K-State's Sigle continuing to grow on and off the field

LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - K-State has sent a handful of defensive backs to the NFL under head coach Chris Klieman.

Josh Hayes, Russ Yeast, Julius Brents and Ekow Boye-Doe are among the members of the Wildcats' secondary who have picked up pro opportunities in recent years. Klieman believes Marques Sigle could be the next.

"Both [Yeast and Hayes] were corners we converted to our free safety spot, [Sigle] is the same way," Klieman said on Tuesday at Big 12 Media Days. "I think sky is the limit for [Marques]. [Marques Sigle] is a Sunday player. I'm looking forward to him having a huge year this year. He's a really good football player and he kind of brings them all together in that back end. He's becoming a really good leader back there."

Sigle admits when he first got to K-State he felt like a freshman again, due to being in a new place. He was suspended and missed K-State's season opener in 2023 for an undisclosed reason. Now entering his fifth season of college football, Sigle was selected as one of five players to represent the program at media days.

"I've grown so much," Sigle said. "Speed wise, strength wise. I've developed into a whole different player."

Sigle was an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention after the 2023 season and Klieman spoke about his maturity ahead of his final season of college football. His teammates can also attest.

"He's grown a lot," sixth-year senior defensive end Brendan Mott said. "He's obviously a stud, not afraid to come up and hit somebody, really physical safety. Also. I think he's grown a lot as a leader this past year. Speaking up to the defense, speaking up to the team, help leading that back end, that secondary group... He's comfortable leading in front of the team, comfortable speaking up and it's really cool to see a guy like that step up."

Sigle tallied 63 total tackles, including three for loss, in 2023 and notched a big interception in the Wildcats' win against Kansas.