let me throw a couple snaps and complete it all (at center).”
For the record: He wouldn’t hesitate if K-State offensive line coach Conor Riley asked him to do so.
“If they needed me to,” Beebe said, “I would.”
Odds are, that won’t be necessary. Beebe is an All-American left guard and the defending Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. He projects as a high NFL Draft pick at that position, and that is where the Wildcats plan to play him when their front five is at full strength.
But K-State needs him to move around at the moment, because usual starting right tackle Christian Duffie is out with an injury. When his backups had issues protecting quarterback Will Howard in the season-opener, the Wildcats decided they were better off in the short term with Beebe at different positions.
It didn’t surprise Beebe to move around so much.
“I knew there was the thought of that,” Beebe said. “We’ve been preparing for that since fall camp. I’ve been moving around every which way and with Duffie being out we have got to find the best five that fit out there. I knew that that’s probably what I would have to do. I didn’t expect to play all three, but it happens.”
K-State coach Chris Klieman was proud of Beebe for filling in at some unusual spots without a single complaint.
He said he has coached a handful of offensive linemen in the past who were capable of playing multiple positions, but only Beebe has been able to do so at a high level. Beebe played so well while moving around against SEMO that Kleiman wondered if he could be eligible for the All-Big 12 team at all three spots.
“It’s really impressive,” Klieman said. “That is really hard to do. It just goes to show you somebody that’s been in the program that just understands how all five have to work as one. He listens; he pays attention. He’s got the skill set to do a lot, you know, to help us.”
This story was originally published September 7, 2023 at 7:57 AM with the headline "Why Kansas State is using star offensive lineman Cooper Beebe at multiple positions."