On the heels of a 2002 campaign that saw Kansas State rise from unranked to the No. 6 position in the final ESPN/USA Today coaches poll, come within eight points of an undefeated season and equal its biggest jump in the win column in school history, Bill Snyder's Wildcats know that more will be required in 2003.

Five 11-win seasons and 10 consecutive bowl berths have placed K-State among the nation's elite programs. However, aiming for the status quo and standing pat in the rugged Big 12 Conference is hardly a recipe for success. According to the coaching staff areas of improvement must be realized. Which is why Snyder remains unwaivering in his approach.

Snyder's message since arriving in Manhattan 15 years ago has always focused on improvement - both as a person and a player. And it's a theme he has placed a special emphasis on when speaking about the 2003 squad.

"I think first and foremost we are concerned with collectively showing improvement at all positions," Snyder said. "That's whether it is a returning starter or in a position where we don?t have a returning starter."

With a 13-game schedule riddled with potential potholes awaiting Kansas State, Snyder is acutely aware that improvement will be required just to maintain the status quo.

Solid progress was made during the spring on both sides of the ball in an attempt to sure up the loss of 10 starters, including Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and first-round draft pick cornerback Terence Newman, middle linebacker and All-Big 12 first teamer Terry Pierce and the core of the offensive line.

The good news for Kansas State is that it returns the brunt of its offensive attack, led by All-America candidates Ell Roberson, Darren Sproles and Nick Leckey. All told, the Wildcats will have 98 percent of its rushing offense, 61 percent of its receiving offense and 89 percent of its scoring in camp when the Wildcats open practice on July 29.

On defense, Kansas State brings back five starters from last year's squad that finished second in the nation in total defense. It was the sixth consecutive season the Wildcats have ranked in the top five nationally in that category and capable newcomers will have to step up if K-State is to continue that trend.

However, the cupboard is hardly bare on the defensive side of the ball. Leading tackler and All-Big 12 second-team outside linebacker Josh Buhl along with leading sack man and fellow conference second teamer Andrew Shull will provide a strong presence in the box. The secondary will be anchored by safety Rashad Washington, who led K-State's defensive backs in 2002 with 80 tackles and was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection.

The season gets underway on Aug. 23, when the Wildcats meet California at Arrowhead Stadium in the BCA Classic. The game, K-State's earliest season opener ever, is the first of 15 potential games for the Wildcats, eight of which will be played in KSU Stadium.

Offense

Returning Starters (7): OL Nick Leckey, OL Mike Johnson, TE Thomas Hill , QB Ell Roberson, RB Darren Sproles, FB Travis Wilson, WR James Terry.

Starters Lost (4): OL Thomas Barnett, OL Billy Miller, OL Steve Washington, WR Taco Wallace.

Offensive Line

Returning Lettermen: Jeromey Clary*, Jon Doty*, Mike Johnson*, Jesse Keaulana-Kamakea*, Nick Leckey***, Ryan Lilja*, Ben Rettele**.

Lettermen Lost: OL Thomas Barnett****, OL Dralinn Burks**, OL Billy Miller**, OL Steve Washington****.

The 2002 campaign saw Kansas State's offensive line block for a rusher that eclipsed the school record for rushing yards in a season.

In 2001, it was Josh Scobey running behind an offensive line that used nine different starters and eight different combinations in 12 games.

Last year, Sproles ran behind an offensive line that not only stayed basically intact, but was solid enough to develop some quality depth.

The 2003 K-State offensive line returns Leckey and junior Mike Johnson among those who started games for the Wildcats in 2002.

Leckey was a consensus All-Big 12 first-teamer a year ago and comes into the 2003 season having made 25 consecutive starts at left guard. Leckey, who started two of the nine games he played as a true freshman in 2000, was also a first team All-America pick last year by CBS SportsLine.com.

Leckey has also seen significant action at center over the past two seasons and will be penciled in at that position to open camp followed by junior Ryan Schmuecker.

Johnson started all but two games at right guard for K-State in 2002, and sits the fall atop the depth chart at that position followed by senior Ben Rettele, whose lone career start came vs. Texas A&M in 2001.

At the other guard spot is senior Ryan Lilja. A 300-pounder who played as a reserve at a guard spot last season, he had a strong spring and will be the the front-runner at that spot when camp opens in the fall. Jesse Keaulana-Kamakea saw considerable playing time in 2002 for the Wildcats as a backup guard and is sure to provide Lilja with plenty of competition.

