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Thursday, July 5 Kansas State football preview By Mel Kiper ESPN.com Not only has Bill Snyder led Kansas State to at least nine wins over eight straight seasons, but during the last four years, the Wildcats have posted 11 wins in each campaign. To call it a phenomenal job is an understatement. Consider this for evidence: In the four years before Snyder's arrival in Manhattan, the Wildcats posted a record of 3-40-1. And until Snyder led K-State to a 7-4 record in '91, the Wildcats only had two winning seasons between 1955 and 1991. Those years were 1970 and 1982 when they were just 6-5 and 6-5-1 respectively. Folks, what Snyder has accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. His record speaks for itself -- as does the dismal history of K-State football before Snyder arrived.
At QB, Ell Roberson has added 15 pounds to his frame, yet retained his speed. He's also much more comfortable directing the Wildcat offense. A challenge is being presented for the starting job by highly regarded JUCO transfer Marc Dunn. The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder participated in spring practice, impressing with his athleticism and overall potential. The concern with Dunn is that he still has to gain a total understanding of the system. How quickly this area of his game comes together will ultimately determine if he's able to win the job during fall practice. RB Josh Scobey will certainly take some of the pressure off the new signal caller. The 6-0, 205-pound senior really came on toward the latter portion of the 2000 season. In the spring game, Scobey carried the ball 15 times for 95 yards, scoring a pair of TDs. The Wildcats also have a quality No. 2 back in sophomore Danny Morris. He rushed for 53 yards in the spring game, while another sophomore, Rashad Washington, added 39 yards on the ground. Assisting Scobey and company will again be underrated senior FB Rock Cartwright. All the 5-8, 242-pounder does is excel as a lead blocker, while also providing a solid inside running threat. Last year, Cartwright averaged 6.0 yards per carry and also scored 5 TDs. Replacing Morgan at WR will be critical, even though senior Aaron Lockett is a very effective performer both as a wideout and return man. Senior Brandon Clark, a 6-3, 220-pound senior, enjoyed an expeptional spring game, hauling in seven receptions for 161 yards and a TD. They also expect significant contributions from sophomore Derrick Evans and senior Ricky Lloyd. With that said, the player to watch is JUCO transfer Taco Wallace. The 6-1, 190-pounder was there in the spring, showcasing the type of athleticism and potential that could make him a vital performer as the season moves along. Early on, though, Wallace will likely need some time to settle into the offense and make the smooth transition from the JUCO ranks. Even though Shad Meier is moving on to the Tennessee Titans, the Wildcats figure to be in good shape at the TE spot. First of all, they rarely incorporate the TE into the pass offense. And most importantly, new starter Nick Warren is a battle-tested senior who saw a great deal of action last year, finishing with five catches for 89 yards. Remember, Meier only caught nine passes last season and finished his career with only one TD reception. The offensive line should be a solid area. Senior RG John Robertson, fresh off a strong effort against Tennessee's John Henderson at the Cotton Bowl, is the major headliner, followed by senior RT Thomas Barnett. Sophomore Nick Leckey, who was only one of two K-State true freshmen to see action last year, has been switched from OG to center in order to make up for the graduation loss of Cummins. DEFENSE While DT Jerry Togiai and DE Melvin Williams (4½ sacks last year) have plenty of experience, Snyder will be counting on some immediate impact from JUCO transfers such as Corey White (6-3, 285-pound DT) Henry Bryant (6-1, 255-pound DE) and Allen Reese (5-11, 280-pound NT). In addition, 6-6, 318-pound senior DT Eric Everley will be afforded an opportunity to earn a starting job along the interior of the defensive line. Linebacker should be the heart and soul of the Wildcats' defense. Senior OLB Ben Leber is a proven warrior, while mike-man Terry Pierce has the look of a future All-American. The 6-3, 250-pound sophomore started five games for the Wildcats late last season, so he comes into the 2001 season ready to establish himself as one of the elite middle linebackers in the nation. Sophomore Josh Buhl replaces Kazar at the other OLB spot. As mentioned, three-quarters of the secondary has moved on. In a position to win starting jobs at CB are senior DeRon Tyler and junior Terrence Newman, but keep an eye on James Dunnigan, a transfer from Purdue, and JUCO product Bobby Walker. Dunnigan garnered positive notice in the spring, while the highly regarded Walker will see his first action in August. Senior Jon McGraw, a returning starter at FS, will be joined at SS by Milton Proctor, another senior who has seen a great deal of playing time. Providing quality reserve support at FS is senior Derrick Yates. SPECIAL TEAMS The Wildcat kicking game will be in a transitional period. Replacing Rheem as the PK will either be his younger brother, true freshman Joe Rheem, sophomore Jared Brite, or junior Kyle Altvater. Incumbent punter Travis Brown is being challenged heavily by Rick Gerla, who has transferred over from Blinn Junior College where he averaged 42.5 yards per punt. OVERVIEW Combining the key graduation losses with a tremendously demanding schedule, you can see why I view this campaign as the most challenging in recent years for Snyder and his staff. While Colorado and Texas A&M must come to Manhattan, the Wildcats will go on the road to face USC, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Early on, while either Roberson or Dunn are settling in at QB, Scobey has to key a steady ground game, while either Clark or newcomer Wallace have to take some of the pressure off Lockett at WR. While effective, Lockett checks in at just 5-7, 165 pounds. Defensively, expect a dropoff in performance from the defensive line. The key will be how significant the dropoff will be. Fortunately, the linebacking corps, spearheaded by blue-chip mike-man Pierce and veteran OLB Leber, should be outstanding. While the losses are huge in the secondary, plenty of talent remains, and the new starters have played a lot of football in the Big 12. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact Dunnigan and Walker have in the deep patrol. With so many new starters on both sides of the ball, what Snyder can't afford is a suspect kicking game. How the Wildcats replace Rheem is critical, and they also need an improved performance from the punter.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent storiesCopyright ©2000 ESPN Internet Ventures. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy applicable to this site. |