Obviously the biggest question marks going into next season is the QB position and how the CATS are going to replace the production from Lockett & Sexton.
The good news, despite losing Finney at center, I expect the O-line to be better in 2015.
Whitehair - Stiverson - Ash - Hayes - Bennett/ AJ Allen - Badger - Najvar - Kleinsorge... to name a few.
I don't understand when people question the O-line, yes Finney will be missed, but I would prefer to lose a starting center than a starting O-tackle. The CATS also loss Drew Liddle, but the CATS have numerous options at guard. The CATS could also have freshmen get into the mix (a number of freshman on the roster).
I believe the 2015 K-State defense is going to be better and the CATS had a pretty good defense in 2014 (#41 total defense / # 29 scoring defense).
Key Losses: Mueller / Truman / Evans (nickle back).
And it's too bad Dakorey Johnson & Mike Moore couldn't have stayed healthy last season.
Replacing Mueller:
K-State isn't exactly deep at D-end right now. The D-end position is my biggest concern (please, no injuries).
I believe 2015 is going to be a break out year for Jordan Willis. Jordan started opposite of Mueller, but I believe Jordan is ready to become a force in 2015.
Marquel Bryant has started games for K-State and should be fired up for his senior campaign.
Tanner Wood may be ready to compete for playing time.
Until adding Kirby, K-State's lone juco recruit in the 2015 class was Aulelio Olomua at D-end.
New comer Reggie Walker is listed as D-end and could see playing time as a freshman (I'm very high on Reggie).
Hybrid Player:
As we know, Elijah Lee will be playing some at D-end this season, Lee is a freak athlete that brings a pass rush from the edge. Reggie Walker will likely play a similar role.
D-Tackle:
Britz - Geary - Seiwert - Hood ...etc. The CATS should be very solid up the middle.
Linebacker:
Jonathan Truman is an example of an athlete that got the most out of his abilities (see Coach Snyder's comments about Truman). Jonathan was a tackling machine for K-State last season, but he was limited some by his athletic ability. With Michael Moore, Will Davis, Elijah Lee coming back and the emergence of Sam Sizelove, I feel good about the LB position (plus Trent Tanking)... and the new comers: Kirby, Sullivan, Walker (DE), & Chase Johnston. The CATS should have more speed at LB in 2015. Though the under appreciated Truman will be missed.
D-backfield:
Perhaps the strength of the entire team.
Burns & McDaniel at Corner.
Dante Barnett & Prewett at Safety.
Other good players: Starks, Nate Jackson, Newlan, Cre Moore, Jesse Mack, Guidry... plus newcomer, Duke Shelley.
In the pass happy Big 12, having one of the best (if not the best) d-backfield in the Big 12 is a nice luxury to have.
K-State's defense is going to be good ... but that brings us back to the question marks on offense.
A productive offense is a defense's best friend. If K-State's offense can move the ball, generate first downs, and score points, K-State's defense could be very very good.
If you believe it all starts up front, K-State should be in good shape, because the O-line is going to be very solid and the D-line should be above average.
GO STATE !!
The good news, despite losing Finney at center, I expect the O-line to be better in 2015.
Whitehair - Stiverson - Ash - Hayes - Bennett/ AJ Allen - Badger - Najvar - Kleinsorge... to name a few.
I don't understand when people question the O-line, yes Finney will be missed, but I would prefer to lose a starting center than a starting O-tackle. The CATS also loss Drew Liddle, but the CATS have numerous options at guard. The CATS could also have freshmen get into the mix (a number of freshman on the roster).
I believe the 2015 K-State defense is going to be better and the CATS had a pretty good defense in 2014 (#41 total defense / # 29 scoring defense).
Key Losses: Mueller / Truman / Evans (nickle back).
And it's too bad Dakorey Johnson & Mike Moore couldn't have stayed healthy last season.
Replacing Mueller:
K-State isn't exactly deep at D-end right now. The D-end position is my biggest concern (please, no injuries).
I believe 2015 is going to be a break out year for Jordan Willis. Jordan started opposite of Mueller, but I believe Jordan is ready to become a force in 2015.
Marquel Bryant has started games for K-State and should be fired up for his senior campaign.
Tanner Wood may be ready to compete for playing time.
Until adding Kirby, K-State's lone juco recruit in the 2015 class was Aulelio Olomua at D-end.
New comer Reggie Walker is listed as D-end and could see playing time as a freshman (I'm very high on Reggie).
Hybrid Player:
As we know, Elijah Lee will be playing some at D-end this season, Lee is a freak athlete that brings a pass rush from the edge. Reggie Walker will likely play a similar role.
D-Tackle:
Britz - Geary - Seiwert - Hood ...etc. The CATS should be very solid up the middle.
Linebacker:
Jonathan Truman is an example of an athlete that got the most out of his abilities (see Coach Snyder's comments about Truman). Jonathan was a tackling machine for K-State last season, but he was limited some by his athletic ability. With Michael Moore, Will Davis, Elijah Lee coming back and the emergence of Sam Sizelove, I feel good about the LB position (plus Trent Tanking)... and the new comers: Kirby, Sullivan, Walker (DE), & Chase Johnston. The CATS should have more speed at LB in 2015. Though the under appreciated Truman will be missed.
D-backfield:
Perhaps the strength of the entire team.
Burns & McDaniel at Corner.
Dante Barnett & Prewett at Safety.
Other good players: Starks, Nate Jackson, Newlan, Cre Moore, Jesse Mack, Guidry... plus newcomer, Duke Shelley.
In the pass happy Big 12, having one of the best (if not the best) d-backfield in the Big 12 is a nice luxury to have.
K-State's defense is going to be good ... but that brings us back to the question marks on offense.
A productive offense is a defense's best friend. If K-State's offense can move the ball, generate first downs, and score points, K-State's defense could be very very good.
If you believe it all starts up front, K-State should be in good shape, because the O-line is going to be very solid and the D-line should be above average.
GO STATE !!