K-State will need to replace both tackles from a year ago. Thomas Barnett leaves Manhattan after six seasons (one as a medical redshirt) and 43 career starts, while both Dralinn Burks and Billy Miller, who shared the right tackle spot, finished their eligibility in 2002.

Junior Jon Doty and sophomore Jeromey Clary both emerged from spring practice atop the depth chart in the tackle positions.

Clary saw a great deal of playing time in 2002 as a true freshman and will be backed up by junior transfer Peni Holakeituai, who redshirted in Manhattan a year ago.

Pushing Doty will be 315-pound junior Chris Boggas, who appeared in three games as a reserve during 2002.

Coach Bob Stanley on the offensive line:

"A work in progress? may be the term that best describes this Kansas State offensive line. With starting guard, Outland and Lombardi Awards candidate Nick Leckey moving to the center position in the Spring, we will need to reload at both tackle and guard positions. There are strong possibilities for outstanding competition for these offensive line positions. This should help us in accelerating our development as well as provide much-needed depth in a 13 to 15 game schedule. As a unit, this offensive line is athletic with an outstanding work ethic. We anticipate a very enthusiastic and productive unit that will enhance our skill players and be fun to watch."

Wide Receivers

Returning Lettermen: Davin Dennis*, Derrick Evans*, James Terry*.

Lettermen Lost: Brandon Solt*, Taco Wallace*.

With Taco Wallace now wearing a Seattle Seahawks uniform, the Wildcats will need to replace their top receiver from 2002.

Wallace, who led Kansas State in catches (39) and receiving yards (704), emerged from a pack of Wildcat wideouts that possessed little experience.

The other receiver to breakout for K-State in 2002 was 6-foot-5 James Terry, who does return. Terry tied Wallace for the team lead in touchdown catches with five in 2003, and had an impressive 20 yards per catch on his 28 receptions.

Terry led K-State with five catches for 90 yards in the Holiday Bowl win over Arizona State. He will open 2003 with at least one catch in the last seven games in which he's played, as he missed last year's game at Baylor. Four of his catches were for at least 40 yards.

Derrick Evans, whose second career touchdown catch was the game-winner in last December's Holiday Bowl, also returns for the Wildcats. Evans was fourth on the team with 13 receptions a year ago, making six catches in the first two games of the season.

The third returning letterman from 2002 is sophomore Davin Dennis, who had three catches last year and enters the fall as the co-No. 1 at one wide receiver spot along with junior Antoine Polite.

Those pushing the returnees for field time include seniors LaRoy Bias and John Cooper, as well as junior Tony Madison. Newcomers Toney Coleman, Jermaine Moreira and Pat Thompson may also get a look.

Coach Greg Peterson on the wide receivers:

"We expect an increased level of play from our wide receivers this season. James Terry and Derrick Evans provide us with experience as returning starters. Antoine Polite, Davin Dennis, Jon Cooper and Daniel Davis should also figure in the mix and provide us with intense competition."

Tight Ends

Returning Lettermen: Brian Casey*, Thomas Hill**, Travon Magee*.

Lettermen Lost: Brain Lamone***.

The tight end spot was one with both talent and depth in 2002, and should be even better this season with the return of Thomas Hill and Travon Magee, who finished 2002 in the top two spots on the depth chart.

Hill was third on the team with 17 catches last year, having at least one catch in 10 of the Wildcats? 13 games. He finished with 294 yards in receiving and a pair of touchdowns. His blend of size, speed and hands earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 status by both the coaches and the Associated Press.

Magee also has outstanding speed, hands and size, and will push Hill throughout the fall for the starting spot.

Brian Casey earned a letter in 2002 and also returns, while freshman Rimmon McNeese redshirted last year.

Coach Matt Miller on the tight ends:

"Once again the tight end position will be a talented spot for us. This is a hard-working group that I expect to battle each other for playing time throughout the season. Thomas Hill may be the headliner, but there is plenty of depth behind him, which will provide us with unlimited combinations at the position."

Quarterbacks

Returning Lettermen: Ell Roberson***, Jeff Schwinn*.

Lettermen Lost: Marc Dunn**.

All-America candidate Ell Roberson has fought a pitched battle for the starting spot at quarterback during each of the past two seasons. But for the first time in his career, he enters fall camp as the clear-cut starter after a breakout 2002 campaign.

Roberson set quarterback-rushing records at Kansas State last year for a single-play (91 yards against Nebraska), a single-game (228 vs. Nebraska), a single-season (1,032) and a career (1,843).

