Offensive Assistants Meet the Media on Wednesday
Aug 11, 2021 | Football
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Four Kansas State offensive assistant coaches – Collin Klein, Brian Anderson, Jason Ray and Conor Riley – met with members of the media after practice on Wednesday. Above are links to video and audio each media session, and below is a complete transcript.
COLLIN KLEIN, QUARTERBACKS COACH
On if Skylar Thompson has looked like his old self during preseason camp...
"Yes, very much so. I think the ball is jumping out of his hand, probably, as good as it ever has. Even from being able to rest, I think his whole body is fresh. You can see that. He's attacking it and has a lot of confidence in it. So, one day at a time, but so far so good."
On playing two quarterbacks during the season...
"I think I'm here and there with it. We're going to put the best guy out there, and if there's a skill set or a niche to make it blend together, then great. I know both those guys are competitors. We'll do anything that the team needs to be successful. Whoever is going to provide us the best opportunity in that situation, he'll be out there."
On the progress of wide receiver Malik Knowles…
"I'm very proud of Malik. He really put in a great summer. You can tell he's in really good shape. He's really upped his study efforts and has been busting his butt in the film room. It's showing up. He's made some plays and playing fast and confident. I'm really excited about some of the things he's doing."
On if this is the first time they can unlock the entire offense…
"Comfortability from my room and what you're talking about is obviously much better than it has been. Like you said from what we were having to go through last year having a basically first-year player again, both those guys have studied their butts off, they've prepared, and I think we're having fun out there. Unable to not be so stressed out about trying to figure out where everyone is going and be able to truly express it and play fast, which both of them have done a great job with that."
On having appreciation for what Will Howard went through last year…
"Unbelievable. He is going to be a heck of a football player, but he's a heck of an individual, as you guys probably already know. His character and mental fortitude are off the charts because that was a tough gig last year with all the dynamics our whole team was thrown on and he was thrown into. To not crack, to come every day, compete his butt off was inspiring, quite honestly. He's an unbelievable young man, and because of that character and fortitude he has, he's going to be stronger because of that. A lot of people would crack."
On if he was surprised how Will Howard reshaped his body in the offseason…
"You know, not really. He was making progress even towards the season. Even towards week three or four whenever that happened, he had already had a 10-pound swing muscle to fat ratio and was trending that way. He just hadn't had a full training cycle without spring, without summer. So, we knew there was a lot of potential there, but I'm going to credit to him. He's worked his butt off, and he looks good on his feet. He's doing a good job."
On if there is a difference in team chemistry from last year to now…
"Yes. I think everybody is gelling together. I think everybody is a lot more focused on the guy next him and not just themselves. I think, obviously, a lot of isolation last year doesn't help that. But I think they've all made a great effort towards that, and we're moving in the right direction."
On if he has gotten used to Skylar Thompson wearing No. 7...
"Sometimes I still slip and call him '10' because it's just in my mind. But, no, I love it. It looks great on him."
On where Will Howard has made the biggest strikes…
"I think the game has slowed down for him. He's just processing and making decisions quicker. Then his strength. The ball is coming out of his hand better and his lower body strength has improved, and his core. So, I think those two things, when it's coming out of your hand faster and the game is slowing down, that's a really good combination when you're back there."
BRIAN ANDERSON, RUNNING BACKS COACH
On what he has seen from his position during preseason camp…
"I'm very, very pleased with all of them right now. Deuce (Vaughn) has come back and he's added some weight. Joe (Ervin) is looking like the Joe of old, and faster. He's playing strong. Jacardia (Wright) has gotten a lot better, and I'm very pleased with the two young backs. So, they continue to learn. Their heads are still swimming a little bit, but I think they're starting to settle down. Things are starting to slow down for them."
On the range of carries for Deuce Vaughn…
"Well, it's all about the game, the flow of the game. If we run the ball really good, and it depends on how they're playing it, if they're giving us opportunities to get in the passing game, he might get more catches than runs. Like Coach (Klieman) said, if Joe is running good. So, it all depends on the flow of the game."
