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Kansas State 2016 Season Preview: Bill Snyder Seeks 200th Win

By Shawn Spencer

Oct 25, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder waits to lead his team onto the field before the start of a game against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder waits to lead his team onto the field before the start of a game against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2015; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats mascot Willie Wildcat leads the football team onto the field before the start of a game against the South Dakota Coyotes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats mascot Willie Wildcat leads the football team onto the field before the start of a game against the South Dakota Coyotes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

Impact Freshmen

Traditionally, Bill Snyder has relied on upperclassmen while freshmen have had to wait their turn and earn playing time. However, there are times when a freshman needs to step up, and last season was no exception. Center Dalton Risner and cornerback Duke Shelley started a combined 21 games last season. Here’s a look at which freshmen can make an immediate impact.

On offense, right tackle Scott Frantz is the only projected freshman starter, however the biggest impact could come from WR Isaiah Zuber. After redshirting last season, Zuber will look to make an impact at multiple positions. He should see plenty of snaps in three receiver sets, while also contributing on special teams. He was a star returner in high school and can be utilized as a kick or punt returner this season.

With nine of the starting spots on defense held by juniors and seniors, there’s not a lot of room for a freshman to take over a starting role barring injury. While Jordan Willis and Tanner Wood have the starting DE roles locked down, redshirt freshman Reggie Walker may be too talented to keep off the field. Pairing his speed off the edge with Willis would give the Wildcats a tremendous pass rush on third downs.

Next: Key Starters

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