Kansas State Football: Nicholls State Opening Press Conference

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Coach Klein’s opening Kansas State press conference took place earlier today. I’ve got most of the important information in the notes section, including an update on the multitude of offensive line injuries. It was pretty standard first press conference fare, but well worth a listen, if only so you can say, “I remember his first K-State press conference” as he hoists the CFP Trophy while throwing up the WC as purple confetti rains down on the field and grown men weep tears of joy.

Yes, I have a very active imagination. Why do you ask?

Notes

• Excited to play Nicholls State, good to have some things to look at on tape.
• Moving a lot of guys around on the offensive line, and things haven’t worked out like they projected heading into camp (injuries).
• Ryan Howard and Tyler Johnson are both coming off good weeks of practice (Johnson has been banged up as well; good to hear he’s ready to roll).
• Offensive guards Charlie Adams and Chase Duarte are different players now than when they arrived in January.
• Oliver Miller had a good camp, put some nice things on tape, and should give the line a boost when he returns (the obvious news is that Miller has joined the walking wounded and will be out for several weeks).
• He also mentions Tanner Morely as a player who has dealt with injury, but is “day to day,” with Miller being a more long-term injury.
• Whitaker brings flexibility and a hot-running motor to the edge. Gabe Powers and Rex Van Wye stepping up allowed the staff to move Whitaker from linebacker to edge rusher.
• Adrian Maddox didn’t make the initial depth chart at safety, but several safeties will rotate through both spots.
• Coach Klein says, “There’s not a spot (position) in this program that’s not for rent, and that’s their mindset from top to bottom.”
• Running back and tight end rotation will take shape over the first few weeks of the season.
• Coach Peterson will be on the sideline.
• Damion Miller has good length and high upside, which helped him secure a backup corner spot on the 2-deep.
• Coach Klein, “I remember running out that tunnel for the first time against North Texas as a true freshman, and that’s what I want for every one of our players.”
• Looking for the team to play hard for the entirety of the game in week one, and that’s the focus of the team every week.
• Garrett Oakley is respected in the locker room, and the younger players listen when he speaks.
• Keiton Jones (right guard) is still young and has a great physical build. He really came on in terms of understanding the offense and how to play the game in camp.
• JoJo Scott’s development curve has been “extremely steep.” He loves to compete, constently asks questions, has a great skill set, and has matured into his role. Coach Klein says he’s “fun to be around.”
• Thinks the new 5 for 5 eligibility rules are good for college football and keep the coaches from having to weigh the good of the program against what’s best for the player (in terms of redshirting). (I concur)
• The fallout and “all the craziness” around the offseason rule changes haven’t been good for college football. (I also concur)
• Starting corner Kaleb Patterson has experience, and his competitive maturity has helped the entire secondary. He’s done a great job in the leadership council, especially for a new guy coming into the program.
• Dylan Villarouel at center: His leadership grew in the offseason, and he has a good skill set and length.
• Coach Klien is confident in his ability to call plays from field level.
• Ryan Howard has worked hard getting his body ready to go.
• Jaron Tibbs has been a leader in the wide receiver room. The wide receivers have been competing and will continue to make strides throughout the season.
• Jay Harris and Brandon White won the kick return job through their consistency and ability to see the field. They hit returns the way the coaches want.
• Coach Klein has not picked out the first play of the season.
• He wants an offense that’s disciplined, explosive, and tough. The group has bought into the small details.
• Every day, there’s a new Kansas State highlight video from the past to teach the new guys the program’s history. They brought in “old guys” to share their stories at camp and help new players adjust to how Kansas State plays football and runs a program.
• Principles of the program (had to cut down Coach Snyder’s list because he’s not smart enough) – Note – there he has 7 principles, but he only mentions 3 in this press conference.
  • Commitment
  • Integrity
  • Expect to Win
• Wants Avery to be confident, play fast, and let his competitive fire and love for his teammates show.

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