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 Draft Scout College Football Player News: Kansas State
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  Fordham hung tough with Nebraska for a while, but ultimately the Cornhuskers imposed their will on their overmatched visitor from New York City. Adrian Martinez ran for two touchdowns and passed for another, and the Huskers broke away in the second quarter and went on to a 52-7 victory Saturday. "We have confidence in who we are as a team and what we're capable of, so that means in games like this we need to come in and take care of business, and we did what we were supposed to do," Martinez said. The win came a week after the Huskers' season-opening loss at Illinois. Did a 45-point win over a Football Championship Subdivision opponent represent progress? "I would say so," coach Scott Frost said. "We won a game." Martinez established a connection with Montana transfer Samori Toure, who caught eight balls for 133 yards and ran three times for 35 yards and a touchdown. Markese Stepp added 101 yards on 18 carries as the Huskers (1-1) finished with 633 total yards. Fordham linebacker Ryan Greenhagen finished with a Division I record-tying 30 tackles, the most since Donald Payne had the same number for Stetson against Campbell in 2014. - Nebraska/AP College Football

(DS#24 QB) rSr/2023 QB Adrian MartinezKansas State
News Source: Nebraska/AP College Football
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  Skylar Thompson set the tone for Kansas State when the quarterback put his left shoulder down and bulled into the end zone for the first of his two touchdown runs as the Wildcats opened the season with a 24-7 win over Stanford on Saturday. Thompson, who later had a 13-yard TD run, opened the scoring when he knocked cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly to the ground on a 6-yard TD run in the first quarter. "There's a lot that went into that touchdown, a lot that people didn't see, and a lot of time spent on my own," Thompson said. "In the midst of a situation that once seemed very dark and stormy, to see the fruit fall from the tree, to see the sun shine a little bit and to take a deep breath...It all worked out and everything happened for a reason." Thompson missed most of last season after he injured his throwing (right) shoulder in the third game. But he returned for his sixth year in the K-State program because of his love of the game and the desire for a better finish, taking advantage of the extra season of eligibility received amid the pandemic. - Kansas State/AP College Football

(DS#12 QB) rSr/2022 QB Skylar ThompsonKansas State
News Source: Kansas State/AP College Football
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  09/03/21 - *Deuce VaughnJr/2023, Kansas State, 5-05, 179 (DS#17 RB) + More +

  If there is one area of certainty when it comes to Kansas State's offense, it is the agreement that for the Wildcats to be successful in 2021, they have to get the ball to Deuce Vaughn. The only question: How and how often? Ask Vaughn, the Wildcats' breakout star at running back last year as a true freshman, and the answer to the second question is simple. "I'm ready to go," he said with a smile. "As many touches as they'll give me, every single time I touch the ball, I'm ready to go. "If that's 25 or if that's 10, I'm ready to go to play."

If only it were that simple. As dynamic a talent as he is - 642 yards rushing and 5.2 per carry, a team-high 25 catches for 434 yards and seven kickoff returns with a 20-yard average - his coaches worry about just how much punishment his 5-foot-6, 173-pound body can absorb, especially over a 12-game season. Last year he averaged 15.5 touches in 10 games as a rusher, receiver and return man. Head coach Chris Klieman has said before 25 might be an optimum number of touches. Offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham added that just the threat of Vaughn on the field is valuable. - Topeka Capital Journal


(DS#17 RB) Jr/2023 RB *Deuce VaughnKansas State
News Source: Topeka Capital Journal
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  Chabastin Taylor likely will be available to play for Kansas State in Saturday's season opener versus Stanford. How many plays he'll actually be on the field, though, still is up in the air. "We envision him playing," K-State head coach Chris Klieman said during his weekly press conference Tuesday. "But we have some depth at wide receiver, so I'm not worried (like), 'Oh shoot, we're in trouble. We've got to play him 45 snaps a game right now,' because I don't think he's at that phase." Taylor, a senior wideout, is a key piece of the Wildcats' offense. He led K-State receivers in receptions (19), receiving yards (293) and yards per game (29.3) last season. (He ranked third on the team overall in those three categories, trailing running back Deuce Vaughn and tight end Briley Moore.) But the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Taylor has been limited since the 2020 campaign wrapped up.