How it helps the position if they can rely on more than one or two running backs…
"It helps tremendously. You see it now, most teams carry two to three backs. I've been very fortunate to be a part of teams that had two to three different backs that can go in at any point in time and run the ball. So, when you have that many different weapons and you can do that many different things with them, that helps everything."
On Joe Ervin's speed in practice…
"Yeah, he's playing really fast right now. It's fun to watch him. He's having fun. He has a smile on his face. You talk about a blur, he is hitting it and he's not slowing down. He had a big run today, and I thought he was going to run out of the practice field."
On if Jacardia Wright brings more of a power-running dimension...
"Yeah, that's the plan, to get them comfortable with a role. He gains more and more confidence every single day. That's the plan for him, but he's a guy who, if he gets on the edge, he can go. He showed glimpses of that as a true freshman. So, it's just getting them comfortable with everything and making sure we do a good job of putting him in those situations so you can have success."
On how long it took Joe Ervin to get back into full speed after returning to the team…
"Well, he went through the offseason, which was important. I think when he got back, he was welcomed back with open arms. He just takes it day by day, and I think this was his best summer since he's been here. He's in really good shape. So, he's just taking it day by day to continue to get his body in the best shape he can. He's working hard in practice to get himself game ready."
On the biggest difference between Joe Ervin as a freshman and now...
"Just maturity. That's all it is with every football player. It's the maturity part of things. How you handle things. How you handle your business when you're not in the facility. Are you being a pro by studying your playbook, and he's doing those things. That's the process for all of them."
On how Deuce Vaughn has improved since last season...
"It's just his growth as far as his football IQ. He sees things. He had a run yesterday where he missed a cut, and he knew right away what happened. There wasn't even a hesitation. Before I could get anything out of my mouth, he was like, 'I saw it.' So, he's seeing things really well right now. Then, his leadership is continuing to grow. He's not afraid to speak up in front of the whole team and get guys going. So, you want to continue to see that out of him."
On taking the running backs to a woodworking class in the summer....
"Well, I want to see those guys get out of their comfort zone. They have never done anything like that before. They never thought of doing anything like that before. Then once they got there, they enjoyed themselves. They had a lot of fun. It's important for those guys to see me outside of the building, to see my family there with me. It's important for those guys to see who I am as a man and as a husband and a father, because I'm not just a football coach. I'm also a mentor to those guys. So, my job is not just to coach them about football but to coach them about life also. I think those things are important for us as coaches to continue to build great relationship with those guys off the field."
JASON RAY, TIGHT ENDS/FULLBACKS COACH
On what has stood out to him with his group so far in practice...
"Physicality, right now after just this first day of pads. We've had half pads on. They've been a physical group. In the meeting room, these guys get along really well. We have a lot of good interactions with them talking football, talking defensive structures, and just overall our scheme. Just seeing how close they are has been really good. But, as far as on the practice field, I think they're showing to be physical. I'm trying to get them to be more technicians and fundamentalists, and they've been doing it."
On what he thinks got wide receiver Malik Knowles going in the right direction...
"Just another year of maturity, I think. Going through a COVID season, obviously everybody had challenges. He had a really good summer. Coach Tru (Trumain Carroll) and his staff have done a really good job with these kids. There's been a lot of buy in, particularly with Malik. He's gotten stronger. He's more explosive. So, as he continues to mature, I think that's really the main factor in his growth and what he's been doing just early in camp right now."
On how high of a ceiling he sees in Malik Knowles…
"Hopefully there's not a ceiling. Hopefully he just keeps going and he breaks through, and that there's not anything that would make him plateau. Obviously, he's a young player, so hopefully just this season he continues to grow and grow and grow every week. I think that's what's something that Wildcat Nation will see is a kid that every single week, he gets better. That's what we're going to do. That's what we're building this camp with all our players, but particularly with him. As we move forward throughout the season, you hope week to week he continues to grow and get better each week."
On the similarities and differences between Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Briley Moore…
"Daniel is a little bit more fluid, just in terms of his athleticism and the movement skills. As far as knowledge of football, it's probably about the same. With Briley's background, he's at one place consistently. You'll have some coaching changes and things, but it was pretty consistent with position coaches at Northern Iowa. So, he had a consistent throughout what he was doing, but they both saw a lot of football on their time. The biggest difference is probably just fluidity and athleticism. Briley was still athlete. He was the guy that we're could do split zone and then get them in the flats. Similar things we'll do with Daniel, but probably it's athleticism that is the main difference."
