Junior linebacker Jonathan Truman
The former walk-on is heading into his senior year as the potential playmaker for the K-State defense for next season; more than likely the defense will go as he goes. Truman was second on the team last season with 89 tackles, behind Blake Slaughter, who was a senior last season. Slaughter’s shoes are some big ones for Truman to fill, but the Wichita native showed last season that he has a nose for the ball. Playing alongside highly-touted junior college recruit D’Vonta Derricott will allow Truman and the entire linebacking corps to have a big impact next year, starting Saturday.
Sophomore safety Dante Barnett
With the graduation of safety Ty Zimmerman, and cornerbacks Kip Daily and Dorian Roberts, Barnett is the lone returning starter in the Wildcats secondary, and he will be wanting to set the tone for the defensive backs in the Spring Game.
The junior-to-be was third on the team in tackles with 75 and first in interceptions with four last season, and capped off his season by being named the Defensive Player of the Game in the Wildcats’ win over Michigan in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Barnett has plenty of fans eager to see what he can do when he is “the guy” for the Wildcat secondary, and a good showing tomorrow will cement him as a leader of the unit.
Sophomore wide receiver Andre Davis
K-State returns quarterback Jake Waters and wide receiver Tyler Lockett for next season, which is enough to strike fear into opposing players’ hearts, and if Davis emerges as another big weapon in the passing game, head coach Bill Snyder will have an array of weapons at his disposal. The 6-foot, 190-pound receiver was a big signing from the JUCO ranks for Snyder, and has the potential to give Waters another big-time threat to throw to. For most fans, tomorrow will be their first chance to see Davis in action.
Sophomore wide receiver Daniel Sams
Sams proved that he is electrifying with the ball in his hands last year, but was not able to stick as Waters’ accomplice under center, prompting a position change this offseason. Just as the Spring Game is Wildcat fans’ first chance to see Davis at receiver, it will serve as Sams’ first chance to make an impression on the coaching staff at the same position. How he plays and, just as importantly, how much he plays will give the entire nation a preview of what is to come this fall with Sams.
