Friday, August 5, 2022
New QB and offensive coordinator tandem bringing optimism to Kansas State
Mackenzie Janish Adrian Martinez, an experienced transfer from Nebraska, is set to compete for the Kansas State quarterback job.
understanding what it’s like to be in their shoes. Braden Bush Despite whoever is running the Staff Reporter offense, expect a healthy amount of handoffs to Preseason All-Big 12 running back Deuce Vaughn. But health Over the next few weeks, The is key as experience is short behind O’Colly will be releasing its Big 12 him with two freshmen and sophomore preseason rankings in the form of team Jax Dineen recently converted from previews. Our writers picked the Kansas fullback. At receiver, juniors Malik State Wildcats to finish fifth in the Big Knowles and Phillip Brooks return as 12. the top duo from 2021. 2021 Kansas State record: 8-5 Coming off a season in which it overall (4-5 in Big 12) allowed only 21 points per game, the After five seasons of Skylar defense returns top linebacker Daniel Thompson, there’s a new face in the Green and a stout cornerback duo in quarterback room with just as much Ekow Boye-Doe and Julius Brents. Up college experience. Adrian Martinez front, defensive end Felix Anudiketransferred in after four years at NeUzomah returns with preseason all-conbraska and arrived during the summer ference honors after recording 11 sacks to contend for the starting job. last year. Thompson threw for over 2,000 “I’m excited because I think yards as a fifth-year senior a season ago Felix had a breakout season last year,” and became second all-time at Kansas Klieman said. “And I think if you could State in career passing touchdowns, ask him, I think he can be better, and he passing yards and total offense. Now, thinks he can be better, as well, espethe Wildcats have to replace that procially when you put the surrounding duction. pieces around him…” Sophomore Will Howard started In 2021, the Wildcats lost five in 10 games over the last two years in conference games but were in tight conplace of an injured Thompson, but he’s tests with OU, Baylor and Texas. Now, only completed 54% of passes in his K-State enters 2022 with six Preseason young career, along with 11 intercepAll-Big 12 selections – most in the contions and only nine touchdowns. Land- ference – and the depth and experience ing Martinez means bringing in a QB to finish those close games and return to with 38 career starts and a better feel the top of the conference. for the game. Kansas State fast facts: “Well, the thing that drew us to him was the amount of games he has All-time record vs OSU: 26-42 played at Nebraska,” said Kansas State Head coach: Chris Klieman head coach Chris Klieman. “If you get (Fourth season at KSU) around Adrian or you visit with Adrian, the first thing that jumps out at me is his 2022 Preseason All-Big 12 selecmaturity and what a grounded inditions: vidual he is.” Deuce Vaughn (Running back) Paired with Martinez will be Cooper Beebe (Offensive lineman) newly promoted offensive coordinator Malik Knowles (Kick and punt Collin Klein. Though Martinez amassed returner) nearly 8,500 passing yards in his CornFelix Anudike-Uzomah (Defenhusker career, he ran for over 2,300 sive lineman) yards and picked up 35 touchdowns. Daniel Green (Linebacker) Klein, known for his running ability Julius Brents (Defensive back) while playing at K-State, will now have a mobile-threat QB to fit his style of Notable Wildcats in the NFL: play. Byron Pringle (Wide receiver; “When I first met him, I feel like Chicago Bears) we clicked right away,” Martinez said. Dalton Risner (Offensive guard; “And something that’s cool about him is Denver Broncos) he’s been there and he’s done it, right? Tyler Lockett (Wide receiver; He was a Heisman finalist, he won a Big Seattle Seahawks) 12 Championship at K-State, he knows what it takes. And so having that experience, I think he’s done a really good job of connecting with the players and sports.ed@ocolly.com
On the road again Artists currently on tour Mallory Pool Staff Reporter
With the world returning to somewhat normalcy after a two-year pandemic, artists everywhere seem to be going on tour once again. With every genre from pop to country to alternative, these eight artists are currently on tour either nation or worldwide. Kendrick Lamar”s “The Big Stepper’s Tour” from July to September is a massive world tour promoting his fifth album, a double album titled “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers”, the last with longtime label TDE. “The Big Steppers Tour” will feature support from Baby Keem and Tanna Leone. Courtesy of Tribune News Service Kendrick Lamar performs on the Frank Stage at the Day N Vegas hip-hop music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Nov. 12, 2021, in Las Vegas.
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