Kansas State Wildcats make notable changes to football depth chart ahead of Rate Bowl
Kansas State will have a new group of starters when it returns to the football field against Rutgers at the Rate Bowl later this month in Phoenix.
Chris Klieman has made several notable changes to the K-State depth chart since the Wildcats finished the regular season at 8-4.
That was to be expected after more than a dozen K-State football players decided to transfer away from the roster and a pair of talented upperclassmen chose to turn pro rather than play against the Scarlet Knights.
It is rare for any college football team to retain its complete roster this time of year. Klieman and the Wildcats are adjusting accordingly.
Here is a rundown of the biggest changes:
New starters on offense
Let’s begin on the offensive line, where Andrew Leingang is set to start for just the second time in his long K-State football career. It seems like the redshirt junior has been a key reserve for many years with the Wildcats. He will get an opportunity to step into the spotlight against Rutgers as he takes over for Carver Willis at right tackle.
Willis transferred to Washington earlier this month. But his departure is softened by the fact that Leingang appears ready to replace him. Many have been eager to see the 6-foot-6 and 303-pound blocker in a more prominent role. They will get their wish on Dec. 26.
Jadon Jackson and Dante Cephas will also get more chances to make more plays in the bowl. Both receivers are listed as starters following the departure of Keagan Johnson.
At running back, fans can expect to see plenty of both Dylan Edwards and Joe Jackson. They are both listed as starters now that DJ Giddens is focusing on the NFL Draft.
Though he isn’t listed as a starter, Jacques Spradley-Demps could see some playing time at wide receiver now that he has cracked the depth chart for the first time.
Changes on defense
K-State is only expected to go with one new starter on this side of the ball.
Justice James will take over at cornerback now that Jacob Parrish is off to the NFL. James appears ready for the opportunity after he made 13 tackles and successfully defended one pass for the Wildcats this season. He will start opposite of Keenan Garber, with Zashon Rich and Donovan McIntosh serving as their backups.
There were many other changes to the depth chart in reserve roles.
Daniel Cobbs is now listed as a backup free safety, Wesley Fair is the No. 2 man at strong safety and Tyson Struber is the next man up at outside linebacker. It is also worth noting that Austin Moore is now listed at two linebacker positions. His versatility may come in handy against Rutgers.
Shaking things up on special teams
K-State fans can expect to see Edwards on punt and/or kick returns in this game.
But so could three other players.
The Wildcats are listing Joe Jackson, DeVon Rice and Bryce Noernberg as potential return men behind Edwards on the depth chart. Klieman likes to use multiple return specialists during the course of a game, so fans could see all four of them in Phoenix.
This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Kansas State Wildcats make notable changes to football depth chart ahead of Rate Bowl."