In addition to all that prowess on the ground, he showed tremendous improvement in the passing game ratcheting up his completion percentage from .397 to .520 and his pass efficiency rating from 90.5 to 136.5. He suffered only four interceptions in 175 attempts last year, while throwing for 1,580 yards and seven touchdowns.

Roberson finished the season as the Offensive MVP in the Holiday Bowl and as a third team All-Big 12 selection by the league's coaches.

But despite these accomplishments, Roberson will still be getting pushed in practice by an ever-improving Jeff Schwinn.

Schwinn was third on the depth chart last year, but proved throughout the season in practice that he is a capable passer. In his three appearances for the Wildcats last season, he completed 7 of 12 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Dylan Meier will open the fall in the No. 3 spot on the depth chart after redshirting in 2002. Allen Webb, a transfer from Indiana, had a solid showing during the spring game but will sit out the 2003 campaign under NCAA transfer guidelines.

Coach Del Miller on the quarterbacks:

"We have excellent experience with the return of Ell Roberson. He and senior Jeff Schwinn should continue to improve in 2003 and make a tremendous impact on our football team."

Running Backs

Returning Lettermen: Carlos Alsup*, Daniel Davis*, Lance Kramer**, Victor Mann*, Danny Morris***, Paul O?Neil*, Ayo Saba*, Darren Sproles**, Travis Wilson*.

Lettermen Lost: Nick Hoheisel****, Larry Lewis*, Joe Nelson*.

There are a number of ways to figure the depth and talent at running back for K-State heading into 2003.

First, there have been seven 1,000-yard seasons by Wildcat rushers. One was accomplished last season by a quarterback - Roberson. Two others have been the back-to-back record-setting seasons of Josh Scobey, now an Arizona Cardinal, and Sproles.

Next, nine players are on the depth chart as returning lettermen at the running-back spots. Finally, no less than 18 different Wildcats got at least one carry for the ?Cats in 2002, with 11 returning this fall.

Sproles has gained the most attention of the group of returnees after setting eight school records last year, including most yards in a season both rushing (1,465) and all-purpose (1,800), while averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

The junior will open the 2003 season within range of becoming K-State's all-time leading rusher. He is currently ninth on the career rushing list, with his 1,675 yards ranking just behind Roberson's 1,843.

Depending on Roberson's running in 2003, a second straight 1,000-yard season by Sproles could push him past the man atop the career rushing list. He needs just 862 yards to match the 2,537 of Eric Hickson (1994-95, ?96-97).

Behind Sproles at tailback is senior Danny Morris, who played in seven games before missing the rest of the 2002 season with an injury, and sophomore Carlos Alsup, who had 70 yards last year carrying the ball in only five games after being moved over from defense following Morris' injury.

Then there is Daniel Davis, who gained 224 yards as a junior, but saw some time at wide receiver during the spring due to the log jam in the Wildcat backfield.

Fullback Travis Wilson had an outstanding junior season after transferring from Michigan State. He also averaged better than six yards per carry, finishing fifth on the team with 126 yards.

An effective and tenacious blocker, Wilson led Sproles through many holes in 2002 and finished the year by earning honorable mention on the All-Big 12 team picked by the league's coaches.

Sophomore Ayo Saba made his mark quickly for Kansas State, scoring touchdowns on each of his first three carries as a collegian and finishing his freshman year with eight touchdowns on his 39 carries, scoring at least one touchdown in seven different games. His 48 points were fourth on the team for the ?Cats in 2002 and were the most by a freshman non-kicker in school history.

Victor Mann is also an outstanding returnee at fullback, having gained 97 yards in his first season with K-State. Senior Lance Kramer, sophomore Paul O?Neil and redshirt freshman Donnie Anders will also be in the mix at the two running-back spots.

Coach Michael Smith on the Running Backs:

"We expect great things from this group. We have plenty of experience coming back, but with that experience will come the pressure of living up to expectations. Darren Sproles, Danny Morris, Carlos Alsup and Daniel Davis give us three players that can win in our conference. Travis Wilson, along with Victory Mann and Ayo Saba at the fullback spots round out what should be a solid corp."

Defense

Returning Starters (5): DE Andrew Shull, LB Bryan Hickman, LB Josh Buhl, CB Randy Jordan, SS Rashad Washington.

Starters Lost (6): DT Corey White, DT Tank Reese, DE Henry Bryant , LB Terry Pierce , CB Terence Newman , FS Bobby Walker.

Defensive Line

Returning Lettermen: Andrew Bulman*, Alax Carrier**, Thomas Houchin**, Justin Montgomery**, Andrew Shull***.

