Kansas State’s secondary has an open feel to it right now, and Ja’Son Prevard is right in the middle of the fight for snaps.
Collin Klein has made it clear that competition is the rule across the roster, with quarterback and running back the only spots not up for grabs. That means Prevard, even after arriving from Virginia, still has work to do before locking down a starting role. Klein said earlier this week that the safety battle is especially tight.
"I think those two safety spots, it will be interesting to see how it shakes out because it is very competitive between Ja'Son, Logan Bartley, Wesley Fair, Adrian Maddox, even Koy Beasley a little bit. The combination of that and how that all fits together, it's good to have those options.
I think we have an idea of where it's headed, but credit them. They're getting better and competing with each other well."
Prevard brings real production with him. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior earned honorable mention All-ACC honors last season after posting 24 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defended. While Klein has not released a depth chart, Prevard is still believed to be in line for one of the starting safety jobs.
Kansas State landed a strong defensive addition in the portal, and Prevard was considered the second-best pickup behind defensive end Wendell Gregory, who transferred in from Oklahoma State. Gregory was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year a season ago.
All of this comes as Kansas State enters what could be its most anticipated football season in years. It is Klein’s first year at the helm after he replaced Chris Klieman, who resigned unexpectedly following last season’s 6-6 finish. A former Wildcats standout, Klein is trying to steer Kansas State back into Big 12 contention.
For fans wanting a closer look at the new era, the annual "Meet the Cats" event is set for Aug. 22 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, with gates opening at 11 a.m.
In Other News...
Kansas State Linebacker Battle Is Putting Early Pressure On Collin Klein
Training camp has already given Collin Klein a feel for one of the most watched spots on Kansas States roster, with the first-year head coach sizing up a linebacker group that includes Gabe Powers, Rex Van Wyhe, Mekhi Mason and Darien Whitaker Jr. As the Wildcats push toward a new season, Klein has been working through the early looks and trying to settle a unit that could end up shaping the tone of the defense.
The conversation gets even more interesting with Virginia transfer Ja'Son Prevard in the mix, adding another name to a competition that is still taking shape. Kansas State will get another chance to put the offseason buzz in front of its fan base at the August 22 event at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, but for now the linebacker battle remains one of the more important storylines hanging over Kleins first camp. [Read more 🡒]
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 🡒]