Three Kansas State Wildcats Storylines Entering Preseason Camp
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The Kansas State Wildcats are coming off a disappointing season.
The 6-6 finish was so deflating that it led to them refusing to accept a bid to play in a postseason bowl game. It also led to coach Chris Klieman unexpectedly resigning.
It was the opening needed for the program to head in a new direction by hiring former Wildcats star quarterback Collin Klein, who gets his first chance as a head coach.
With preseason camp set to start next week, let's look at some key storylines that could determine if the Wildcats improve from last season.
DOES AVERY JOHNSON STILL HAVE CONFIDENCE?
When Johnson arrived in Manhattan, he drew comparisons to Klein and former Wildcats star Michael Bishop. Klein and Bishop are K-State legends and fans immediately put Johnson in the same class.
After sitting one year behind Will Howard, Johnson was given the keys. He drew preseason Heisman hype as a sophomore. While Johnson has been solid the last two seasons, he's yet to reach the level of Klein or Bishop.
As he enters his third season as the full-time starter, there are even more expectations for Johnson. The hope is he hasn't lost confidence. The addition of Klein, who helped recruit Johnson to K-State, should help the cause.
IS KLEIN READY FOR SPOTLIGHT?
In his senior season, Klein was among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy. So being in the spotlight isn't a problem. But is he ready to do it as a coach? This is a position he will take blame for everything that goes wrong.
The advantage Klein has is he's coaching at his alma mater. The fan base will allow him to ease into this. He already has a strong relationship with his quarterback. He also knows a few of the players who were on the roster when he was an assistant.
Still, this won't be an easy adjustment, especially playing in the Big 12.
WILL JOE JACKSON STILL NOW THAT HE'S ON SCOUTING REPORT?
Last year Jackson was an afterthought when it came to being the starting running back. That was role was pegged for Dylan Edwards, who lost the job early in the season that led to him to transferring to play for the Kansas Jayhawks. Jackson performed well while stepping in, but opponents will be ready for him this season. He is now on the scouting report. That is probably why the Wildcats brought in transfers Rodney Fields from the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Jay Harris (Oregon Ducks)to keep Jackson on his toes.
MORE K-STATE NEWS
A pair of former teammates reunited for Kansas State basketball team
Did Kansas State and Collin Klein lose too much in offseason?
Have we seen the best of K-State quarterback Avery Johnson?
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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