On if it seems like Daniel Imatorbhebhe is a guy that has dealt with injuries in the past…
"No, not at all in terms of a guy that seems like he'd been injured before. He's moving really well. He takes care of his body. I'm very pleased with what he's doing and what he's brought to the table early in camp, and he had a really good summer also."
On how Daniel Imatorbhebhe is as a blocker…
"Really good. He's physical. It's something he's done in his past, something that he's not afraid of. He doesn't shy away from it. So, his skill set is one that, at tight end, one that you want. It's one that our room really has. You look across the board at our room, guys could do multiple things. At the tight end position, we ask them to do that. That kind of comes with the nature of the position, but really the entire room brings a lot to the table. They all have a specific skill set, but across the board, I think a lot of them can block, they can run. They understand power. They understand zone. They understand the back side of things. They also understand what we're doing in the passing game. That's something that we're highlighting in these early practices. Taking them over in the spring, I was really focused on the run center of things that we're doing. Then my goal coming out of spring was to really work on some things and passing game with them in camp, and that's what we're doing right now."
On having an experienced quarterback in Skylar Thompson…
"It's invaluable. We were talking about that the other day, just the fact that the unfortunate event of having Skylar injured, but during his injury time he took advantage of it. He became another coach, essentially. He's standing back there with us. He's seeing the game from a different perspective. That was probably one of the biggest growth points I've seen in Skylar. His arm talent always been really good, his athleticism. But that mental growth that he had in the 2020 season is invaluable and it's showing up."
On if Daniel Imatorbhebhe picked up the system relatively quick...
"He's still picking up the system. All it is is the verbiage right now. He understands what we're doing. Now it's just tying all the words together, some of the different verbiage that we use. But you can tell that he's been around a lot of offensive schemes. He understands what we're doing, but now it's just the ability to put together. I've said it, too, having been a coach in other places, sometimes you're in another playbook and that word might come out from a different playbook. You're talking about the same thing, but it's in a different language. He's picking it up pretty well."
On what his depth chart is at tight end…
"Right now, alphabetical. That's what it looks like. So, right now it's just guys getting reps, a lot of reps. They're putting in a lot of work, and they're getting different things from one side of field to the other. I'm able to kind of put guys in a position where if I want it to be single rep, I've got these guys rolling, but right now everybody's getting a lot of reps."
On if he has enough pieces at his position to where it's not a true depth chart but situational...
"Yeah, we can. As I kind of look at what they're bringing to the table, I also am preparing for things where they personnel us. Our opponents won't be able to do some things based on certain guys that are in because we cross train them so much. We're going to put them in a position where I think they're going to be pretty good weapons for us."
CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE LINE COACH
On the difference from last year to this year in terms of experience along the line…
"It's a lot more fun. It's a lot more fun. Just building on what we've had this past spring of having a spring ball. I'd be mistaken if I didn't say that the entire demeanor of our football team has changed significantly with the addition of Coach (Trumain) Carroll, Coach Tru, and his entire staff. It's been phenomenal. Obviously, there's still protocols in place. The pandemic is still very much here, unfortunately. So, there's still precautions, but just based on summer workouts, spring ball, where our guys are at mentality wise, it's been a blast."
On what makes Cooper Beebe a fit at left tackle…
"He's an extremely smart football player. He knows technique, he knows assignments. He has great anticipation. He's extremely strong, and he's extremely athletic. So, when you look at a tackle, typically, you don't think of somebody with Cooper's height. I don't know that Cooper would say, 'Boy, I'd love to play guard,' but it's our job as an offensive staff and my job as the offensive line coach, the guys in our room to put the best five forward. Right now, Cooper is undoubtedly one of the best five. Since he came here a few years ago, his football IQ is very, very high, and that absolutely helps him out so much, along with his athleticism and his physicality."
On if they could go eight to 10 guys deep on the offensive line...
