How will Kansas State’s football depth chart look for Game 1? Here’s a projection
It won’t be long before Kansas State shares its first public depth chart of the 2024 season.
But why wait?
Even though Chris Klieman and his assistant coaches are still working hard at training camp to make important personnel decisions between now and the season-opener against Tennessee-Martin on Aug. 31 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, we have more than enough information to make a few educated guesses about the two deep.
With that in mind, here is a projection of how the K-State depth chart will look later this month:
Kansas State depth chart projection
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Starter: Avery Johnson.
Backup: Ta’Quan Roberson.
Analysis: The only drama at this position revolves around the backup spot. Who will serve as QB2 behind unquestioned starter Avery Johnson this season? K-State coaches have said Jacob Knuth and Ta’Quan Roberson have been locked in a back-and-forth battle, so don’t be surprised if we see both passers listed on the initial depth chart with the word “or” separating them. But I’m prepared to give the nod to Roberson. The Connecticut transfer has more playing experience than Knuth and he has looked sharper during training camp.
Running back
Starter: DJ Giddens.
Backup: Dylan Edwards.
Analysis: It will be fascinating to see how the Wildcats use both Giddens and Edwards in the backfield this season. They could complement each other as runners in myriad ways. Still, Giddens should get more looks as the returning starter. Don’t sleep on La’James White or Joe Jackson here. Both reserve running backs should also see playing time this season.
Tight end
Starter: Garrett Oakley.
Backup: Brayden Loftin.
Analysis: You could tell how excited K-State coaches were with Garrett Oakley last season when they found ways to get him on the field even though Ben Sinnott was ahead of him on the depth chart. We will get to see what he can do in a lead role this year.
Offensive Line
Starters: Easton Kilty (LT), Hadley Panzer (LG), Sam Hecht (C), Taylor Poitier (RG), Carver Willis (RT).
Backups: John Pastore, Andrew Leingang, Michael Capria, Joe Vickers, Drake Bequeaith.
Analysis: The starters appear to be set on the front five, but it sounds like K-State coaches will work to get Pastore, Leingang and Bequeaith involved in most games. Sometimes it takes offensive linemen a few years to get acclimated to a new system. That is why you don’t see an abundance of impact transfers at this position. But Easton Kilty should be a difference-maker after coming in from North Dakota.
Wide receiver
Starters: Keagan Johnson, Jayce Brown, Dante Cephas.
Backups: Sterling Lockett, Jadon Jackson, Tre Spivey.
Analysis: K-State coaches and players have both raved about Keagan Johnson during training camp. This is a wide out who has never truly been able to show off his skills in college because he started out at Iowa and spent much of his first season with the Wildcats injured. Perhaps he is in line for a breakout season now that he is healthy. Fans will also love the fact that Sterling Lockett appears ready to crack the two deep.
DEFENSE
End
Starters: Cody Stuffleban, Brendan Mott.
Backups: Chiddi Obiazor, Tobi Osunsanmi.
Analysis: Defensive ends coach Buddy Wyatt has said that the Wildcats can go seven deep at this position, so fans should also expect to see Travis Bates, Jordan Allen and possibly a few others. For now, the most experienced pass-rushers on the roster get the nod as starters. But that could change as the season goes along, given the abundance of talent and depth at this position.
Tackle
Starter: Damian Ilalio.
Backup: Uso Seumalo.
Analysis: The assumption here was that Seumalo was the lead man at this position, but defensive tackles coach Mike Tuiasosopo said last week that Ilalio had overtaken him, both as a disruptive player and as a leader. A breakout season could be in store for the Manhattan product. But Seumalo should still see plenty of action.
Linebacker
Starter: Austin Moore, Desmond Purnell, Austin Romaine.
Backup: Asa Newsom, Terry Kirksey, Beau Palmer.
Analysis: Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman says Moore has become the quarterback of K-State’s defense, which could put him in line to lead the Wildcats in tackles this season. But Purnell is probably the most talented player at this position. Romaine projects as the third starter, but K-State coaches like the depth they have at linebacker. so fans can expect a large rotation here.
Cornerback
Starter: Keenan Garber, Jacob Parrish.
Backup: Donovan McIntosh, Justice James.
Analysis: Chris Klieman has applauded both Garber and Parrish for bulking up to around 200 pounds for the upcoming season. Both players remain some of the fastest members of the team even with the extra weight. That bodes well for their ability to help tackle this year. Garber and Parrish should hog most of the snaps at corner, but McIntosh, James and others have shown they are good enough to play here and there.
Safety
Starter: Marques Sigle, VY Payne, Jordan Riley.
Backup: Colby McCalister, Jack Fabris, Wesley Fair.
Analysis: The back end of K-State’s defense could be a big strength this season. Sigle and Payne are back for another year with the Wildcats, and Riley has fit in nicely as an impact transfer. Sigle is eyeing more interceptions this year, and it sounds like he has been grabbing them at training camp. It will be interesting to see who sees action as reserves, as Klanderman has expressed confidence in many different players.
Special Teams
Kick returner: Dylan Edwards, Keagan Johnson.
Punt returner: Sterling Lockett.
Kicker: Chris Tennant.
Punter: Teagan Cobb or Simon McClannan.
Analysis: Dylan Edwards and Sterling Lockett seem like locks to play on special teams as return specialists in some form. Who will join them? For now, let’s go with Johnson. But it won’t come as a surprise if the Wildcats choose Jayce Brown or La’James White instead. Tennant is the unquestioned kicker. Forgive us for not having a better grasp on K-State’s punting situation, but coaches have shed little to no light on that position battle other than to say it is wide open.
This story was originally published August 15, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "How will Kansas State’s football depth chart look for Game 1? Here’s a projection."