Here’s how Penn State transfer Dante Cephas is planning to boost K-State offense
Dante Cephas can’t pick just one reason why he decided to transfer to Kansas State and finish out his college football career playing wide receiver for the Wildcats next fall, but it’s clear that he wanted to team up with Avery Johnson.
Ask Cephas what most stands out to him about K-State’s starting quarterback and his face lights up with excitement.
“My first impression of him was great,” Cephas said. “He is a fast guy. My favorite quarterback is Lamar Jackson and he kind of reminds me of that. I like that. I like guys who can extend plays and move outside the pocket.”
Johnson certainly impressed during his first season at K-State. As a passer, he threw for 479 yards and five touchdowns. As a runner, he rushed for 296 yards and seven touchdowns. Now that Will Howard has transferred to Ohio State and Johnson is the unquestioned QB1 in Manhattan, much is expected from the Wildcats on offense heading into next season.
Thing is, Johnson could use some help.
K-State is losing its top receiver (Phillip Brooks) and its best tight end (Ben Sinnott). Together, they combined for 102 catches, 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Replacing that kind of production will not be easy, even with talented receivers like Jayce Brown and Keagan Johnson ready to step into larger roles.
That’s where Cephas comes in.
The Wildcats needed reinforcements, and Cephas could give the passing game a major boost if he can regain the form he showed at the start of his college career. Before he played for Penn State last season, he piled up stats for four years at Kent State. When he was in the MAC, Cephas caught 145 passes for 2,139 yards and 12 touchdowns.
That made him a hot commodity in the transfer portal last year, and he capitalized with a jump to Penn State. But he wasn’t an impact player for the Nittany Lions, as he totaled 22 catches for 246 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Perhaps that is why he decided to look for a change of scenery.
If finding his form is a priority, he had another important reason to enroll at K-State. His former position coach at Kent State was Matthew Middleton, and he is currently coaching wide receivers for the Wildcats.
“Our relationship is great,” Cephas said. “I had four great years with him at Kent State before and he is a great guy on and off the field. It definitely made it an easier decision for me to transfer here. I wanted to come where I was known and I had a connection.”
At 6-foot and 187 pounds, Cephas will look to help the Wildcats in many different ways. He is prepared to line up in the slot and on the perimeter. He thinks he can burn defenders with his speed but also get open with his football IQ and establish himself as a dependable receiver against zone coverage.
He is also excited to try and help the Wildcats on special teams. It seems like he is determined to make this transfer work out and help Johnson with his versatility.
One thing is for sure: He is bringing a fresh mentality with him to K-State.
“I just came here because of the potential of the team, not because of playing time,” Cephas said. “Whatever they need from me I am here to do.”
This story was originally published February 14, 2024 at 12:23 PM with the headline "Here’s how Penn State transfer Dante Cephas is planning to boost K-State offense."