He had surgery shortly after the season that sidelined him for the entirety of spring practice and a portion of this year's preseason camp. Last week, Klieman said that he didn't expect Taylor would have a "full load of 60 plays or 45 plays" against the Cardinal. That meant, he said, other receivers will have to step up. Offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham said much the same earlier in camp, when he pointed out Taylor still "is a work in progress" as he returns from surgery. "We've got to find five, six or seven wide receivers who can play and travel every week," Messingham said during a post-practice press conference Aug. 16. - Manhattan Mercury


(DS#999 WR) rSr/2023 WR Chabastin TaylorKansas State
News Source: Manhattan Mercury
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  Daniel Imatorbhebhe seemed like a sure thing to start at tight end this season after transferring in from Illinois. The 6-foot-4 and 240-pound playmaker gained all kinds of buzz during preseason camp and seemed to build an instant report with quarterback Skylar Thompson. Some have called him a more athletic version of Briley Moore, who added a new element to K-State's offense by catching 22 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns last season. Expectations remain high for Imatorbhebhe, but he won't start against Stanford if the Wildcats begin the game with only one tight end on the field. Senior Nick Lenners, not Imatorbhebhe, is listed as the team's top tight end on the depth chart. Imatorbhebhe is actually in a tie for the top backup along with Sammy Wheeler. - The Kansas City Star

(DS#46 TE) rSr/2022 TE Daniel ImatorbhebheKansas State
News Source: The Kansas City Star
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  One newcomer and a forgotten face from the past were the most noteworthy takeaways when Kansas State coach Chris Klieman released his first official depth chart Monday ahead of the Saturday season opener against Stanford. Sophomore Felix Anudike, who appeared in five games last year as a true freshman, vaulted to the top of the chart at one defensive end position ahead of super-senior Bronson Massie. On offense, senior transfer Daniel Imatorbhebhe and junior Sammy Wheeler had received most of the hype at tight end, only to be listed in a dead heat behind super-senior Nick Lenners.

Anudike, a 6-foot-3, 255-pounder from Lee's Summit, Missouri, had received rave reviews throughout fall camp after recording a modest three tackles with one sack last year. Khalid Duke will start at the other end, with senior transfer Timmy Horne and senior Eli Huggins at tackle. "Tremendous," was defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman's assessment of Anudike's progress midway through camp. "Last year he was a good player that made splash plays in practice, but in the game situations you were always a little nervous. "Now he's the guy, and I think he's stepped into more of a leadership role. You can just tell by the way he walks, talks (and) acts, he's going to be a good player for a lot of years." Anudike agreed that his knowledge of the game has improved. He also has bulked up to 255 pounds after coming in before the COVID-19 quarantine at 215. "Coming in last year, I didn't know that much about how to play my role as a defensive end," he said. "Then seeing Wyatt Hubert, Bronson Massie and everybody ahead of me, they taught me the game better and made me play even faster." - Topeka Capital Journal


(DS#6 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Felix Anudike-UzomahKansas State
News Source: Topeka Capital Journal
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  After the game, Martinez was asked how he goes about fixing his turnover bug now. "No disrespect, but if I had the answer, it wouldn't have happened today," Martinez said, before continuing a few moments later. "It's just a matter of continuing to get better. Understanding those mistakes and understanding that they are hurting this football team, and we have to get better." The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Martinez was one of the few sparks offensively Saturday. He was 16-of-32 for 232 yards, and he ran for 111 yards on a team-high 17 carries.

