Kansas State's Gabe Powers And Rex Van Wyhe Leading The Way At Linebacker
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One of the biggest questions entering preseason camp for the Kansas State Wildcats football team was who would replace Austin Romaine on defense.
The Wildcats feel they have a pair of linebackers who could do that. Gabe Powers and Rex Van Wyhe could help fill the void left by Romaine, who left in the transfer portal to play for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
K-State defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson recently gave his assessment of how they have performed during training camp. He said both have used their work ethic to learn the new defensive system while also bringing confidence to the entire defense.
He's even come up with a nickname for them.
"They are the Bash Brothers," Peterson said. "They very much … have mastered the playbook in the sense that they understand the what and the why. They do a phenomenal job of taking control."
As a rotation linebacker, Van Wyhe finished with 31 tackles and a fumble recovery last season. Powers had 21 tackles.
WILDCATS HAVE LATE ADDITION TO ROSTER
Tight end Elias Wilson was supposed to be a member of the 2027 recruiting class for the Kansas State Wildcats.
Instead, he will arrive a year earlier.
Wilson announced he was reclassifying so he can play for the Wildcats this season. He is expected to arrive on campus this week.
"I'm super excited for this next chapter," Wilson posted on his social media account on X. "EMAW!"
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Wilson is from Denmark. He is known for his athletic ability, possessing a 37-inch vertical leap. He had an impressive showing on the summer camp circuit, especially at Florida State. He drew raves from many of the scouting services in attendance.
Wilson joins a solid group of tight ends that includes seven players. Senior Garrett Oakley is expected to land the starting spots, with five-star recruit Linkon Cure as the backup. Both should be primary targets for quarterback Avery Johnson, who is back for his third season as the full-time starter.
MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS
Who could be the Wildcats' X-Factor on defense?
Where does Avery Johnson's NIL rank in Big 12?
Get to know the latest member of the Kansas State football team
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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