"The one thing I'll comment on with that is we've got competition. And that's something, upfront, that I think we've lacked since I've been here. Right now, you see that competition. There could be even more, quite honestly. I continue to tell them if they deserve playing time, they're going to play. I know people outside of that o-line meeting room – and I do agree with it – will talk about cohesiveness when it talks about offensive line play, getting that feeling of playing next to one another. But, if we have the ability to play eight, nine, 10 guys, and guys deserve to play, they're going play. So, are we there yet? Please don't mistake what I'm saying that, you know, we've arrived and we're just this, but I will tell you, we've had some competition there."
On the addition of Kingsley Ugwu...
"We had an opportunity with Kingsley, who's a great, great young man. Again, if we can increase the competition because of a COVID situation, this young man could be in the program up to four years depending on how this year turns out. I think you guys know we are a developmental program. That's how this university, how this football program has had great success, and, based on our pedigree – myself and Coach Klieman – that's how we're going to continue to build that success. That's our history. That's our background as well. So, he's got some tools. He does."
On a player on the offensive line that has made a lot of progress...
"That's a very good question. It really is. There's a few names that pop up. One, and I was just visiting with him as he was walking on field, is Kaitori (KT) Leveston. How much that young man has matured. Has he gotten there yet? No, he has not. You can go down, and Logan Long has helped himself. I'll be honest, there's a couple of true freshmen who I am very, very excited about who may find their way. I was getting Andrew Leingang in with some of the upper groups today. So, his stride, because of his football knowledge, has been significant. But you continue to come back to the names as far as I really like where Josh Rivas is, to be quite honest. Noah Johnson is a stud. Taylor Poitier. In my mind, there's some studs up there. So, I know I mentioned a few names, but that's kind of where that's at."
On his reaction when Noah Johnson told him he was coming back…
"Are you married? What was your reaction when your wife said yes? So, maybe that says. Okay, I was fired up. The kid is a phenomenal leader. He's a smart football player. The guy works his (butt) off, and you can't say enough good things about him. You really can't."
COLLIN KLEIN, QUARTERBACKS COACH
On if Skylar Thompson has looked like his old self during preseason camp...
"Yes, very much so. I think the ball is jumping out of his hand, probably, as good as it ever has. Even from being able to rest, I think his whole body is fresh. You can see that. He's attacking it and has a lot of confidence in it. So, one day at a time, but so far so good."
On playing two quarterbacks during the season...
"I think I'm here and there with it. We're going to put the best guy out there, and if there's a skill set or a niche to make it blend together, then great. I know both those guys are competitors. We'll do anything that the team needs to be successful. Whoever is going to provide us the best opportunity in that situation, he'll be out there."
On the progress of wide receiver Malik Knowles…
"I'm very proud of Malik. He really put in a great summer. You can tell he's in really good shape. He's really upped his study efforts and has been busting his butt in the film room. It's showing up. He's made some plays and playing fast and confident. I'm really excited about some of the things he's doing."
On if this is the first time they can unlock the entire offense…
"Comfortability from my room and what you're talking about is obviously much better than it has been. Like you said from what we were having to go through last year having a basically first-year player again, both those guys have studied their butts off, they've prepared, and I think we're having fun out there. Unable to not be so stressed out about trying to figure out where everyone is going and be able to truly express it and play fast, which both of them have done a great job with that."
On having appreciation for what Will Howard went through last year…
"Unbelievable. He is going to be a heck of a football player, but he's a heck of an individual, as you guys probably already know. His character and mental fortitude are off the charts because that was a tough gig last year with all the dynamics our whole team was thrown on and he was thrown into. To not crack, to come every day, compete his butt off was inspiring, quite honestly. He's an unbelievable young man, and because of that character and fortitude he has, he's going to be stronger because of that. A lot of people would crack."
On if he was surprised how Will Howard reshaped his body in the offseason…
"You know, not really. He was making progress even towards the season. Even towards week three or four whenever that happened, he had already had a 10-pound swing muscle to fat ratio and was trending that way. He just hadn't had a full training cycle without spring, without summer. So, we knew there was a lot of potential there, but I'm going to credit to him. He's worked his butt off, and he looks good on his feet. He's doing a good job."
