Kansas State football: Will Year 2 of Chris Klieman bring Big 12 title contention?

Skylar Thompson, Kansas State football (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
Skylar Thompson, Kansas State football (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Wyatt Hubert, Kansas State football (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Time for some veterans to step up on defense

On the defensive side of the ball, there are going to be higher expectations than on offense due to the talent they have returning. The Wildcats return seven starters from last year’s defense that was ranked 27th (second in the conference) in points allowed (21.4). They were also ranked 44th (fourth in the conference) in total yards (368.4).

There is some work to be done at each position for them to remain as efficient on defense as they have been last season.

One of the biggest hits for the defense was the departure of defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton. After only one season with Kansas State, he took the same position at Michigan State. The Wildcats had to respond fast in late February by promoting safeties coach Joe Klanderman.

As a long-time assistant under Klieman from 2014-18 at North Dakota State and KSU last fall, Klanderman is a smart coach who knows the systematics of how the head coach wants his highly-efficient defenses to be. Klanderman helped the Bison become a top-scoring defense in his five seasons at NDSU.

The Wildcats took the hardest hit of losing starters on the defensive line as they will have to replace three of four starters. They do return leading pass rusher in defensive end Wyatt Hubert. Last season, he accounted for 33 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks as he was named first-team All-Big 12. The Wildcats will rely on Hubert to carry more bulk in the pass rush with the new starters coming in.

Kansas State has an interesting decision to put Bronson Massie either at the three-technique defensive tackle or the other end. Defensive tackle Drew Wiley will make his first start for Kansas State after playing in the previous 39 games.

Kansas State’s main contributor in the rush defense will need to have some work done with their two main starters coming back. Last season, the Wildcats were ranked 76th (eighth in the conference) in rushing yards allowed (165.5). Chris Sullivan returns as the starting outside linebacker after accounting for 65 total tackles, five tackles for loss and four pass deflections.

The Wildcats’ defense was lost often during the season as Justin Hughes was injured in the spring and was forced to miss the fall season. Having Hughes back in their defense will help the run defense mightily. Jahron McPherson returns for his senior season as the starting nickelback as last season he accounted for 36 total tackles.

In the secondary, the Wildcats have three starters returning from last year’s unit that was ranked 33rd in the nation in passing yards allowed (202.9). A.J. Parker and Walker Neil Jr. return as starters after making huge contributions to the secondary. Parker led the secondary last season with four pass breakups and three interceptions. Wayne Jones returns after starting all 13 games as a freshman as he accounted for 57 total tackles.

Johnathan Alexander has a crucial role to play this season as he must replace the departing Denzel Goolsby at the starting free safety position. Goolsby was the quarterback of the secondary and often times, the entire defense.