Observations from Kansas State’s second open football practice of the spring
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Klein led Kansas State into the final week of spring practices as head coach.
- Quarterbacks practiced a physical right‑hand ball‑control drill running through coaches.
- K-State lists only three tight ends on its spring roster before freshman arrival.
The Kansas State football team has begun its final week of spring practices under new head coach Collin Klein.
Here are some observations from the Wildcats latest open practice on Tuesday:
K-State quarterbacks working on more than just passing
Avery Johnson, Jacob Knuth, Dillon Duff and Blake Barnett all went through an interesting drill during the early stages of practice.
All four K-State quarterbacks participated in a physical running drill: They held the ball in their right hand as they lined up in a three-point stance, then powered their way through a quartet of assistant coaches who were trying to cause a fumble my smacking them with foam pads.
It was a physical drill that helped the K-State quarterbacks work on ball control, as well as running through contact.
The Wildcats have used a similar drill with running backs in the past, but not quarterbacks. But Klein has never been afraid to call a QB run. It makes sense that he wants to teach his quarterbacks how to gain tough yardage on the ground.
The Wildcats are low on tight ends this spring
There are only three tight ends listed on K-State’s spring football roster. That low number stnds out in practice right now.
Linkon Cure, Will Anciaux and Garrett Oakley worked out together Tuesday. Their position group was by far the smallest on both of K-State’s practice fields.
Incoming freshman Arley Morrell will join them after he arrives in the summer. Depth will improve by the time preseason camp rolls around. For now, though, they are the three amigos.
That could be a good thing for the Wildcats. Klein is sure to lean on all three players at various times next season. They are getting in extra work now. Each of them took advantage on Tuesday by making nice plays as pass-catchers during drills in the red zone.
Collin Klein likes to be in control of everything
It can be hard to keep track of Klein during a typical practice.
Even though he is a former quarterback who doubles as a play-caller for K-State, he hasn’t spent an abundance of time with his passers during open practices this spring. On Tuesday, he could be seen looking over special teams, the defense, the offensive line and the wide receivers before he meandered over to Johnson.
It’s clear his fingerprints will be all over this team in Year 1.
Jacob Knuth may play multiple positions for the Wildcats
Knuth is a 6-foot-4 athlete who transferred in from Minnesota to play quarterback, but it appears that he is willing to line up at other spots on the field.
This spring, he has been spotted catching punts during special teams drills and helping out on defense from time to time.
He wears a green, no-contact jersey like all the other quarterbacks. And he spends most of his time as a passer. But that is not all he is doing for the Wildcats this spring. It appears as though he is wants to get on the field in other ways while Johnson remains the starting quarterback.
It will be interesting to see how much K-State chooses to utilize his talents at other positions next season.
Joe Jackson and Jay Harris look the part at running back
Last week, K-State offensive Tanner Morley had this to say about teammate Jay Harris:
“He has the body of a Greek god,” Morley said.
His physique is impressive. Harris, a 6-foot-1 and 215-pound running back transfer from Oregon, has been hard work in the weight room. It’s impossible to miss his muscles when he carries the ball. And he has generated positive buzz over the past week for his ability to gain yards out of the back field.
Time will tell how good or bad he plays in a K-State football uniform. But he certainly looks the part.
Not to be outdone, Joe Jackson has also beefed up during the offseason.
Jackson is listed at 6-foot and 207 pounds on the K-State football roster. He looks just as big as Harris when they stand next to each other.
Oklahoma State transfer Rodney Fields also checks in at 5-foot-9 and 193 pounds.
It should take more than an arm tackle to bring those K-State running backs down next season.