Kansas State Preview

[NT03]

KANSAS STATE TEAM REPORT from Yahoo Sports

The Kansas State program appears to be in turmoil.

After losing the last four games of 2007 by a combined total of 86 points, the Wildcats lost 11 starters and three assistant coaches while signing 19 junior-college transfers in an act of desperation.

Attempting to get a read on what Kansas State wants to accomplish during spring practice is difficult, since the majority of the junior-college transfers have not yet arrived and new assistants are learning their responsibilities.

It appears third-year coach Ron Prince is in over his head, which a few astute observers wondered when the little-known assistant from Virginia was plucked to replace Bill Snyder, despite no ties to Kansas State.

Although the Wildcats get up for some games, their inconsistency was marred even more by the dismal finish last season, which kept Kansas State from qualifying for a bowl after it went 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the Big 12.

Offensively, the Wildcats return quarterback Josh Freeman, who threw for a school-record 3,353 yards last season. But his main target, All-America receiver Jordy Nelson, is gone. That could require more diversity in the Kansas State attack.

Defensively, Ian Campbell will move back to end after a dreadful move to outside linebacker left him schemed out of plays by opponents last season.

Judgment concerning any newcomers, and what impact they provide, must be reserved for fall camp, when Kansas State begins anew with several additional transfers. There will be little time to develop those players, and the turnover on the coaching staff only complicates matters.

Notes, Quotes

Spring Objectives: The development of the offensive line is essential if QB Josh Freeman is going to realize his potential. Freeman has played behind a spotty line each of his first two seasons. The play of the line will also determine what success Kansas State can build on the ground. RB James Patton is the only proven rusher returning, although four freshmen redshirted last season and could provide depth. Defensively, the Wildcats return proven players within every position group, though the breakdowns they suffered late last season were staggering.

Building Blocks: For better or worse, Freeman became the face of the program when he was anointed as a freshman starter at quarterback during the 2006 Big 12 schedule. As a junior, Freeman needs to exert leadership and also develop better command of the game and more accuracy on his throws. DE Ian Campbell is a playmaker who can help Kansas State regain some swagger on defense. The Wildcats recorded 30 sacks last season, but their aggressive style contributes to defenders being out of position.

Schedule Situation: Two difficult tests await in the non-conference slate, with Kansas State playing at home against Fresno State before traveling to Louisville. Attempts are being made to replace Fresno State with a FCS opponent. Future series have been arranged with UCLA, Miami, Oregon and Virginia Tech, a distinct change from the Bill Snyder era, when Kansas State was content to play mostly patsies before opening league play. The new approach would be better if third-year coach Ron Prince could field teams as good as Snyder's.

Quote To Note: "A lot of the things that we've done from a recruiting standpoint, evaluation standpoint, strategy, tactics to get the player have all been so we can have a fast, strong, tough, disciplined team."—Kansas State coach Ron Prince.

Strategy And Personnel

Stars Of 2008:

SS Gary Chandler—Named the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year last season, Chandler began growing comfortable late in the season and finished with 54 tackles. He is a hard hitter.

DE Ian Campbell—Numbers dropped last season after he recorded 17 1/2 tackles for loss and 11 1/2 sacks in 2006, but a move back to defensive end should enable Campbell to regain his playmaking edge.

C Jordan Bedore—Considered the Wildcats' top lineman, Bedore missed the last seven games in 2007 with an injury, and his loss devastated the Kansas State front.

Top Newcomers:

WR Adrian Hilburn—Junior-college transfer will get an early chance to make an impression by participating in spring drills. Hilburn caught 40 passes for 516 yards last season.

OT Wade Weibert—Another junior-college transfer who will get looks in the spring, Weibert begins what is often a tough transition for linemen as they begin playing at the Division I level.

LB Olu Hall—Confined to the scout team last fall after transferring from Virginia, Hall could make an impact if the 6-3, 232-pound sophomore carries his practice strengths into games.

WR Aubrey Quarles—A broken collarbone limited Quarles to just four games at Santa Rosa J.C. last season, but he appears to be a speedy deep threat who can also return kicks.

Roster Report:

• A suit was filed Feb. 21 in Riley County District Court by Executive Sports Management on behalf of one of its agents, who claims Kansas State coach Ron Prince reneged on $67,500 in payments.

• Another suit, filed Feb. 26 by the Kansas State athletic department, claims that former assistant Raheem Morris owes $106,646 for breach of contract stemming from his 2007 resignation. Morris is now defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• LB Chris Patterson suffered a cut hand during an altercation outside a Manhattan bar involving former RB James Johnson, who was stabbed five times.

Edited March 28, 2008 by NT03