Kansas State’s linebacker room looks a lot different after Austin Romaine headed for the transfer portal in January and eventually landed at Texas Tech. That departure left new Wildcats coach Collin Klein with work to do, but based on what he’s seen in training camp, the group is starting to come together.
Klein said earlier this week that four linebackers have stood out in the rotation.
"The four that are kind of rotating through and really doing a nice job are Gabe Powers, Rex Van Wyhe, Mekhi Mason and Darien Whitaker Jr. Those four have kind of been working through there. I think we're finding some rotations with them, but all of them are doing a heck of a job."
At this point, Powers and Van Wyhe appear to be the names to watch at the top of the group.
The Wildcats also brought in Virginia transfer Ja'Son Prevard, and he is not being handed anything. Klein said earlier this week that he has also been evaluating Prevard, along with Logan Bartley, Wesley Fair, Adrian Maddox and Koy Beasley.
Prevard brings a proven résumé into the mix. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior was an honorable mention All-ACC pick last season and finished with 24 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defended. While Klein has not released a depth chart, Prevard is widely expected to claim one of the starting spots.
This is shaping up as one of the most watched seasons Kansas State has had in recent years. It is the first year of the Collin Klein era after he took over for Chris Klieman, who resigned unexpectedly after last season’s 6-6 finish. Klein, a former Wildcats standout, is aiming to push Kansas State back into Big 12 contention.
Fans will get a chance to see Klein and the team up close on Aug. 22 at the annual "Meet the Cats" event at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m.
In Other News...
Kansas State Is Quietly Adding Tight End Depth Fans Should Watch
Kansas State has quietly added another name to its tight end room in Owen Harrington, a true sophomore from California who arrives after a season at Foothill College. Harrington posted 14 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown there last year, giving the Wildcats a young option with some junior college production already on his rsum.
For a Kansas State offense that likes to keep versatile pieces moving around, Harringtons fit could make him more than a depth add if he adjusts quickly. Hell be competing for snaps at both tight end and H-back, which gives the staff another flexible body to work with as it sorts out who can handle the different jobs in the scheme. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas State Still Has A Big Safety Question In Collin Klein Era
With the first season of the Collin Klein era approaching, Kansas States secondary is still taking shape, and one of the more interesting battles is at safety. Ja'Son Prevard, the transfer from Virginia, is in the mix for a starting job as Klein and the staff sort through a group that is getting a real chance to compete rather than being handed spots before camp settles in.
Klein has made it clear the safety spots are wide open and that several players are pushing for those roles, which makes this one of the more important camp stories to watch for the Wildcats. Fans hoping to get an early look can catch the team at the Meet the Cats event on Aug. 22 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, where the next step in that competition will be one of the things worth tracking. [Read more 🡒]