Mailbag: Defining Kansas State quarterback expectations
1.) Is October the most critical stretch of games in Chris Klieman’s tenure at Kansas State?
DY: I wouldn’t say so. Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman already has a Big 12 championship under his belt and the stretch of games that resulted in that seem much more critical, and if anything, take away a bit of the pressure moving forward.
That’s not to say the expectations aren’t still conference titles, but he’s already achieved one and that seems significant.
2.) Will David Castillo have more or less of an impact in year one than Dai Dai Ames?
DY: Less, in my opinion. That’s not me suggesting to not be excited about K-State signee David Castillo, but he should have less responsibility or pressure to immediately perform and succeed like Dai Dai Ames.
Ames had to play a lot. I’m not sure Castillo will have to thanks to the additions of CJ Jones, Max Jones and Brendan Hausen. And I’m not sure Kansas State is done in that regard. Maybe he’s the second point guard, but Ames had to be the guy because Tylor Perry wasn’t even a traditional ball-handler.
Additionally, true freshmen guards at that size just aren’t typically significant contributors at the college level, and if they are, it’s because that team isn’t good enough or equipped to win at a high level.
3.) Is it a Big 12 championship appearance or bust season for K-State?
DY: It is fair to have those expectations. After all, K-State has one of the better rosters and a pretty forgiving schedule for the most part even though some of the circumstances and situations make it more rougher than it seems on the surface.
With that being said, it will be the first season of heavy contribution for a lot of players that the Wildcats need substantial production from and that’s no small thing. Because of that, I’m not sure I’d call it that. I would say just being in the mix the whole year would be the bar I would set for Kansas State.
2025 is the title appearance or bust season, in my opinion.
4.) Is there any way for the NCAA to regulate NIL?
DY: I think so, but it will have to be done through collective bargaining. The courts just aren’t going to allow for any regulations that do not require athletes or their representation a seat at the table. It will be interesting to see what it looks like it, though, alongside revenue-sharing.
As always, I just want to also state that I maintain it is far more important to regulate the transfer portal than NIL.
5.) Who goes in for Kansas State at quarterback if extended injury or the helmet pops off?
DY: Obviously the battle will be between K-State quarterbacks Jacob Knuth and Ta’Quan Roberson. I would go with the latter just because there is a reason they really, really wanted someone that had already played FBS college football snaps.
6.) What are realistic statistical expectations for Avery Johnson?
DY: Quantifying it is tough just because we don’t know what the pace will look like for Kansas State under Conor Riley and Matt Wells as the co-offensive coordinators. I do think the offense will be more explosive but perhaps less efficient (mainly because it’s near impossible to be more efficient than last year).
Due to that, I’m not sure the quarterback numbers look too differently other than probably more rushing scores from Avery Johnson.
I’m not sure about yardage just because he wants to be a thrower before a runner. However, his decision-making and style thus far would be more conducive to less turnovers despite being younger and less experienced.
7.) Who will be the starting defensive ends for K-State?
DY: Great question. There’s so many options for K-State, such as Brendan Mott, Travis Bates, Ryan Davis, Jordan Allen and Chiddi Obiazor. To begin the year one is likely Mott, though it may not finish that way. My other pick would be Bates or Obiazor.
Bates has played college football as well and Obiazor played more than the other two redshirt freshmen last season.
8.) What else is needed for both the football and basketball teams in the portal?
DY: Kansas State football still wants some linebacker and offensive line depth. Jerome Tang still could use another scorer on the wing and perhaps a ‘5’ so that can Achor Achor can play the ‘4’ and give them even more length.
9.) Does Kansas State football or basketball have the best shot at exceeding expectations?
DY: Basketball. The floor is not exceptionally high but the upside of the roster is one that can at least be a second weekend team in the NCAA Tournament. That answer is also a product of the expectations being higher for K-State football.
10.) How soon can one of the offensive line signees from the 2024 class start?
DY: Judging from what I have been told about Kansas State signee Gus Hawkins (who arrives in June), it would not shock me if he can crack the rotation in some way during his second year. The first one will be a developmental one where he learns how everything is done and how the Wildcats operate.
His second year he could be ready. It won’t take a lot of time in the strength and conditioning room for him. Hawkins is already 6-foot-7 or so and 290 pounds. He is the prototype at offensive tackle. The other one is Kyle Rakers. I’m not sure how soon, but they loved what they saw from him in the Spring.
11.) What number of high school football commits does K-State need to get to by the end of June?
DY: Challenging question but a good one.
K-State currently sits at just three high school commits. I would like them to enter August with 12-15. I say August because some of the official visits in June could manifest in commitments the next month in July. Guys will want to get it out of the way before their own season starts.
12.) What basketball targets are left?
DY: We know that Kansas State has been tied to Ugonna Onyenso, Coleman Hawkins and perhaps San Diego transfer Kevin Patton. Those are the three that have been mentioned to KSO. The Wildcats have two remaining spots open.
Onyenso appears to be down to K-State and North Carolina, according to what we’re hearing. Though they’re also being considered by Hawkins, the Illinois big will also have the opportunity to stick in the NBA Draft after a good combine. And that’s his preference.
13.) What does the Kansas State staff like most about Chimobi Ikegwuruka?
DY: Upside.
He is pretty raw and quite the project on the offensive end. But he is an explosive, long athlete that has a chance to do something if he can refine some of his offensive skills like creation, ball-handling, vision and shooting. If any of that picks up, the Wildcats have something in Chimobi Ikegwuruka.
Honestly, he may be an effective defender immediately if he buys into what Kansas State wants to do.
The post Mailbag: Defining Kansas State quarterback expectations appeared first on On3.