On if there is a difference in team chemistry from last year to now…
"Yes. I think everybody is gelling together. I think everybody is a lot more focused on the guy next him and not just themselves. I think, obviously, a lot of isolation last year doesn't help that. But I think they've all made a great effort towards that, and we're moving in the right direction."
On if he has gotten used to Skylar Thompson wearing No. 7...
"Sometimes I still slip and call him '10' because it's just in my mind. But, no, I love it. It looks great on him."
On where Will Howard has made the biggest strikes…
"I think the game has slowed down for him. He's just processing and making decisions quicker. Then his strength. The ball is coming out of his hand better and his lower body strength has improved, and his core. So, I think those two things, when it's coming out of your hand faster and the game is slowing down, that's a really good combination when you're back there."
BRIAN ANDERSON, RUNNING BACKS COACH
On what he has seen from his position during preseason camp…
"I'm very, very pleased with all of them right now. Deuce (Vaughn) has come back and he's added some weight. Joe (Ervin) is looking like the Joe of old, and faster. He's playing strong. Jacardia (Wright) has gotten a lot better, and I'm very pleased with the two young backs. So, they continue to learn. Their heads are still swimming a little bit, but I think they're starting to settle down. Things are starting to slow down for them."
On the range of carries for Deuce Vaughn…
"Well, it's all about the game, the flow of the game. If we run the ball really good, and it depends on how they're playing it, if they're giving us opportunities to get in the passing game, he might get more catches than runs. Like Coach (Klieman) said, if Joe is running good. So, it all depends on the flow of the game."
How it helps the position if they can rely on more than one or two running backs…
"It helps tremendously. You see it now, most teams carry two to three backs. I've been very fortunate to be a part of teams that had two to three different backs that can go in at any point in time and run the ball. So, when you have that many different weapons and you can do that many different things with them, that helps everything."
On Joe Ervin's speed in practice…
"Yeah, he's playing really fast right now. It's fun to watch him. He's having fun. He has a smile on his face. You talk about a blur, he is hitting it and he's not slowing down. He had a big run today, and I thought he was going to run out of the practice field."
On if Jacardia Wright brings more of a power-running dimension...
"Yeah, that's the plan, to get them comfortable with a role. He gains more and more confidence every single day. That's the plan for him, but he's a guy who, if he gets on the edge, he can go. He showed glimpses of that as a true freshman. So, it's just getting them comfortable with everything and making sure we do a good job of putting him in those situations so you can have success."
On how long it took Joe Ervin to get back into full speed after returning to the team…
"Well, he went through the offseason, which was important. I think when he got back, he was welcomed back with open arms. He just takes it day by day, and I think this was his best summer since he's been here. He's in really good shape. So, he's just taking it day by day to continue to get his body in the best shape he can. He's working hard in practice to get himself game ready."
On the biggest difference between Joe Ervin as a freshman and now...
"Just maturity. That's all it is with every football player. It's the maturity part of things. How you handle things. How you handle your business when you're not in the facility. Are you being a pro by studying your playbook, and he's doing those things. That's the process for all of them."
On how Deuce Vaughn has improved since last season...
"It's just his growth as far as his football IQ. He sees things. He had a run yesterday where he missed a cut, and he knew right away what happened. There wasn't even a hesitation. Before I could get anything out of my mouth, he was like, 'I saw it.' So, he's seeing things really well right now. Then, his leadership is continuing to grow. He's not afraid to speak up in front of the whole team and get guys going. So, you want to continue to see that out of him."
On taking the running backs to a woodworking class in the summer....
"Well, I want to see those guys get out of their comfort zone. They have never done anything like that before. They never thought of doing anything like that before. Then once they got there, they enjoyed themselves. They had a lot of fun. It's important for those guys to see me outside of the building, to see my family there with me. It's important for those guys to see who I am as a man and as a husband and a father, because I'm not just a football coach. I'm also a mentor to those guys. So, my job is not just to coach them about football but to coach them about life also. I think those things are important for us as coaches to continue to build great relationship with those guys off the field."
