Talent and experience have made Kansas State football’s secondary a defensive strength

Ever since Kansas State football’s defense expanded its secondary to combat the prolific passing attacks in the Big 12, establishing depth on the back end has been a constant challenge.

That may no longer be the case for the Wildcats, who finally are stockpiling enough talent at both cornerback and the three safety positions to get the job done.

Coming out of spring practice in April, head coach Chris Klieman said that the number of options at safety provided the most pleasant surprise of all. And last week during Big 12 media days, he threw the cornerbacks into that category as well.

“In the secondary we’ve got both of our (starting) corners back in Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish, really good players,” he said. “Then all of our safeties return.”

Here is a look at who returns in the Wildcat secondary in 2024, plus a breakdown of the cornerback and safety positions.

Related: Kansas State football suddenly has depth, experience on defensive line for 2024

Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) celebrates an interception against North Carolina State during last year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

The Wildcats boast experience at all five positions

Parrish, a junior, started every game at one corner last year. Garber, a converted wide receiver, became a regular part of the rotation and made four starts and the Pop-Tarts Bowl after Will Lee entered the transfer portal.

At safety, two-year starter Kobe Savage was a surprise portal departure in December, but Marques Sigle and VJ Payne both are back. So is Colby McCalister, who stepped in for Savage at Jack safety in the bowl game.

Several other veterans return, along with some promising redshirt freshmen.

Related: Projecting Kansas State football’s 2024 two-deep with spring practice around the corner

K-State has a solid foundation at cornerback

Parrish, who played in all 14…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/talent-experience-made-kansas-state-080132056.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-07-14 08:01:32

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