What we’re hearing: Will Keyontae Johnson return to Kansas State?
KANSAS STATE FOOTBALL TRANSFER TARGETS
Though it isn’t a huge detail, we gathered information that suggests that Chris Klieman and Kansas State do intent to take advantage of the transfer portal from the Spring and add players to reinforce their roster for the 2023 season.
At the moment, we do not know of any specific targets worth knowing other than those that have been linked to K-State through social media activity. One of those is Southeast Missouri State defensive back Tyler Nelome, and the Wildcats have been connected to a few wideouts as well.
One has elected to go elsewhere when Grand Valley State transfer Jahdae Walker committed to Texas A&M. But another to keep an eye on moving forward is UTSA transfer Zakhari Franklin, though it is a crowded group pursuing him. Alante Brown of Nebraska has gained some steam, too.
It was specifically stated that Kansas State is likely to add two new players and to expect it to potentially occur before the camp season begins in June. If it is two, the positions receiving the most focus are safety and wideout.
QUARTERBACK NOTE
A quarterback did come available that would normally grab the attention of K-State. That was when former Blue Valley Northwest star and state champion Mikey Pauley transferred from Nebraska. Offensive coordinator Collin Klein and the Wildcats offered him in high school after a football camp.
Obviously, he picked Kansas.
It is not known if Kansas State was in heavy pursuit, if at all, but it was discovered that the Wildcats wouldn’t have posed a threat even if they were to launch a chase. That was because the presence of Avery Johnson would have steered him away from considering Manhattan as a potential home.
It may be wise to accept that as a potential result in some cases moving forward. Though K-State already landed Blake Barnett in the Class of 2024, it was shared that it isn’t the first time that Johnson being at Kansas State was viewed as a deterrent.
Most acknowledge how special that he can be in The Little Apple.
CHANCES KEYONTAE RETURN TO K-STATE
Everyone knows I hate putting percentages on the chances of anything as it relates to sports. I just do not think it is a good road to walk down because of how subjective that can become. Additionally, at the end of the day, it is 100 percent or zero percent.
However, I did speak with a source that shared intel on the likelihood that Keyontae Johnson returns to K-State. For clarity, the conversation was conducted and information shared prior to Andy Katz’s report that Johnson intended to remain in the NBA Draft if he was medically cleared by the NBA.
That individual regarded the potential that the Kansas State star would return to school at “30 percent”, though everyone that KSO has discussed it with still expects him to play professionally next year. However, it is worth remembering that he chose to keep his college eligibility intact for a reason.
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