Rapid Recap: Where Kansas State wants to be better

Kansas State return game

Kansas State has been lacking a bit in the return portion of special teams the last two seasons. This season could be different. Dylan Edwards, Jayce Brown, Keagan Johnson and Sterling Lockett were all mentioned as possible returners for K-State.

According to head coach Chris Klieman, it may be a return by committee to begin the season. They want to give them all a chance. All four players will see some time either returning kicks or punts. The depth chart shows that as well. But Edwards was the most prevalent name.

Klieman also highlighted special teams is a major way to give their most dynamic players the ball in their hands and want to do that this season.

Looking to improve in a few areas from last season

The Kansas State head boss is looking for his team to improve in two ways this season from last year.

He wants the K-State offense to hit more home runs and be more explosive. The Wildcats have high upside weapons this season and want to get the ball in their hands in space and give them a chance for some house calls.

Defensively, he is hopeful Kansas State can eliminate the explosive plays. It is an area the Wildcats really struggled in last season, specifically against Texas and Iowa State.

Tight end standing out

One player received glowing reviews from the K-State head coach Monday afternoon. Tight end Brayden Loftin has really blown Klieman away the last few weeks of practices. He has made play after play for the Wildcats.

It has also not just been in the passing game, but he has also been great and willing run blocker. While he does not have a lot of game experience, he is someone Kansas State wants to count on this season. Garrett Oakley has been given some reps off during training camp to make sure he’s healthy, and Loftin has benefited.

Strength of K-State

Coming out of training camp, Klieman believes there are two big strengths on both sides of the ball. Defensively, it is the veterans and the depth on the roster. There is experienced players all over the K-State defense, with a fifth or sixth year player at all three levels expected to play a significant role.

Offensively, it is the skill position players. Kansas State is just better and deeper at both running back and wide receivers. They have playmakers to get the ball to that can also turn a short gain into a potential score.

Different players in the wide receiver room have jumped out in practice almost every day, along with the running backs and tight ends.