JASON RAY, TIGHT ENDS/FULLBACKS COACH
On what has stood out to him with his group so far in practice...
"Physicality, right now after just this first day of pads. We've had half pads on. They've been a physical group. In the meeting room, these guys get along really well. We have a lot of good interactions with them talking football, talking defensive structures, and just overall our scheme. Just seeing how close they are has been really good. But, as far as on the practice field, I think they're showing to be physical. I'm trying to get them to be more technicians and fundamentalists, and they've been doing it."
On what he thinks got wide receiver Malik Knowles going in the right direction...
"Just another year of maturity, I think. Going through a COVID season, obviously everybody had challenges. He had a really good summer. Coach Tru (Trumain Carroll) and his staff have done a really good job with these kids. There's been a lot of buy in, particularly with Malik. He's gotten stronger. He's more explosive. So, as he continues to mature, I think that's really the main factor in his growth and what he's been doing just early in camp right now."
On how high of a ceiling he sees in Malik Knowles…
"Hopefully there's not a ceiling. Hopefully he just keeps going and he breaks through, and that there's not anything that would make him plateau. Obviously, he's a young player, so hopefully just this season he continues to grow and grow and grow every week. I think that's what's something that Wildcat Nation will see is a kid that every single week, he gets better. That's what we're going to do. That's what we're building this camp with all our players, but particularly with him. As we move forward throughout the season, you hope week to week he continues to grow and get better each week."
On the similarities and differences between Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Briley Moore…
"Daniel is a little bit more fluid, just in terms of his athleticism and the movement skills. As far as knowledge of football, it's probably about the same. With Briley's background, he's at one place consistently. You'll have some coaching changes and things, but it was pretty consistent with position coaches at Northern Iowa. So, he had a consistent throughout what he was doing, but they both saw a lot of football on their time. The biggest difference is probably just fluidity and athleticism. Briley was still athlete. He was the guy that we're could do split zone and then get them in the flats. Similar things we'll do with Daniel, but probably it's athleticism that is the main difference."
On if it seems like Daniel Imatorbhebhe is a guy that has dealt with injuries in the past…
"No, not at all in terms of a guy that seems like he'd been injured before. He's moving really well. He takes care of his body. I'm very pleased with what he's doing and what he's brought to the table early in camp, and he had a really good summer also."
On how Daniel Imatorbhebhe is as a blocker…
"Really good. He's physical. It's something he's done in his past, something that he's not afraid of. He doesn't shy away from it. So, his skill set is one that, at tight end, one that you want. It's one that our room really has. You look across the board at our room, guys could do multiple things. At the tight end position, we ask them to do that. That kind of comes with the nature of the position, but really the entire room brings a lot to the table. They all have a specific skill set, but across the board, I think a lot of them can block, they can run. They understand power. They understand zone. They understand the back side of things. They also understand what we're doing in the passing game. That's something that we're highlighting in these early practices. Taking them over in the spring, I was really focused on the run center of things that we're doing. Then my goal coming out of spring was to really work on some things and passing game with them in camp, and that's what we're doing right now."
On having an experienced quarterback in Skylar Thompson…
"It's invaluable. We were talking about that the other day, just the fact that the unfortunate event of having Skylar injured, but during his injury time he took advantage of it. He became another coach, essentially. He's standing back there with us. He's seeing the game from a different perspective. That was probably one of the biggest growth points I've seen in Skylar. His arm talent always been really good, his athleticism. But that mental growth that he had in the 2020 season is invaluable and it's showing up."
On if Daniel Imatorbhebhe picked up the system relatively quick...
"He's still picking up the system. All it is is the verbiage right now. He understands what we're doing. Now it's just tying all the words together, some of the different verbiage that we use. But you can tell that he's been around a lot of offensive schemes. He understands what we're doing, but now it's just the ability to put together. I've said it, too, having been a coach in other places, sometimes you're in another playbook and that word might come out from a different playbook. You're talking about the same thing, but it's in a different language. He's picking it up pretty well."
