Mailbag: Young players that can see the field for Kansas State

1. Is the short-term and long-term back-up quarterback for Kansas State the same guy this season?

DY: That is a question we don’t have the answer to, yet. My guess is that Kansas State doesn’t either. The short-term solution is probably determined. I’d be shocked if it isn’t Jake Rubley just because they do have intentions of redshirting Avery Johnson if at all possible.

In terms of a long-term choice, K-State may use fall camp to make a decision on Rubley or Johnson.

2. Do you or others really believe that redshirting Avery Johnson is in the team’s best interest?

DY: I think that it probably is just because he isn’t on the level of or as ready as Kansas State star Will Howard. Johnson isn’t going to be playing a different position this year, so assuming there are no health setbacks, there are only so many snaps behind Howard.

Typically, quarterbacks also have zero interest in burning a redshirt and a year of eligibility if not the anointed starter. That is why Howard wanted to preserve his redshirt last year before he was named the unquestioned starter. He unfortunately already lost a season where he only played five games.

3. Will non-conference games go away in college football?

DY: There may be less in the future, but it would be stunning to see them go away completely.

4. What redshirt freshman for K-State will see a lot of playing time?

DY: After identifying true freshmen in the past, it is time to examine some redshirt freshmen that could emerge this season for Kansas State.

Offensively, only two choices make a ton of sense. Garrett Oakley has been receiving some steam in terms of his development. The only issue is that he is more of a pass-catching option and taking Ben Sinnott off the field isn’t something that K-State will want to do.

John Pastore continues to ascend as a player along the offensive line. However, his playing time will be limited just because of the amount of returning starters and experience that returns for the Wildcats. He’ll see time, but not a lot.

Defensively, just about two names come to mind as well. The first is Tobi Osunsanmi, though his snaps at linebacker will be muffled due to the returning snaps back at the spot and the other talent that resides in the middle of the Kansas State defense. However, situational pass-rushing could be a duty this season.

Colby McCalister is another name to watch. He is no longer at cornerback and switched to safety during football practices in March and April. And because of the guys that were out for that period of the calendar due to recoveries, he saw plenty of first team snaps.

The post Mailbag: Young players that can see the field for Kansas State appeared first on On3.