Offensive Starters Returning: QB Josh Freeman, RB James Johnson, WR Jordy Nelson, TE Jeron Mastrud, TE Rashaad Norwood, OL Jordan Bedore, OL Caleb Handy, OL Nick Stringer

Defensive Starters Lost: DT Blake Seiler, LB Brandon Archer, LB Zach Diles, S Kyle Williams

Defensive Starters Returning: DT Steve Cline, DE Ian Campbell, DE Rob Jackson, LB Reggie Walker, CB Justin McKinney, CB Joshua Moore, S Andrew Erker

Starting Specialists Lost: K Jeff Snodgrass

Starting Specialists Returning: P Tim Reyer

Coming off a winning season, the momentum is moving in a positive direction in the Little Apple. The momentum could have been better before losing the final two games against rival Kansas and Rutgers in the Texas Bowl, but Coach Ron Prince got his big win the previous week against Texas. And that is victory that will be remembered for a long time.

Find your Big 12 Fatheads online from Big 12 Fans!

2007 Kansas State Offense:

There have been better freshman quarterbacks than Josh Freeman, but the six touchdowns and 15 interceptions do not tell the entire story. Freeman led Kansas State to a bowl game and beat Texas. That is enough to cement him in the annals of Wildcat history. But more importantly, he got better as the season progressed and he will only get better with more experience. Jordy Nelson, the team’s top receiver a year ago despite being limited by a knee injury, returns to help develop the passing game. Tight ends Rashaad Norwood and Jeron Mastrud are quality big targets.

K-State returns their top two rushers in Leon Patton and James Johnson. Johnson came on strong at the end of last season and continued that momentum heading into 2007. Patton, with 609 yards and six touchdowns, was the more effective player last season, but both will again be significant contributors for the Wildcats. The offensive line has been extremely inconsistent, but KSU hopes this group can change that. Led by center Jordan Bedore, there is a decent amount of experience up front.

Browse the selection of Kansas State Wildcats apparel & hats and buy Kansas State football tickets online from Big 12 Fans!

2007 Kansas State Defense:

Fifteen players who started at least one game on defense are headed back to Kansas State. New defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar hopes that the experience will turn into the KSU buzz word of the season, consistency. The line is led by Ian Campbell. The end recorded 11.5 sacks and a conference high 17.5 tackles for loss and Campbell may see some time at linebacker as well under Coach Tibesar’s scheme. And with the absence of Brandon Archer and Zach Diles, the unit could use the help. Reggie Walker has the most experience after starting nine games in 2006.

There is a wealth of talent and experience in the secondary. Marcus Watts was named to the coaches’ All-Big 12 second team despite starting just five contests because of injuries. Andrew Erker started seven contests and will likely be relegated to the bench this season. Courtney Herndon has starting experience at the free safety spot and junior college All-American Gary Chandler is expected to make an immediate impact. The corners may not be quite as dynamic, but they do not lack any experience. Sophomore Joshua Moore and seniors Bryan Baldwin, Byron Garvin and Justin McKinney will battle for playing time.

Talk Kansas State football on the active Big 12 football forum!

The Bottom Line for the 2007 Wildcats:

Three year starter Tim Reyer is back to bail out the offense with his strong punting leg. Yet, the offense has enough talent to not need Reyer too much this year. The schedule is tough, but Kansas is in the Big 12 North, so it is feasible that they could compete for a title, as long as they find some consistency.

by Joel Welser