On what his depth chart is at tight end…
"Right now, alphabetical. That's what it looks like. So, right now it's just guys getting reps, a lot of reps. They're putting in a lot of work, and they're getting different things from one side of field to the other. I'm able to kind of put guys in a position where if I want it to be single rep, I've got these guys rolling, but right now everybody's getting a lot of reps."
On if he has enough pieces at his position to where it's not a true depth chart but situational...
"Yeah, we can. As I kind of look at what they're bringing to the table, I also am preparing for things where they personnel us. Our opponents won't be able to do some things based on certain guys that are in because we cross train them so much. We're going to put them in a position where I think they're going to be pretty good weapons for us."
CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE LINE COACH
On the difference from last year to this year in terms of experience along the line…
"It's a lot more fun. It's a lot more fun. Just building on what we've had this past spring of having a spring ball. I'd be mistaken if I didn't say that the entire demeanor of our football team has changed significantly with the addition of Coach (Trumain) Carroll, Coach Tru, and his entire staff. It's been phenomenal. Obviously, there's still protocols in place. The pandemic is still very much here, unfortunately. So, there's still precautions, but just based on summer workouts, spring ball, where our guys are at mentality wise, it's been a blast."
On what makes Cooper Beebe a fit at left tackle…
"He's an extremely smart football player. He knows technique, he knows assignments. He has great anticipation. He's extremely strong, and he's extremely athletic. So, when you look at a tackle, typically, you don't think of somebody with Cooper's height. I don't know that Cooper would say, 'Boy, I'd love to play guard,' but it's our job as an offensive staff and my job as the offensive line coach, the guys in our room to put the best five forward. Right now, Cooper is undoubtedly one of the best five. Since he came here a few years ago, his football IQ is very, very high, and that absolutely helps him out so much, along with his athleticism and his physicality."
On if they could go eight to 10 guys deep on the offensive line...
"The one thing I'll comment on with that is we've got competition. And that's something, upfront, that I think we've lacked since I've been here. Right now, you see that competition. There could be even more, quite honestly. I continue to tell them if they deserve playing time, they're going to play. I know people outside of that o-line meeting room – and I do agree with it – will talk about cohesiveness when it talks about offensive line play, getting that feeling of playing next to one another. But, if we have the ability to play eight, nine, 10 guys, and guys deserve to play, they're going play. So, are we there yet? Please don't mistake what I'm saying that, you know, we've arrived and we're just this, but I will tell you, we've had some competition there."
On the addition of Kingsley Ugwu...
"We had an opportunity with Kingsley, who's a great, great young man. Again, if we can increase the competition because of a COVID situation, this young man could be in the program up to four years depending on how this year turns out. I think you guys know we are a developmental program. That's how this university, how this football program has had great success, and, based on our pedigree – myself and Coach Klieman – that's how we're going to continue to build that success. That's our history. That's our background as well. So, he's got some tools. He does."
On a player on the offensive line that has made a lot of progress...
"That's a very good question. It really is. There's a few names that pop up. One, and I was just visiting with him as he was walking on field, is Kaitori (KT) Leveston. How much that young man has matured. Has he gotten there yet? No, he has not. You can go down, and Logan Long has helped himself. I'll be honest, there's a couple of true freshmen who I am very, very excited about who may find their way. I was getting Andrew Leingang in with some of the upper groups today. So, his stride, because of his football knowledge, has been significant. But you continue to come back to the names as far as I really like where Josh Rivas is, to be quite honest. Noah Johnson is a stud. Taylor Poitier. In my mind, there's some studs up there. So, I know I mentioned a few names, but that's kind of where that's at."
On his reaction when Noah Johnson told him he was coming back…
"Are you married? What was your reaction when your wife said yes? So, maybe that says. Okay, I was fired up. The kid is a phenomenal leader. He's a smart football player. The guy works his (butt) off, and you can't say enough good things about him. You really can't."
Players Mentioned
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/ FootballK-State FB | Welcome back Collin Klein
Monday, December 08
K-State FB | Head Coach Collin Klein Radio Interview
Friday, December 05
K-State FB | Head Coach Collin Klein Official Introductory Event
Friday, December 05
K-State FB | Thank You Coach Klieman
Wednesday, December 03
