Is Kansas State's quarterback derby down a horse?

The story got swallowed up by Signing Day, but the impending quarterback battle at Kansas State may take place without one of the frontrunners in spring practice.

Carson Coffman beat out Collin Klein and Sammuel Lamur last fall to win the job, but late in the season Klein earned substantial playing time, primarily as a running option in the Wildcat package with running back Daniel Thomas.

But incoming quarterback signee Daniel Sams told the Manhattan Mercury that Klein, a rising junior, has been moved back to receiver full-time.

That leaves Sams to compete with juco signee Justin Tuggle and Lamur for the job in 2011.

Klein struggled to throw the ball accurately for most of the season, and if coach Bill Snyder believes Tuggle, Lamur and Sams can equal Klein's athleticism, but surpass his passing prowess, the move makes sense.

"I know coach Snyder values a dual-threat quarterback," Sams said. "I can hurt you with my feet and I can sit back in the pocket and throw the ball. The offense really fits me perfectly."

All three follow in the mold of some of Kansas State's most successful passers under Snyder, Ell Roberson and Michael Bishop.

Kansas State's already underwhelming receiving corps loses two of its top three receivers, Aubrey Quarles and Adrian Hilburn. Klein had just six catches as a freshman in 2009, but if he can move back and offer some help to the Wildcats receivers, the move could pay off this fall for a player trying to find his way as a major college quarterback for the first time.

In the Big 12, there's no underestimating the importance of great quarterback play. Based on Sams' comments, the Wildcats won't be relying on Klein to provide it.