Kansas State Wildcats reveal 1st depth chart of ’24 season. Here’s what stands out
The Kansas State football team has shared its first public depth chart ahead of the 2024 season, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday when the Wildcats play host to Tennessee-Martin at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Here are some takeaways from Chris Klieman’s two-deep:
Many possibilities on both sides of the ball
You won’t find 22 positions on the newest version of K-State’s depth chart.
There are 13 positions on offense and 12 defense, plus seven more on special teams.
That is, perhaps, a nod to the variety of new formations that the Wildcats could deploy this season under new offensive coordinator Conor Riley and returning defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman.
In year’s past, the Wildcats have listed all of their tight ends and running backs in one grouping. Now they have separate designations.
On defense, K-State now lists three starters at defensive ends instead of the traditional two.
The Wildcats have found a new punter
K-State coaches were happy to share depth-chart projections at most roster spots during the preseason. But punter was a mystery throughout training camp.
No one, from Chris Klieman on down, was willing to predict a starter.
The Wildcats eventually found one, though. Simon McClannan, a redshirt freshman from Omaha, will handle punting duties in the first game against the Skyhawks.
Too close to call
It appears that a few position battles remain ongoing. We might not find a definitive starter or backup at those spots until the season progresses beyond the first few games.
Some high-profile positions to keep an eye on include backup quarterback. Ta’Quan Roberson is listed first behind starter Avery Johnson, but the word “or” is listed next to Jacob Knuth. That means the Wildcats could go with either one, should they need a replacement for Johnson.
Taylor Poitier and Andrew Leingang remain in a tight battle at right guard, though Poitier is listed as the starter. Dylan Edwards and La’James White are also apparently considered equal options alongside, or behind, returning starter DJ Giddens at running back.
Exciting group of return men
K-State has assembled an impressive group of skill players to potentially return kicks and punts.
Dylan Edwards, Keagan Johnson and Jayce Brown are candidates to return kicks. Sterling Lockett and Edwards are the top options to return punts.
All of those players are fast and touchdown threats within the offense. It should be exciting to see what they do on special teams.