K-State Preview

Harry · August 17, 2012

Phil Steele's Returning Starters: (Offense: 8; Defense: 6; Specialists: 1)

Key Defensive Returnees: LB Arthur Brown (101 tackles, 2 sacks), CB Nigel Malone (58 tackles, 7 INT), DL Meshak Williams (28 tackles, 7 sacks), S Ty Zimmerman (58 tackles, 2 INT)

Key Offensive Returnees: QB Collin Klein (27 rushing TD, 13 passing TD, 6 INT), RB John Hubert (970 yds rush), WR Chris Harper (40 rec, 5 TD)

Top Recruits: MLB Will Davis (Scout.com's #41 MLB), TE Cody Small (#58 TE), QB Tay Bender (#77 QB), OG Aderius Epps (#79 OG), OT Tavon Rooks (JUCO)

Inside Scoop with Bring On the Cats:

CFBZ: Outside of Collin Klein, who are the players to watch on this offense?

Bring On the Cats: Sophomore wide receiver Tyler Lockett is a good place to start. He was just starting to find his way as a receiver last season when he fell on the ball against Oklahoma State and lacerated his liver. His skills as a kick returner will probably be somewhat neutralized by the new kickoff rules, but he should be improved as a receiver this season.

That may be kind of a slight to senior Chris Harper, who led K-State in receiving last season. He was steady and reliable, and has shown the ability to get behind the safety. If Klein can find him deep more consistently on play action this season, K-State's offense should be much more explosive.

Finally, a bit of a wildcard here. B.J. Finney is an excellent center and, even as just a sophomore, will anchor K-State's line. Some have been doubtful of K-State because a couple linemen departed, but with Finney back in the middle and returnees Nick Puetz and Ethan Douglas, there shouldn't be a huge dropoff here.

CFBZ: A lot of people are down on Kansas State this season, citing their close victories from last season. What is your take on all of their close victories last year and how that might impact this season?

Read more: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/sports/2012-pre-season-preview-14-kansas-state-wildcats