2003 Statistics

OT Jon Doty

Quarterback
To some Kansas State football fans, the clouds of doom are lingering just over the horizon. Memories of the quarterback controversy of the 2001-2002 campaign are still fresh in the mind. Dylan Meier will be slated into the starting spot, ahead of Indiana-transfer Allen Webb. Surprisingly quick, the junior quarterback has Ell Roberson-like moves but hasn't proved he has the arm strength and accuracy. Playing mostly mop-up duty, Meier led the Wildcats with an average of 9.3 yards per carry and had a high of fifty-one yards passing against Iowa State. His awareness needs work, as he's susceptible of throwing interceptions in high-pressure situations. Allen Webb has yet to be seen on the field, but many fans suspect he will eventually inherit Roberson's throne. If Meier stumbles early, Webb will surely see action against Kansas State's early 1-AA opponents.

Running Back
Darren Sproles stepped out of the shadows left by Josh Scobey. He led the nation in rushing with 1986 total yards and will prove his running ability again in 2004. Don't expect him to tear through the two thousand yard barrier, though. The inexperienced offensive line will not hold like years past. Coach Bill Snyder will rely more of the shifty 5'7" back this year to take pressure off QB Dylan Meier. The Wildcats have two very capable fullbacks. Victor Mann will take over the blocking duties as the Cats march down the field. The beefy Ayo Saba will be a huge threat around the goal line.

Wide Receiver
In 2003, the Wildcats marginally broke out of their option-running habits to throw for over 2600 yards. Dylan Meier won't be able to rely on standout WR James Terry. Instead he'll have to aim for less proven targets in Davin Dennis and Antione Polite. Jermaine Moreira showed flashes of brilliance as a slot receiver. He is very shifty and has sure hands. Although a sophomore, he will be regarded as one of the Wildcats' best receivers by his junior year and will be the playmaker of the receiving unit. Dennis can stretch the field when needed, but he and Polite will need to step up and play more responsible roles for this unit to achieve its potential.

Tight End
Kansas State will continue to rely heavily on their tight end position for blocking and the occasional pass. Senior Brian Casey saw action in all thirteen games and led the team with 19.6 yards per catch. He is definitely a step up in the TE position and should be the best in the Big 12 North.

Offensive Line
The O-Line is the mystery of the Wildcat offense. The loss of C Nick Leckey will keep coach Bill Snyder looking for leadership, but he always finds a way to keep the line sturdy. Senior tackle Jon Doty and junior tackle Jeromey Clary will be the strong points in the line. The biggest question is the center position. So far, nobody is has been penciled in, but as we've seen, Snyder isn't scared to move over one of his guards.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Unless Meier makes a major breakthrough, the offense will slump against Big 12 opponents. Darren Sproles will be pressured to create the bulk of the Wildcat scoring opportunities and should still be able to pull off another 1500+ yard season… if the O-Line holds. Building trust between the offensive units, specifically faith in their new QB, will be the Wildcats' biggest struggle.

Defensive Line
The defensive front-men should remain strong. Returning starter Jermaine Berry will lead the young squad to another top ten run-stopping defense. Defensive end Kevin Huntley is a forced to be reckoned with as he established himself early with two fumble recoveries and six sacks as a backup. Tough and physical linemen are the type of players Coach Snyder breeds. This squad is no exception. Likely, DE Scott Edmonds will line up next to DT Derek Marso on the other side. If there's a hole to be found in the defensive line, this is the place.

Linebacker
With the loss of starters Buhl and Hickman, the Wildcats are taking a huge hit behind the line. Fortunately, the linebacker position has depth. California native Marvin Simmons has great size and athleticism and will help stuff the holes left by the defensive line. Ted Simms will play the middle and legacy Matt Butler (father Bill was KSU RB 1969-71) should anchor the other side. Both have seen action in ten or more games.

Defensive Back
Cornerback Cedric Williams showed the nation his ability as he seemingly covered the entire Oklahoma receiving squad during the Big 12 Championship game. Unfortunately, Williams alone will not be able to anchor the secondary. Huge questions still loom about ability, and a substitute for CB Randy Jordan will be hard to find. Lack of depth is a major problem and the Cats may have to rely on this year's recruiting class to help out. Jesse Tetuan should suffice at free safety, but this year there will be no Rashad Washington at strong safety. Pass heavy offenses such as Texas Tech will have their way with the Swiss-like K-State DBs.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The situation is similar to every other year in recent Wildcat history. Heavy losses will plague the defense, yet Bill Snyder will rally his troops and likely put together a top ten defense. Of course, the wimpy 1-AA schedule doesn't hurt this pursuit. All phases of the defense have concerns, most of which belong to the secondary. They know they'll be able to stop the run, but protecting against the pass is what will keep this team from becoming the elite of the Big 12 for the second consecutive year. With slower, smaller, yet powerful linebackers, the Wildcats may have problems containing shifty backs that run outside.