Five takeaways from Kansas State’s depth chart ahead of football opener against SEMO

AUGUST 28, 2023 12:34 PM
MANHATTAN
The Kansas State football team has unveiled its first depth chart with the public as the Wildcats make their final preparations for their season-opener against Southeast Missouri State on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Here is a complete look at the two-deep, plus five thoughts on where certain players ended up:
First look at the Kansas State depth chart for Week 1. The word “or” is the real star, making 10 appearances! pic.twitter.com/syZG96HXuZ
— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) August 28, 2023
TWO USUAL STARTERS LIKELY TO MISS SEMO GAME WITH INJURIES
Christian Duffie and Uso Seumalo are not listed on the K-State depth chart this week, which means they almost certainly won’t play against SEMO this weekend.
Duffie was expected to start at right tackle this season, but he has missed practice with an injury to his ankle/foot. K-State football coach Chris Klieman has said he will likely miss a few early games this year as he works to recover from the ailment.
Fortunately, the Wildcats think they have enough quality depth to play well without him. Carver Willis, a 6-foot-5 junior from Durango, Colorado, will take his place on the front five, with Drake Bequeaith serving as his backup.
Seumalo was the talk of preseason camp on defense, but he has also missed practices with a lower body injury. Klieman previously said he would be a game-time decision against the Redhawks.
K-State will turn to Damian Ilalio or Mississippi State transfer Jevon Banks on Saturday.
The Wildcats did reveal some good injury news with their depth chart. Daniel Green, who has also been dealing with injuries, was healthy enough to be listed as a starter at linebacker.
SOME POSITIONS ARE TOO CLOSE TO CALL
The real star of K-State’s depth chart is the word “or.” It is listed 10 different times on the two-deep.
In most cases, the “or” is used to indicate a close position battle between backups. It seems that both Jake Rubley and Avery Johnson could serve as the backup quarterback in Game 1, while we could also see Asa Newsom or Beau Palmer at linebacker.
But there are a few positions where a starting spot remains up for grabs.
Running back is the most prominent one of the group. K-State has not named a starter between D.J. Giddens and Florida State transfer Treshaun Ward, though Giddens is listed first on the depth chart. It seems we could see either one of them take the first snap against SEMO.
On the offensive line, there is lots of competition between Hadley Panzer and Taylor Poitier at right guard. That is an interesting position, as Panzer started most of last season there after Poitier went down with an injury.
We may also have to wait and see who starts between Ilalio and Banks at defensive tackle.
NEW LOOK AT CORNERBACK
The Wildcats are more or less starting over at cornerback without Julius Brents and Ekow Boye-Doe.
Jacob Parrish and junior-college transfer Will Lee will get the first crack at replacing them as starters. Keenan Garger and Justice James should also see playing time as backups.
That position was a mystery heading into the week, because it had been very competitive during training camp.
CHECK OUT ALL THOSE FRESHMEN
It appears that Klieman wasn’t joking last week when he said as many as 10 freshmen could see the field for K-State this season.
The Wildcats listed a dozen freshmen on their initial depth chart.
They are: Garrett Oakley (tight end), Brayden Loftin (tight end), Avery Johnson (quarterback), Drake Bequeaith (right tackle), Jayce Brown (receiver), Austin Romaine (linebacker), Tobi Osunsanmi (linebacker), Asa Newsom (linebacker), Jack Fabris (safety), Colby McCalister (safety), Leyton Simmering (kicker), Simon McClannan (kicker).
SHAKEUP ON SPECIAL TEAMS
Chris Tennant will handle field goals and kickoffs for the Wildcats this weekend. Jack Blumer will take over as punter.
There is also a new look on returns. Phillip Brooks will team up with Keagan Johnson on kickoff returns. Seth Porter will help him out on punt returns.