He used to play receiver for K-State. How does he view them as an opponent?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Tre Spivey credits Kansas State's offense with high energy and versatile playmakers.
- Spivey transferred to Arizona after two seasons and sees Friday's game as personal.
- Arizona and K-State swapped players, adding narrative depth to the upcoming matchup.
Arizona wide receiver Tre Spivey spent his first two seasons of college football at Kansas State listening to guidance from head coach Chris Klieman and catching passes from quarterback Avery Johnson.
That gives him a unique perspective on the K-State offense as he prepares to go against his old team on Friday night at Arizona Stadium.
He was willing to share some of his thoughts earlier this week at a news conference with local reporters. He was asked to describe the pros and cons that came with running routes in a purple uniform.
“One of the biggest factors with their offense is they play with energy,” Spivey said. “When the sideline was quiet over there, heads would go down and we would feel like we were beating ourselves up at certain points in the game. Once it got in your head, it started a snowball effect.”
Those comments raised eyebrows in EMAW nation. He apparently has some bad memories from his time in Manhattan. But it can’t exactly be classified as trash talk, because he also had nice things to say about his former team.
“When the energy was super high,” Spivey said, “each situation they were able to build off. They have super playmakers over there, super good players who can play different positions and move around.”
Spivey, now a 6-foot-4 sophomore, caught 15 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown during his two seasons at K-State. He played on a pair of teams that won nine games and then decided to enter the transfer portal.
He found a new squad at Arizona, where he has caught two passes for 37 yards and a touchdown early on this year.
“I’m happy for for Tre Spivey, that he found a found a home and that he’s playing,” Klieman said. “That’s what it’s about ... finding a place that you fit and play.”
K-State and Arizona had a trade of sorts during the offseason.
Safety Gunner Maldonado transferred from Arizona to K-State. He has played in all three games this season and totaled four tackles as he works his way back from injury. Spivey left K-State for Arizona and immediately helped a new passing attack.
That could add an interesting subplot to Friday’s prime-time affair. Then again, transfers going against their old team is not exactly rare these days.
Klieman said he approached Maldonado early in the week to ask him about Arizona Stadium and its crowd — but nothing else specific about returning to his old stomping grounds.
“That’s just college football now,” Klieman said.
Spivey may keep his eye on the K-State energy level. In any case, he is looking forward to this one.
“When I committed here, I thought it was going to be an awesome opportunity to play against my old teammates again,” Spivey said. “I thought that was a cool little detail.”