Rapid Recap: Evolution of Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott

What did we learn about the Kansas State tight ends from assistant Brian Lepak?

Kansas State tight ends emerging

While tight end Ben Sinnott is the unquestioned starter for Kansas State this season, there are a few players behind him who are making strides. Some of it began last year, but they propelled themselves further throughout the offseason.

The first one mentioned by Lepak was Will Swanson. The Nebraska native was sharp in practice according to his K-State coaches, but he sat behind Samuel Wheeler who had a lot of experience as a sixth year guy.

Swanson played in every game last season as a reserve tight end and on special teams.

Brayden Loftin and Garrett Oakley were also both identified as potential candidates for the No. 2 tight end spot in Manhattan. Both players redshirted last season but have made some splash plays in the first handful of practices.

Evolution of Ben Sinnott

Lepak has a star in his position group with Sinnott. The former walk-on came on strong near the end of last year and has seen himself rise on NFL Draft boards throughout the offseason. Most consider him the second best tight end in the Big 12, only to Ja’Tavion Sanders of Texas.

Lepak knew Sinnott was always capable of being tremendously productive. From the time he stepped onto campus, he was making sensational plays in practice. Sinnott was a matchup nightmare in practice to the point where receivers coach Thad Ward said they needed to start giving him the ball more.

Lepak, Kansas State offensive coordinator Collin Klein and head coach Chris Klieman listened.

Sinnott will allow the Wildcats to be even more creative this year. That has been the theme of the offseason, that they have more freedom and comfort to add in a bit more intricacies and wrinkles to the offense.

That has not only been a collaboration between the K-State coaching staff but some of the players as well. Lepak explained how he is able to have more of a partnership and discussion with Sinnott on how to better utilize him and have him in advantageous spots to make a high-profile impact.

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— K-State Football (@KStateFB) August 9, 2023

How K-State added Metzger

One of the more unique questions asked to Lepak was about the recruitment of Andrew Metzger. His recruitment flew a little under the radar because it happened so fast and late in the process. However, the pursuit from Kansas State was much longer than it seemed.

Metzger popped on the Wildcats’ radar during his junior year. At that point in time, K-State was recruiting Will Anciaux very hard and were in the thick of it with the Wichita native. Because of that, they put Metzger’s recruitment on pause and told him they may fire it up if a spot opened.

Eventually that occurred. Soon afterwards, Kansas State made a move for Metzger and hosted him on campus for multiple visits, including a game and an official visit. They also had to fend off Nebraska when flipping the former Colorado commit.

No more fullbacks

As many have noted, the Wildcats no longer have the fullback position listed as a position group on the team’s roster page. However, that does not mean it doesn’t exist anymore. All of the K-State tight ends still do a few drills and reps as fullbacks.

Notably, Christian Moore is also still on the squad.