K-State's Klieman excited about young players after first week of practice

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - K-State football is five days into fall practices, and while it's too early to make full roster decisions, head coach Chris Klieman likes what he's seeing from many young players.

K-State fans are familiar with big-name players like quarterback Avery Johnson and running back DJ Giddens, but Klieman said Monday there's a lot of other guys who have stood out to the staff that fans will get to know pretty soon.

"The kids we redshirted, there's several defensive lineman, some [defensive backs], some tight ends that are doing good things, so I know that's something we're excited about," Klieman said.

Junior wideout Keagan Johnson and senior cornerback Keenan Garber have caught his attention in fall camp, too.

Though there's still a lot of unknown, the Wildcats' energy and drive at practice has been a constant.

"There's always great excitement those first two days in helmets and jerseys, and then all of a sudden we put the pads on, guys are getting a little bit more sore, but they've bounced back each day and are ready to go out there," Kleiman said. "... If we can keep that energy and that excitement and that ability to realize 'what I did yesterday is nothing, I've got to go attack today,' that's kind of what we're focused on right now."

K-State kicks off its season at home against UT Martin on Aug. 31.