Lettermen Lost: Henry Bryant**, Eric Everley***, Cory Hoffman**, Tank Reese**, Corey White**, Melvin Williams****.

One of the strongest and deepest position groups of the 2002 season emerged as one of the most dominating defensive lines at K-State in some time.

The Wildcats allowed only 69.5 rushing yards per game last year, completely erasing the previous school record of 96.5 yards. The loss, though, of three of the four starters, means that many players who got valuable time a year ago will be battling for spots.

Andrew Shull is the lone returning starter, coming back at defensive end after starting 11 of the Wildcats' 13 games last year. He led K-State with 10 sacks a year ago, one of only seven Wildcats in history to have double figures in sacks in a season. Shull also led K-State with 17 tackles for losses and forced four fumbles, earning second team All-Big 12 honors from AP.

Thomas Houchin also returns for his senior year at a defensive-end spot, having started the two games Shull missed. Houchin was 10th in tackles last year, but tied with Corey White for the team lead in QB hurries with 14. Houchin also had 2.5 sacks a year ago.

Junior Alax Carrier and sophomore Scott Edmonds are also strong candidates for the top spots at ends and enter the fall as the primary backups along with Kevin Huntley, who made great progress during his redshirt year in 2002. Senior Lee File will also provide depth at this position.

Tank Reese and Corey White finished their eligibility last year, leaving both defensive tackle positions up for grabs.

Two-year letterman Justin Montgomery wrapped up the spring atop the depth chart at one tackle spot and enters his junior season with 54 career tackles in 22 games. Montgomery started seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2001, with his only start of 2002 coming against Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl.

Andrew Bulman, an outstanding performer in the weight room, battled to a stalemate during spring drills with junior Jermaine Berry, who sat out last season as a redshirt after transferring from Butler County CC. Bulman had 12 tackles in nine games for K-State last year.

Sophomore Derek Marso and junior Jerad Cowan will push those at the top of the charts at the tackle spots, along with redshirt freshman Quintin Echols and newcomers Steve Cline, Alphonso Moran and Malcolm Wooldridge.

Coach Mo Latimore on the defensive line:

"Our defense is built around our defensive tackle position. Since losing Tank Reese and Corey White we are looking to see who will move to the front and assume the role of playmaker."

Linebackers

Returning Lettermen: Josh Buhl***, Matt Butler*, Bryan Hickman**, Jerad Johnson *, Marurice Thurmond**.

Lettermen Lost: Andy Klocke****, Terry Pierce***.

The return of Buhl and Bryan Hickman at outside linebacker will certainly help alleviate the opening in the middle created by the early departure of Terry Pierce for the NFL Draft.

The starting linebackers finished first, second and fourth on the team in tackles for the Wildcats in 2002, and the trio started all 13 games.

Leading the defensive stats was Buhl, who returns for his senior season after starting 22 games in the last two years. Buhl's 135 tackles were tied for 11th on the

K-State's single-season list, while his 77 solo stops marked the third-best season in school history.

Buhl was selected to the All-Big 12 second team by the AP and third team by the coaches.

On the other side, Hickman was one of the most improved players on the team in 2002. He was fourth in tackles with 79, fourth with 13 tackles for loss and picked off three passes, including two against Oklahoma State.

Hickman, who had three games with double figures in tackles, including a career-high 11 against Iowa State, earned all-conference honorable mention from both the coaches and AP last year.

Sophomore Matt Butler, who had 23 tackles in 13 games as a freshman, proved to be a capable replacement for Pierce at middle linebacker during the spring game, racking up five total tackles, including two for losses and a quarterback sack. He also had a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.

He will receive an immediate challenge for starting duties from highly touted junior-college transfer Marvin Simmons, who earned first team JuCo All-America honors at Compton College as a freshman in 2002.

Sophomore Ted Simms appeared in three games during 2002 and should also figure in the mix inside.

Juniors Jerad Johnson and Maurice Thurmond each lettered a year ago for the Wildcats after having strong seasons on special teams. Thurmond finished with 28 tackles as a sophomore in 2002.

Coach Brett Bielema on the linebackers:

"We return two of three starters from very solid unit. Josh Buhl returns at weak linebacker, where he led the team in tackles last season. Brian Hickman is back at the strong linebacker spot after completing his first season as a starter. In the middle we have two sophomore, Matt Butler and Ted Sims, as well as transfer Marvin Simmons battling for starting duties. Several other young linebackers will play roles on special teams in addition to their normal linebacker positions."

