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

Key Starters

Kansas State has always had a team-first mentality under Bill Snyder. Despite the program’s success during his 24-year career at the school, the Wildcats have produced just two first-round picks (defensive backs Terence Newman in 2003 and Chris Canty in 1997) under Snyder (QB Josh Freeman was also a first-round pick, however he played during the three-year span Snyder was retired). There may not be any first-round picks from this year’s senior class, however there are key starters on both sides of the ball.

The starting QB has yet to be announced and there’s solid depth at both RB and WR. That leaves the offensive line as the position group which needs to come up big. With only center Dalton Risner returning, someone else needs to step up. That someone is left tackle Breontae Matthews.

A junior college transfer from Fullerton Community College, Matthews stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 340 pounds. He did not allow a sack last season and was named to the Southern California Football Association Southern Conference first team. He has yet to play a meaningful snap in major college football, but will be one of the most important players on the Kansas State offense. Going from junior college to blindside protector at the FBS level is a big change. The quicker he can adapt, the quicker the K-State offense will get going.

The key on defense is strong safety Dante Barnett. After suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in the opener last year, Barnett returns as the leader of the Kansas State defense. His ball skills were sorely missed last season as the secondary managed just one interception all year. Barnett has seven picks in his career and will help the Wildcats improve upon their minus three turnover margin from 2015.

Next: Final Prediction