Kansas State Football: Spring position groups to watch prior to 2019
By John McCarty
Which position groups should Kansas State football fans being paying attention to during the first spring of the Chris Klieman era?
A new head coach and new coaching staff has brought about a new way of thinking in Manhattan, as the Kansas State Wildcats take to the practice fields for their first set of spring practice under Chris Klieman. While everything is new, what position groups should fans be paying attention to this spring?
The quarterback position of discontent in 2018 needs consistency and a steady hand in 2019. Can Thompson be that steadying force?
Perhaps no position group embodied and perhaps led to the struggles of the Kansas State football team quite like the quarterback position. Skylar Thompson was clearly the better thrower between himself and now departed Alex Delton. However, Bill Snyder loved him some running quarterback play, creating a dilemma that created all kinds of issues and problems.
Thompson is not built to be a runner and was constantly hurt. Delton, while a running back with the ball in his hands, running the ball was similarly ineffective as a running back throwing. The offense sputtered and the team fell apart, highlighted by a disastrous showing against Oklahoma, falling 51-14.
Delton has now transferred and Thompson is ‘the guy’ going into the spring. Redshirt freshman John Holcombe appears to be the backup. Will a new coach and a fresh start lead to a more effective season from Thompson? I certainly think so and Kansas State fans certainly hope so. Otherwise, 2019 will be a long season.