But he didn't have a lot of help. The NU offensive line allowed five sacks and Martinez was flushed out many other times. The running game wasn't established, and the passing routes were not always crisp. "I was just as surprised if not more surprised that there was those types of mistakes," Martinez said. "My fumble at the end of the half, I think that was a big moment for our team, and those types of mistakes can't happen." Scott Frost said Martinez played OK. "I thought he made some good plays, there's some plays we've got to make," NU's coach said. - Lincoln Journal Star


(DS#24 QB) rSr/2023 QB Adrian MartinezKansas State
News Source: Lincoln Journal Star
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  Gabe Ervin, a true freshman, made the start at running back. The backs found little running room, although Ervin did pop an 11-yard gain when Nebraska was pinned near its goal line in the first quarter. The offensive line simply didn't generate enough movement, and when Nebraska fell behind 23-9 in the third quarter, it became difficult to be patient with a run game that was struggling in the first place. Adrian Martinez did pop a 75-yard touchdown run on a designed pass play. There wasn't much else at all. Extremely disappointing. - Lincoln Journal Star

(DS#999 RB) rSr/2026 RB Gabe Ervin Jr.Kansas State
News Source: Lincoln Journal Star
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  Entering Saturday: Adrian Martinez was Nebraska's leading rusher last year, and its best option, but to keep him healthy, Scott Frost wanted to be cautious with his running workload this year. Saturday: Much like last year, Martinez was the Huskers' leading rusher. He had 14 totes for 62 yards by the early part of the fourth quarter, though NU had to abandon the run by the second half. Much of Martinez's running came on designed pass plays, including a career-long 75-yard touchdown in which the senior tucked the ball and took off when he saw a gaping hole to his left. Not counting sacks, Martinez ran the ball 12 times, while NU's running backs combined for 19. - Lincoln Journal Star

(DS#24 QB) rSr/2023 QB Adrian MartinezKansas State
News Source: Lincoln Journal Star
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  The Kansas State football program will have a quartet of captains leading the way this fall. The Wildcats announced their four captains for the 2021 season Tuesday: quarterback Skylar Thompson, center Noah Johnson, defensive tackle Timmy Horne and defensive back Jahron McPherson. It's the third straight season Thompson has earned the honor, putting him in exclusive company - he's only the sixth Wildcat ever to accomplish that feat. The others are Brooks Barta (1990-92), Mark Simoneau (1997-99), Collin Klein (2010-12), B.J. Finney (2012-14) and Dalton Risner (2016-18). - Manhattan Mercury

(DS#12 QB) rSr/2022 QB Skylar ThompsonKansas State
News Source: Manhattan Mercury
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  08/27/21 - Timmy HornerSr/2022, Kansas State, 6-4, 323 (DS#78 DT) + More +

  Timmy Horne has yet to play a snap at defensive tackle for Kansas State, but already he has made his presence felt for the Wildcats, who Tuesday voted him a team captain for the 2021 season. Horne, a senior transfer from Charlotte, joined quarterback Skylar Thompson, center Noah Johnson and safety Jahron McPherson, three super-seniors who also were captains a year ago. K-State football made the announcement on its Twitter account.

Horne, a 6-foot-5, 321-pouond defensive tackle from Wadesboro, North Carolina, had drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike both for his performance on the field and his leadership since arriving last spring. "Tim has brought a lot of flavor to the room, if you will," defensive tackles coach Mike Tuiasosopo said of Horne, who showed his playful side last week during a media session, when he turned the tables and asked reporters a series of questions. "He is a tremendous young man." The other three captains were more obvious selections, with Thompson selected for a third consecutive season, and Johnson and McPherson for a second straight year. "The thing that Tim has been so great on is being a vocal leader," defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman said last week. "We don't have a lot of vocal dudes here. - Topeka Capital Journal


(DS#78 DT) rSr/2022 DT Timmy HorneKansas State
News Source: Topeka Capital Journal
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  08/27/21 - Taylor PoitierrSr/2026, Kansas State, 6-2, 295 (DS#81 OG) + More +

  Taylor Poitier won't have an opportunity to build off the momentum he had at the end of last season. Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman said Tuesday that Poitier, a third-year sophomore lineman, will miss the entire 2021 campaign. Klieman said that Poitier suffered "a lower body injury" in preseason camp. "We're sad for Taylor," Klieman said, "because he's such a tremendous kid and such a tremendous football player." Poitier, who starred at Kansas high school powerhouse Bishop Miege, played in four games last year, including starts at right guard in each of the final two contests (at Baylor and home versus Texas).

