DEFENSE
We's gonna get you... just, maybe, don't move so fast all the time.
#27, Cornerback: David Garrett
What's a defensive player doing playing receiver? Thanks, other guys.
David's my favorite defensive player this year. He's small. He's mighty. He's undersized and extra motivated. Basically, he's the K-State special of the year. Only Snyder would give him a chance and only Snyder could get him to be so productive. Though I don't put much stock in silly David Ubben, he chose Garrett as our only representative on this list. So, there's that. Also, can you believe Herbie's prediction about Tuggle? He's not even a fan and he's still drinking the Blinn Co. kool-aid. It's enough to make me wonder...
#12, Safety: Ty Zimmerman
Junction City native, coach's son, eager to please with great instincts. His big game last year was against Texas, where he picked off Garrett Gilbert twice. Since then, you can find two jerseys in town - #8 and #12. He's still learning, but he never makes the same mistake twice. I like watching him grow up play by play. His family should help keep him from the sophomore slump and I'm hoping he's even more surprising this year. He can't hit like Cooper, but he's got a little Canty in him.
#4, Middle Linebacker: Arthur Brown
I'm buying the hype. For starters, the bar is set so low for the K-State run defense. Arthur has the speed and the size and the football IQ to create immediate improvement. Dude is silly fast. I'm not sure if he's the leader he needs to be to keep the unit together, but he'll at least incite some fire on the line. Coach likes him, I like him. Also, this video sure makes both of the brothers look pretty damn cool.
#3, Cornerback: Allen Chapman
I have no idea if Allen will be any good. The cornerback position is supposedly the most competitive on the team and on the first depth chart he was falling behind. That aside, his teammates call him Bubba and his middle name is Furious. You've got to have faith in a name like that. Now wait a second. Stop, think, and get a good clear picture in your mind of what you think Bubba Furious looks like. Were you right? About any of it?
OFFENSE
Yes I know, Daniel Thomas is gone. We have a new #8 this year, but I doubt we'll see anything as cool as this for awhile.
#28, Running Back: Robert Rose
He's the little one. Yes, the really little one. I hope this kid plays, because he is absolutely my favorite offensive player this year. I love tiny running backs. Coach is still being coy about him, but I like this comparison. Realistically, he's third string, but I think the position will have a lot of rotation this year to keep lines guessing. He's a William Powell story, though a little less tragic. His trainer is Mario Smith, which means we have a new reason to watch this clip again. How can you not cheer for a tiny running back? Tiny running backs and giant fullbacks. It's classic Big 8 football.
#7, QB1: Collin Klein
An obvious choice, but he's just such a good guy. He even understands the importance of clean room/dirty room coaching. His main strength should be his leadership, which might just be enough to keep Bryce in check. His option read was terrific last year - the biggest question is whether he can utilize all those wide receivers Michael Smith has coached up.
#37, Fullback: Braden Wilson
Rock Cartwright (real) and Tim Riggins (fictional) are two of my favorite football players of all time. The fullback position is such a physical, dominating surprise. You either get a huge block or a crazy run or you have no idea they exist. Braden is an NFL caliber fullback that has earned huge praise from Snyder. Now that Daniel Thomas is gone and Snyder is busy teaching Bryce Brown humility, Braden should get the carries and the notice he deserves. Oh, and he's from Smith Center. He's Bill Snyder football.
#16, Wide Receiver: Tyler Lockett
All the receivers look great, and I doubt Tyler will get much playing time, unless we have the same injury problems as last year. I'd love to see Tyler emerge as our go-to return guy on special teams, but he could be a couple of years away from that. My sentimental heart can't not put him on my list. I'm sure he'll be the number I look for the most, even if he turns in a quiet freshman season. It'll be exciting to see if it turns out more like his Daddy or his Uncle. Oh, and does anyone else remember this? I'm surprised Tyler was allowed to play after that.
Is it too early to get excited for the other #4? Probably. But this is encouraging.
Final Prediction: I think we win 10 games this year, but we'll need the bowl game to do it. Yup. I'm adopting the Steven Miller philosophy of reckless optimism. Why not?
Goodness, I love that tunnel.
