Rapid Recap: Kansas State LB health status

Kansas State health updates

To be honest, Kansas State came away pretty healthy after the season opener versus UT-Martin.

Most of the injuries are on the defensive side of the ball and are at one position. Linebacker has been a bit of a concern health-wise. Asa Newsom did not suit up in the 2024 debut and Austin Moore did not play the entire second half.

However, things are trending up for both. Newsom was back in practice on Wednesday and K-State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman believes he will be able to play this week. Moore is also feeling better and also expected to play.

Young players standing out

Like with the offense, Klanderman was also asked about some younger players standing out after re-watching the first K-State of the season. He pointed out a few players not on the two-deep that made a strong impression.

Cornerback Donovan McIntosh was the first player mentioned. Klanderman enjoyed seeing McIntosh play in a game setting and running and flying around. Another defensive back that was spotlighted was Wesley Fair for how fast he played.

Asher Tomaszewski did not play a lot, but he was disruptive in his time, as well as Terry Kirksey.

A look at Tulane’s offense

Tulane’s offensive players are also figuring out a new scheme under new head coach Jon Sumrall.

It starts with elite running back Makhi Hughes. He ran for almost 1,400 yards a season ago, along with seven touchdowns. Hughes fits the Green Wave scheme well and has great contact balance and has the attention of the Kansas State defense.

Klanderman also praised Sumrall for what he is doing early on at Tulane. He compared this year’s club to the Troy offense the Wildcats played last season. The Green Wave have a good offensive line, quarterback and have wide receivers who can make plays on the outside, like Mario Williams.

They run a lot of shift, trade and motion offensively. That has been something K-State has been working on defending this week and communicating through it. The Wildcats have to be aligned defensively before the snap.