Mailbag: Kansas State creating an NFL pipeline in the secondary

1 Who are three potential basketball transfer additions for Kansas State?

DY: Truthfully, I know only two potential transfers that deserve mentioning as it relates to Kansas State. And we’ve discussed a bit already, but we believe that K-State is at least kicking the tires on Toledo guard Rayj Dennis.

Additionally, there is strong social media activity that links the Wildcats with Kentucky big Daimion Collins.

2. Do both K-State running backs have a chance to be drafted?

DY: My answer would be yes. I know that I have definitely heard that there is a belief around the Vanier Family Football Complex that Kansas State back DJ Giddens has pro potential and the athletic traits of Treshaun Ward would seem to fit.

I know that K-State is already thinking ahead and taking into account that at least one of the two may not be around for multiple more seasons because of it.

3. Do we have a full basketball roster by July 1?

DY: I’ll say no. Kansas State is patient and I won’t rule out them wanting to be a team with a spot open should a very appealing graduate transfer choose to enter the portal after May 11.

4. Do you like the layout of the new college football playoff structure?

DY: Yes, for the most part. I like that conference champions are valued. I like that they incorporated that element so it does remain inclusive, even if the SEC and the Big Ten likely gobble up the majority or all of the at-large berths. K-State still has strong access to it and more than they did in the initial version.

My only quibble is likely that they may need to address more home games as to lessen travel for fans. They are already considering bumping the season up into the end of August. I realize that is not comforting because of the heat, but without doing that, the playoff will compete with the NFL a bit and I don’t think that’s a good idea.

5. Who has a better year for Kansas State between DJ Giddens and Treshaun Ward?

DY: That is a tough question that I’m just not yet comfortable answering, to be honest. I’m really torn. Like I noted earlier, both have talent that is someday worthy of the NFL.

Giddens is a downhill, physical back with a lot of gifts that has drummed up conversations to the point that it is not out of the realm of possibility that he is the starter. Ward, like Giddens, participated little in spring ball but K-State considers him to be a special player as well.

6. How impactful will it be for Chris Klieman in recruiting to have four players selected in the NFL Draft?

DY: Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman was missing that as part of his recruiting pitch when he took over in Manhattan. The Wildcats had produced little pro talent in the years prior and had very little of it on the current roster.

Klieman could point to his quarterbacks at North Dakota State but not much more. A lot of that has changed, and he can point to various pro prospects that Kansas State has developed and at multiple positions.

Defensive back is probably the one that has the most powerful impact. Julius Brents was just a second rounder, Russ Yeast and Josh Hayes were also drafted the past two years, AJ Parker is still on an NFL roster and Duke Shelley and DJ Reed from the last regime are having sensational careers.

Even more than that, it’s a body of work and volume of professional talent that is being created and developed by K-State. Four players were just drafted. Two were chosen last year. At least four more could be selected next year.

And it’s not just an allotment of day three picks. Brents’ name was called on day two and they collected a first rounder in Felix Anudike-Uzomah. So, absolutely, it’s a weapon and a question that has now been answered by Klieman and Kansas State.

7. Which of Dorian Finister, Jerrell Colbert, Taj Manning, Dai Dai Ames, RJ Jones and Macaleab Rich will have largest impact next season?

DY: A lot of tough ones in the mailbag this week. I’d lean towards one of Jerrell Colbert, Taj Manning or RJ Jones. But, as we all know, none of that has yet been determined and all very well could find at least a solid role next year.

I just like Colbert because he fits the criteria that K-State head coach Jerome Tang said he wanted in a big, and he has the upside and potential to hit those marks if he continues to take the next steps in his development.

It’s hard to take too many frontcourt guys because of the traffic, but Taj Manning makes sense given the strong endorsements for him by the Kansas State staff and now having a year under his belt. Jones can really shoot it, and K-State will lose a chunk of their shot-making and scoring.

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