Kansas State's Wendell Gregory Enters With Big Expectations In First Year With Program

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All the talk surrounding the Kansas State Wildcats football team has been about quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Joe Jackson. 

They got most of the attention last month at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas. Many are wondering if Johnson is finally ready to take another step and lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 title. Others are contemplating if Jackson can build on last year's breakout season. 

The K-State defense, however, has perhaps the most intriguing addition in the Big 12 on that side of the ball. Edge rusher Wendell Gregory joined the team in the spring after having a strong season for the Oklahoma State Cowboys a year ago. 

The expectations are so high that ESPN ranked as the 49th-best player in the transfer portal. Here's what the network said: "What a get for new coach Collin Klein and the Wildcats. Gregory had been linked to Texas Tech, Texas, Missouri and several other teams during his recruitment and ultimately chose to stay in the Big 12 and join a defense that was searching for a difference-maker off the edge to help replace departed transfer Tobi Osunsanmi." 

Last year he had 19 tackles and four sacks, including three in the season opener. 

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT K-STATE 

The Wildcats were predicted to finish No. 8 in the Big 12 in the preseason media poll. Most of that is because of the uncertainty of first-year coach Collin Klein. Still, many in the media have projected Klein to have an instant impact on the program. 

Here's what college football expert Phil Steele had to say about the Wildcats in his annual preview magazine: “Collin Klein is not your normal new head coach as he was a quarterback here and was the offensive coordinator just three years ago. I have question marks for them at offensive line, wide receiver, defensive line and linebacker, but Klein feels like they will answer them. They do avoid Texas Tech, Utah and BYU in Big 12 play, so they should get back to a winning record in Klein’s first year.”

MEET AND GREET SET FOR PLAYERS, COACHES 

This is perhaps the most anticipated football season for the Kansas State Wildcats in recent years. 

It marks the first year of the coach Klein era. He replaced the successful Chris Klieman, who resigned unexpectedly following last year's 6-6 finish. A former Wildcats star, Klein has hopes of making them once again a contender in the Big 12 conference. 

And fans can have their to meet Klein and the players Aug. 22 at the annual "Meet the Cats" event at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m.

MORE K-STATE NEWS 

K-State legend Michael Bishop makes his way back to Big 12

Let's take a look at three storylines for fall camp 

Kansas State makes an offer for 2008 tight end 

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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