Poitier's first career appearance in the starting lineup as a Wildcat came in that road affair against the Bears. Second on the depth chart that week, he was forced into action after both of K-State's starting guards (Josh Rivas and Ben Adler) didn't travel with the team. Left guard had a new starter that day, too: Dawson Delforge. After the last-second, 32-31 loss, star running back Deuce Vaughn praised Poitier and Delforge's performances. "(They) played amazing," Vaughn said. - Manhattan Mercury


(DS#81 OG) rSr/2026 OG Taylor PoitierKansas State
News Source: Manhattan Mercury
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  08/21/21 - Timmy HornerSr/2022, Kansas State, 6-4, 323 (DS#78 DT) + More +

  Timmy Horne had just completed his first media session of preseason camp when he decided to lighten the mood a little. Before departing the podium at Bill Snyder Family Stadium following Thursday afternoon's practice, he singled out individual media members, asking them to list their favorite cereals, movies and Avengers characters. It was that engaging personality that quickly endeared Horne, an athletic 6-foot-5, 326-pound defensive tackle, to his new Kansas State teammates last spring when he arrived last spring as a graduate transfer from Charlotte. Count defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman among Horne's fans as well. "The thing that Tim has been so great on is being a vocal leader," Klanderman said.

"We don't have a lot of vocal dudes here." "(Safety) Jahron McPherson maybe is one, but outside of that, you haven't had that up front. That's why I'm pleased to see (linebacker) Deuce Green taking that role and Tim Horne taking that role, even though Tim is a new guy." Horne, a four-year starter at Charlotte, is taking advantage of the NCAA's decision to grant players an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And he has made himself right at home in Manhattan. "The family atmosphere, really, because this place is built off family and tradition," he said of his first impression of K-State. "Once you come into Manhattan, you will feel the family atmosphere and see how tight-knit everybody is around here." - Topeka Capital Journal


(DS#78 DT) rSr/2022 DT Timmy HorneKansas State
News Source: Topeka Capital Journal
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  Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson, who had waited his whole career for an opportunity to cash in on his college football fame, was a little more cautious. But on Wednesday, one day before reporting for his final preseason training camp, Thompson officially joined an increasing number of college athletes and dipped his toe into the name, image and likeness (NIL) pool for the first time. Thompson's public appearance at Salina's Long McArthur Ford - Lee is the dealership's general manager - was the first step in a six-month endorsement deal with the company that also includes radio and television commercials, among other things.

"It has been a tremendous opportunity for all of us student-athletes," Thompson said while signing autographs and taking pictures with fans in the dealership's showroom. "I feel like it has been a long time coming, that it should have been passed, but I'm glad I get to capitalize on it a little bit here for my senior year. "But I think the biggest thing for me is, yes, it's a great opportunity for us, but my focus is on winning football games this year. That's the most important piece of the puzzle to me, and this is just a cool opportunity." Thompson and his teammates begin practicing for the upcoming season Friday. - Topeka Capital Journal


(DS#12 QB) rSr/2022 QB Skylar ThompsonKansas State
News Source: Topeka Capital Journal
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  Quite a bit of praise was thrown Adrian Martinez's way Thursday during Big Ten Media Days. Nebraska coach Scott Frost reiterated the sort of kudos he's had for the junior quarterback throughout the offseason. But Husker tight end Austin Allen's observations about Martinez here perhaps stood out the most. "He's super, super confident," Allen said. "That's all I've got to say about it." He later elaborated. "He's got nothing to lose. Guys with nothing to lose can be dangerous," said Allen, the Huskers' second-leading receiver in 2020. "He'll tell you he's had a couple (of) off years the last couple years (after a strong freshman season). He's trimmed down 15 pounds this offseason. He's the second-fastest guy on the team right now. It's crazy. I think you're going to see a completely different Adrian than what we've seen the last couple years, and it's going to be for the better as a leader, as a player and in his character."

Martinez, listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, has the second-fastest pro-agility time on the team behind only starting safety Deontai Williams, according to Allen. The QB's excellent pro-agility prowess helps, for instance, in terms of escaping defenders. "I'm expecting Adrian to have a really big season," Frost said. - Lincoln Journal Star


(DS#24 QB) rSr/2023 QB Adrian MartinezKansas State
News Source: Lincoln Journal Star
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