Defensive Backs

Returning Lettermen: Randy Jordan*, James McGill*, Marcus Patton*, David Rose*, Jesse Tetuan*, Rashad Washington***.

Lettermen Lost: James Dunnigan**, Jerry McCloud*, Terence Newman****, Chris Post*, Bobby Walker**.

Arguably one of the best performances by a Kansas State player in any season was turned in by Newman in 2002. Newman's dominating season resulted in his selection for the Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back in college football.

At many points in 2002, opposing teams decided to throw away from Newman. The good news from that strategy for the Wildcats was the opportunity for other players to mature, a factor which will be important in 2003.

Randy Jordan will open the spring atop the depth chart at the cornerback slot he patrolled last season. Jordan was ninth on the tackle chart for the Wildcats last year, finishing with 46 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass breakups.

He will be pushed for playing time by a pair of Garden City CC transfers in Cedrick Williams and Corey Reddick. Both got their feet wet during spring practice after putting up solid junior college careers.

In the mix for the other corner spot, as well as positions in the rotation this spring are juniors David Rose and junior Louis Lavender.

Rose played in all 13 games for the Wildcats last year, making 11 tackles. Lavender sat out 2002 after transferring from West L.A. College.

At the safety spots, Washington started all 13 games at strong safety for Kansas State last year, finishing third on the defensive chart with 80 tackles. Washington was an honorable mention All-Big 12 pick by the AP last year and will return as one of the top safeties in the league in 2003.

Junior Marcus Patton concluded the spring as the backup at strong safety. He made 19 tackles in 13 games as a sophomore.

Sophomore Jesse Tetuan, who had 21 tackles and a pair of interceptions in a breakout freshman season a year ago, will battle senior James McGill for the top spot at free safety. Tetuan, who had a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown at Baylor, emerged from spring practice with the edge.

Coach Bob Elliott on the linebackers:

"How do you replace a Terence Newman? We will feel his absence but are hopeful that this group will rise to the high standards we have at K-State in the secondary. Rashad Washington will be the glue for this group. His performance and leadership are essential to our success. Randy Jordan, Jesse Tetuan and James McGill all gained valuable experience in 2002. In addition, we have several players waiting for their opportunity to shine."

Specialists

Returning Starters (4): K Jared Brite, K joe Rheem, LS (PK) Russ Vanover, LS (P) Mike Wilson.

Starters Lost (2): P Travis Brown, PR/KR Terence Newman.

Returning Lettermen: Jared Brite***, Joe Rheem**, Darren Sproles **, Russ Vanover*, Mike Wilson*.

Lettermen Lost: Travis Brown****, Rick Gerla*, Terence Newman****.

With the departure of Newman, Sproles now takes over as K-State's primary return man. He had significant success as a punt returner (10.3 average on 15 returns) and kick returner (20.5 average on four returns) during 2002.

Joe Rheem was third on the team in scoring with 80 points and will be back for his junior season. He hit 9 of 12 field goals last year and went 53-for-59 on extra-point attempts last season.

Jared Brite, who has averaged 40.0 yards on 22 career punts, including 18 attempts his sophomore year is the logical choice to replace veteran punter Travis Brown. He did not punt a year ago, but was the Wildcats? kickoff specialist and scored 18 points on a pair of field goals and 12-for-15 kicking on PATs.

Also in the mix for the punting job is David Hamel, a senior who sat out last season after transferring from Highland CC and incoming transfer Terry Dillinger.

Russ Vanover and Mike Wilson will return after solid seasons as the Wildcats? long snappers in 2002.

Coach Snyder on the special teams:

"This year's place-kicking responsibilities will again fall on the foot of Joe Rheem. His progress during the later half of 2002 and this spring would lead us to believer that Joe is in line to have his best season yet. An integral part of his success will fall into the hands of Dylan Meier or Jared Brite as our holder and Mike Wilson as our snapper (all three had a productive springs). The punting responsibilities will not be determined until August when Jared Brite, Dave Hamel and Terry Dillinger are afforded the opportunity to compete. The snapping responsibilities on punts will again rest with Russ Vanover. The kickoff and punt return portions will be without Terence, but there should be ample talent to fill these spots."

Schedule

2003 Season Preview

Offense

Offensive Line

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Defense

Defensive Line

Linebackers

Defensive Backs

Specialists

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2003 Season Preview

Offense

Offensive Line

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Defense

Defensive Line

Linebackers

Defensive Backs

Specialists

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