This backup QB is preparing to play multiple positions for the K-State Wildcats
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Jacob Knuth caught punts, made tackles and set blocks on special teams during spring.
- Coaches encouraged special teams role because of his size, athleticism and speed metrics.
- Knuth volunteered to play multiple roles before his college eligibility expired.
Jacob Knuth hasn’t produced many stats during his time as a Kansas State quarterback, but that could change next season.
Not because he’s in line to see more action as a passer. Avery Johnson remains the unquestioned QB1 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. But because the Wildcats are beginning to use Knuth on special teams.
It’s rare for a quarterback to help out on punt returns and kickoff coverage, but that is exactly what Knuth did throughout spring practices. Even though he wore a green no-contact jersey and spent most of his time working out with his fellow signal callers, he left his primary position whenever it was time for drills on special teams.
He caught punts, he made tackles and he set blocks just like every other special teamer.
That means K-State fans could see Knuth do everything from throwing for a touchdown to making an important tackle on a punt next season.
“It is a bit unique to have a quarterback doing that,” K-State special teams coordinator Stanton Weber said. “But he’s a guy that is late in his career, and he cares a lot about this place and wants to find any way he can to help our team, which I admire a lot.”
Knuth is a 6-foot-4 and 219-pound senior quarterback who has been with the Wildcats since 2023. He has seen action in four games as a reserve, with his highlight moment coming last season when he helped K-State close out a victory over Kansas by breaking free for a 40-yard run.
He could be in line to serve as Johnson’s primary backup next season. But head coach Collin Klein has said that job could also go to Blake Barnett or Dillon Duff.
Rather than wait around to see how the position battle unfolds, Knuth volunteered to help the Wildcats in any way he could before his college eligibility expired.
Klein was receptive when Knuth volunteered to play on special teams, because Klein was in a similar position back when he was a young quarterback at K-State. Rather than watch every game from the sideline as a freshman, Klein learned how to play wide receiver.
“I have lived that life myself a little bit,” Klein said. “He is a backup guy getting out there on special teams. He’s a tremendous team guy and a team player. He’s going to do anything it takes to help our team win. He’s been able to help us on (special) teams.”
K-State coaches have encouraged Knuth to stick with special teams because of his athleticism and his size.
If he played any other position, the Wildcats probably would have acted much faster to get him involved on kickoffs and punts.
“When we got through our winter workouts and talked about his numbers in terms of top speed, acceleration and his size,” Weber said, “you say to yourself, ‘This guy could potentially help us.’ Why not turn over every rock when you’re looking at players with those body types.
“He’s been going through the whole gamut, competing with the rest of them, and has really improved tremendously this spring. It’s been a lot of fun watching him.”