Chris Klieman sees 'strength in numbers' on Kansas State defense

Under Chris Klieman, Kansas State has put together some rock-solid defenses, finishing in the top 30 in points allowed each of the last three seasons — a trend KSU expects to continue in 2024.

That defensive unit is a well-oiled machine in Manhattan, producing consistent results and some NFL-level talent of late. At Big 12 Media Days this week, Klieman addressed his defense at al three levels and explained why he’s optimistic for another strong season on that side of the football.

First, he addressed the fellas up front, saying that “defensive line and secondary are our strength in numbers and experience” before pointing out two extremely experienced pieces who are part of a loaded DL room.

“We had two sixth-year guys decide to come back at defensive end, which was big for us. So we’re gonna rotate seven or eight guys on the defensive line. We have a lot of depth there. It’s led by Brendan Mott and Cody Stufflebean that have been in the program a long time.”

Next, Klieman evaluated his secondary and loves that he’s returning the Wildcats’ primary cornerback tandem from 2023.

“And then in the secondary, we’ve got both of our returning corners back in Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish, really good players,” he said, then spoke on the safeties, singling out one future star in particular.

“All of our safeties return,” notes Klieman. “Marques Sigle is a kid that’s out here with us. I think he’s an All-American, he’s a next-level kid. We had Russ Yeast, playing for the Rams. We had Josh Hayes, who’s playing for the Bucs. Sigle’s right in that same breath with those guys as a free safety.”

So, the Wildcats have experience and star power in the back end, but they’ve also got plenty of bodies behind those guys, per Klieman: “We’re deeper in the secondary which will make us much better on special teams too.”

Lastly, the KSU coach moved on to the linebacker core, which hasn’t had as much luck in remaining deep with healthy and capable guys.

Linebacker, we’ve always taken the most hits with an injury standpoint. We lost Deuce Green last year, said Klieman. And Green is now on to the NFL. Nonetheless, Kansas State still has a couple of dudes they can depend on who have been around.

“Austin Moore’s out here with us, that’s been a three-year starter, and Des Purnell’s a three-year starter. We just got to continue to develop the depth at linebacker.”

Sure, some more bodies in the linebacker room would be nice, and Kansas State may be exposed if further injuries hinder their LBs. But on the whole, the KSU defense is chock full of experience and talent yet again.