Kansas State Spring Preview: Cornerback

Kansas State CB overview

Only two major contributors return at cornerback for Kansas State in Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish. They only played three a ton a year ago. One was Will Lee and he opted to enter the transfer portal last winter and picked Texas A&M.

Because of that, K-State could turn to one or two of a number of players, including Tyler Nelome and Darell Jones. The problem is those two have been injured quite a bit and rarely available, if at all. Another is Justice James, who flashed a bit in minimal playing time last year.

And don’t count out second-year players Kanijal Thomas and Donovan McIntosh.

One exciting item

Upside still exists in the Kansas State cornerback room. Nobody is close to maximizing their potential just yet. In ways, that is a problem. In ways, it is a good thing because it means there’s plenty of room for improvement.

And remember, the Wildcats had one of the best pass defense efficiencies in the entire Big 12 last season.

Parrish is just scratching the surface of what he can become. He does some things very, very good and at other times looked like someone that was in his first year of starting a year ago. His lack of length is something he consistently has to overcome but his speed is a weapon if matched with great preparation and pristine technique.

And Garber may be the poster boy for untapped potential at K-State. Sure, he’s an older player considering he is in his final year of eligibility. Like his head coach Chris Klieman, it will be his sixth season in Manhattan.

But he’s only played one full season at cornerback and the game didn’t slow down for him at that spot until the last few games.

One concern

As outlined already, the depth is unproven and thus is an unknown.

James has barely played. Thomas only participated on special teams. Nelome and Jones have been hurt and unavailable for over a year. McIntosh didn’t play at all in his redshirt year. Can Kansas State count on any of those?

One question

Since there is reason to question the durability of Nelome and Jones, where does K-State turn? After all, Nelome has even been victim to the injury bug this Spring. I do think James can be serviceable for the Wildcats, for the record.

I’m just not sure about who else. Keep an eye on the second-year players. There’s a reason the staff was comfortable burning the redshirt of Thomas, and McIntosh has taken noticeable steps forward. Something of note is that defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman did not seem concerned about the unit.

Bold K-State prediction

I’ll go very bold. Remember what I said about the potential not being maximized yet in regards to Parrish and Garber? One of those things happens in a very significant way and Kansas State lands that particular player on the All-Big 12 first or second team .

I pick Garber. But it could be Parrish two seasons from now.

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