MANHATTAN — Kansas State football is less than two weeks away from the start of spring practice in preparation for a highly anticipated 2024 season.
Expectations are high for the Wildcats, who will hold their first two practice sessions on March 5 and 7, take off the following week for spring break and then get back to it with the final session set for April 13. Once again, there will no spring game, nor will the final practice be open to fans.
Much of K-State’s optimism is centered on sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson, who made his first career start in the Pop-Tarts Bowl and was named most valuable player as the Wildcats beat North Carolina State, 28-19, in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28, to complete a 9-4 season.
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The offense returns junior running back DJ Giddens, who rushed for 2,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, but lost four starters from a veteran line and the top two receivers in wideout Phillip Brooks and tight end Ben Sinnott.
North Dakota transfer Easton Kilty is the likely replacement for KT Leveston at left tackle and part-time starter Carver Willis at right tackle for Christian Duffie, but the interior positions are not nearly as clearcut. Veterans Hadley Panzer and Taylor Poitier split time at right guard last year and should occupy two of the spots, with Panzer possibly moving to center.
Jayce Brown, Keagan Johnson and Jadon Jackson are back at receiver, and are joined by touted Penn State transfer Dante Cephas, while Garrett Oakley and Will Swanson both have extensive experience at tight end.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) awaits the snap from center during the Wildcats’ Oct. 28 game against Houston at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
The defense returns end Brendan Mott and backups Cody Stufflebean and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/projecting-kansas-state-footballs-2024-132729959.html
Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal
Publish date : 2024-02-22 13:27:29
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