Kansas
Starting options abound on Kansas State football’s first official depth chart of 2024
Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman on the team’s strengths
Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman assesses the Wildcats’ strength heading into the 2024 season opener.
K-State Athletics
MANHATTAN — Until now, we could only speculate on how Kansas State football’s depth chart would look heading into the 2024 season.
But coach Chris Klieman provided some clarity on Monday, as the Wildcats released their first official two-deep with the opener scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Here are a few observations.
Kansas State football QB Avery Johnson cool and calm ahead of season opener
Kansas State football WR Sterling Lockett is ready to add to the family legacy
Kansas State football creative with extra positions
K-State frequently has listed 12 players on its offensive depth chart to allow for either a fullback or third wide receivers. Now, suddenly, there are 13 positions on offense, and 12 on defense.
Adding names to the list no doubt keeps more players happy, but also illustrates the Wildcats’ depth at several positions.
On offense, there now are two tight ends and two running backs to go with three wide receivers, while the defense lists three defensive ends. There is no shortage of players in the mix.
The tight end expansion allows for both sophomore Garrett Oakley and senior Will Swanson to claim starter status, while at running back junior DJ Giddens and sophomore Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards can say the same.
The three starters now listed at defensive end — the Wildcats’ base defensive is two ends and a nose tackle up front — are super-senior Brendan Mott, senior Cody Stufflebean and either Austin Peay transfer Travis Bates or redshirt freshman Chiddi Obiazor.
Veterans dominate the Wildcats’ top roster spots
The Wildcats boast experience at just about every position, as evidenced by a depth chart that names no freshmen and only six sophomores as potential starters.
And of the sophomores — Oakley at tight end, Avery Johnson at quarterback, Edwards at running back, Jayce Brown at receiver, Bates at defensive end and Austin Romaine at middle linebacker — all had significant roles last year with the Wildcats. All except for Bates, a transfer who started as a redshirt freshman at Austin Peay.
But the Wildcats have high hopes for last year’s freshmen, most of whom redshirted. The depth chart includes eight redshirt freshmen.
Damian Ilalio nailes down nose tackle job
One surprise, and it wasn’t entirely unexpected, was the emergence of junior Damian Ilalio as the starting nose tackle ahead of super-senior Uso Seumalo.
Ilalio, a Manhattan High School product, drew praise from his coaches throughout the spring and fall, while returning starter Seumalo missed most of the spring with an injury.
While both will see significant playing time, Ilalio has separated himself with his leadership ability.
We have some answers on special teams
There was not much news coming out of preseason camp with regards to specialists, but now we have an idea at last.
To nobody’s surprise, senior Chris Tennant is back to handle kickoffs, field goals and extra points, but redshirt freshman Simon McClannan has won the punting job.
The Wildcats also list a number of playmakers in the return game, with Edwards, Brown and receiver Keagan Johnson still battling for kickoff return duties, while Edwards or sophomore receiver Sterling Lockett will field punts.
Kansas State football’s first official 2024 depth chart
OFFENSE
WR — Keagan Johnson; Jadon Jackson or Ty Bowman
TE —Garrett Oakley, Brayden Loftin
LT — Easton Kilty, John Pastore
LG — Hadley Panzer, Andrew Leingang
C — Sam Hecht, Michael Capria
RG — Taylor Poitier or Andrew Leingang; Alex Key
RT — Carver Willis, Drake Bequeaith
TE — Will Swanson; Will Anciaux or Andrew Metzger
QB — Avery Johnson; Ta’Quan Roberson or Jacob Knuth
RB — DJ Giddens, Joe Jackson
RB — Dylan Edwards, La’James White
WR — Jayce Brown, Sterling Lockett
WR — Dante Cephas, Tre Spivey
DEFENSE
DE — Brendan Mott; Tobi Osunsanmior Ryan Davis
NG — Damian Ilalio, Uso Seumalo, Asher Tomaczewski
DE — Travis Bates or Chiddi Obiazor
DE — Cody Stufflebean, Jordan Allen
SLB — Desmond Purnell, Asa Newsom
MLB — Austin Romaine, Beau Palmer, Terry Kirksey
WLB — Austin Moore, Rex Van Wyhe, Zach Wittenberg
CB — Jacob Parrish, Justice James
SS — VJ Payne; Colby McCalister or Wesley Fair
JS — Jordan Riley, Jack Fabris
FS — Marques Sigle; Nickendre Stiger or Daniel Cobbs
CB — Keenan Garber; Jordan Dunbar or Donovan McIntosh
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK — Chris Tennant, Leyton Simmering
P — Simon McClannan, Teagan Cobb
LS — Mason Olguin, Keane Bessert
KR — Dylan Edwards or Jayce Brown or Keagan Johnson
PR — Dylan Edwards or Sterling Lockett
Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.