‘It’s a cruel thing’: K-State lineman Taylor Poitier out another season with injury
Taylor Poitier didn’t play in a single game for the Kansas State football team last season after he suffered a torn ACL in training camp.
The junior offensive lineman only saw action in one game this year before his season was cut short because of the exact same injury.
“It’s a cruel thing, man,” K-State football coach Chris Klieman said on Tuesday. “He tore a knee again and he will be out for the season. It’s an awful outcome. Sometimes the cruelest things happen to the best kids.”
Poitier, a 6-foot-3 and 291-pound right guard who played for Bishop Miege High School, injured his lower body during K-State’s 34-0 victory over South Dakota on Saturday. The injury occurred in the second quarter. He walked off the field under his own power, but he was unable to return to the game. A trainer escorted him to the team’s locker room, signaling that he might be dealing with a significant injury.
A torn ACL is an unfortunate development for any athlete, but it is particularly unlucky for Poitier. He spent months of rehab preparing for this season.
K-State players spoke highly of Poitier all offseason, and big things were expected of him at right guard.
“I think I can help them a lot, honestly,” Poitier said in May. “After missing all of last year I’m pretty sure I can be a good source for the running game and the passing game. I feel like all of us could really be dominant this year. I missed out on a good opportunity last year, but I’m ready for another one this year.”
He will have to wait even longer if he wants to make a return to the football field.
“My heart goes out to him,” Klieman said, “because of all he did to get himself back.”
Added offensive lineman Hadley Panzer: “It’s really heartbreaking. I love the kid to death. I’m really praying for him. It just really (stinks). He’s going through a hard time and I’m praying for him and wishing him the best.”
Panzer, a 6-4 and 300-pound offensive lineman from Lakin, is expected to take over at right guard starting with this weekend’s game against Missouri.
He is a versatile blocker who is listed twice on K-State’s depth chart. The Wildcats have him tabbed as the team’s backup center and starting right guard. Mill Valley product is now the backup right guard, though Klieman suggested several other linemen might help at that position.
Elsewhere on the K-State injury front, Klieman said he expects backup safety TJ Smith to play this week after missing the South Dakota. Starting safety Josh Hayes and linebacker Shawn Robinson could be described as questionable. Klieman said it is too early to tell on both of those players.
This story was originally published September 6, 2022 at 2:56 PM.