Big Shoes to Fill: Kansas State Players to Watch This Spring

© Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas State is coming off of a 9-4 season in 2023, but there is a lot to replace for the Wildcats for in 2024. Players like Will Howard, Nate Matlack and Treshaun Ward were lost to the transfer portal. Other key players like Cooper Beebe, Khalid Duke and Ben Sinnott will likely have their names called at the NFL Draft in April. Along with a slew of players, the Wildcats also lost offensive coordinator Collin Klein to Texas A&M.

Coach Chris Klieman found his replacement for Klein in former Texas Tech coach Matt Wells, and will look to these three players in the spring to keep the Cats atop the new-look Big 12 Conference in 2024.

QB Avery Johnson

The most obvious guy on this list and the most paid attention-to player on the K-State roster. The sophomore from Maize, Kan., saw limited playing time last year. During the season Johnson was used mainly as a rushing threat, gaining 296 yards on 52 carries and 7 rushing touchdowns. In his lone start against North Carolina State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, K-State fans got to see his arm talent on display as he threw for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 28-19 win.

The growth of Avery will be under the microscope by coaches and fans alike this spring. This team, which has been landing high on the oddsmakers lists for next season, will need this young and talented quarterback to play to his potential to reach these higher expectations for the 2024 season.

OL Easton Kilty

This transfer lineman from the University of North Dakota was the No. 2-ranked offensive tackle transfer according to 247sports.com. He started every game in 2023 for North Dakota at left tackle but played multiple positions on the line in the past three seasons for the Fighting Hawks.

Along with losing Beebe, the offensive line lost KT Leveston to the NFL Draft. Leveston played left tackle during his career, so it looks like all eyes should be on Kilty to slide into that position to help out a young offensive line and add to the K-State Beef.

TE Garrett Oakley

Last season, Oakley had 11 catches for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns while being the second tight end on the team behind the outstanding Sinnott. He got snaps in 10 games during the season while being injured in the other three games.

It will be worth keeping an eye on Oakley to see if he will continue to develop to fill the shoes left by Sinnott. Johnson is going to need a sure-handed receiver in the middle of the field to help him continue his development and growth and Oakley seems primed to do that.

New Era at Kansas State

These players will play a role as the new era begins at K-State with a whole new offensive coordinator, quarterback and a younger offensive line. The 2024 season should be one fun ride in Manhattan, KS