Print edition: 
MANHATTAN — Carson Coffman will once again start the season as Kansas State's starting quarterback.
The senior signal-caller regained the position today when Wildcat coach Bill Snyder officially announced Coffman as the team's No. 1 QB.
Coffman held the job for four games last season, but surrendered his playing time to Grant Gregory at the start of Big 12 play. Since the end of last season, he has been in a quarterback competition with sophomore Collin Klein and junior Sammuel Lamur. Snyder said the battle was tight at times, but in the end Carson's on-field experience and consistency in practice made him the ideal choice.
"His performance level," Snyder said, "was better when you add it all up."
Snyder said he made up his mind on Coffman in the middle of last week. His decision came as little surprise to those who have followed the quarterback race.
Following an explosive performance in the Wildcats' spring game, Snyder said Coffman was a slim favorite entering summer practices. Coffman then went on to speak confidently about his chances of winning the spot, and once again outplayed his competition at a recent open practice.
All signs pointed to him winning the job. So last week Coffman began taking the lion's share of snaps with K-State's first-team offense.
Klein and Lamur, who each had their moments throughout the competition, are still taking some snaps as well. But because their bad days were more noticeable than Coffman's steady play, they are preparing for their backup roles.
"Their management of the offense was not as consistent as it was with Coffman," Snyder said.
Coffman has made poor decisions before, though. A year ago, Coffman completed 71 of 117 passes for 860 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. As a starter his record was 2-2, with both wins coming against Football Championship Subdivision teams Massachusetts and Tennessee Tech.
But Coffman has learned from his mistakes, and used his demotion last season as motivation this time around. Snyder admires that about him.
"He's a very team-oriented young guy," Snyder said. "He wants to do everything and anything he can to help his team. He's got a good understanding of what our offense is about. He's somewhat of a quiet young guy, but by the same token there is a fire that burns there. He has the passion for it. He is a very competitive young man."
