Rapid Recap: Offensive line updates at Kansas State camp

Kansas State challenged with fighting complacency

Having all of the starters back can pose problems for Kansas State this season, as noted by offensive line coach Conor Riley. It presents unique challenges. Battling complacency has been at the front of his mind since everyone announced they would return.

It can be easy for everyone, himself included, to feel accomplished and comfortable about what they were able to achieve last season and lose sight of the amount of hard work that it commanded to do so. However, the K-State coach wouldn’t let those feelings and thoughts exist.

Instead, he set out on a different mission in the offseason in order to lead by example, set the behavior for his players to model and hoped that they were able to recognize it and practice that approach themselves.

Riley’s hunger, drive and continued ambition pushed him to seek out new offensive wrinkles for Kansas State to incorporate, ways to improve on the current concepts they have already instilled and how to more effectively teach and instruct on particular techniques.

He did so for his players to understand that the work doesn’t stop. They have mimicked that approach and process, and the entire unit continues to get better because of it. From the older players to the younger guys in the room, everyone has remained willing to learn new things.

Second unit closing the gap

Speaking of the younger K-State linemen, the second unit is closing the gap on the starters according to their coach. It has always been his goal for the Wildcats to have eight or nine offensive linemen that can play at a high level, and it appears Kansas State has arrived at that destination.

The second unit has been a reason why the older players have not been complacent. They know they can be replaced rather easily because of the talent in the room. For the second straight day, Sam Hecht was mentioned as a player that is making waves.

Poitier’s progress

Something that should not go unnoticed was Riley’s discussion of Taylor Poitier.

The K-State senior has missed almost all of the last two seasons due to knee injuries. He is moving well and is looking good and has turned the right guard spot back into a position battle between he and Hadley Panzer.

Riley mentioned that Poitier is even further than he was at the same time last season. That is a great sign for the Wildcats.

Retention of younger K-State players

In today’s age of college athletics, it is rare for young players to stick around after older players announce they are returning to school. It is so easy to enter the transfer portal, find what they would perceive to be a better opportunity and to begin chartering a new path.

When the Kansas State starting offensive line announced that they were returning for an extra season in Manhattan, the thought of it resulting in a chunk of attrition definitely crossed the mind of Riley. He and head coach Chris Klieman discussed the possibility and ramifications.

However, the Wildcats only lost Kingsley Ugwu and Jalen Klemm. Only losing two is impressive, to say the least. That says a lot about Riley, but he credited the players themselves and views it as a statement of how close they are with one another.

Answer at right tackle

Christian Duffie will miss the first few weeks of the season with an injury. Klieman mentioned a few names in his press conference on Tuesday as possible replacements. The first name mentioned by Riley was Carver Willis. He was also the most prominent one.

The Colorado native was thrusted into action in 2020 as a true freshman and played in four games. He did not see any game action in 2021, but Willis played in seven games as a reserve offensive linemen last season.

The arrow continues to be pointed upward for Willis.