2006 Statistics

DB Marcus Watts

QB Josh Freeman was the only true freshman to lead his team to a bowl last year. Now, the huge (6’6”) pro-style hurler has to limit his mistakes (15 INTs) to take State to the next level – the team lost every game in which Freeman threw multiple picks. But when you see this kid’s potential, like in their surprising win against Texas, you realize his upside, especially under an offensive specialist like coach Prince. Look for the Kansas City native to learn from his errors and have a better year in the pocket with the team all his. The running game also looks vibrant with both of last year’s starting tandem back. Super quick soph Leon Patton was honorable mention all-Big XII last year. Teamed with JUCO-transfer James Johnson as they share the rock equally, these guys stay fresh with ample rotations. The line is young, but somewhat developed with real game reps under their belt. This unit is most critical for the Wildcat’s success, for with modest-but-capable athletes at the talent positions, only marginal-to-weak line play can stop this team from coming together and becoming more than just the sum of their parts. Junior center Jordan Bedore is quick for his size, but the rest of the line inside pushes straight ahead best. Inside is also where the developed depth is – filling the outside two-deep will be critical as only starter Nick Stringer, a sophomore with great footwork and deceptive speed, is solidified there. KSU works out of single-back, two-TE sets often. Senior Rashaad Norwood and sophomore Jeron Mastrud, both returning starters at TE, finished second and fifth, respectively, on the team for catches, with Mastrud the bulldozer of the two. His side will continue to be chosen on running plays. The receivers, led by returning top snarler (senior) Jordy Nelson, is comprised of mainly six-footers that can burn with YAC when Freeman gets them the ball. This offense only has to find consistency in order to fuel KSU with enough points weekly.

The jest of the starting line returns, anchored by All-Conference end Rob Jackson. The early reports on Jackson suggest he may be the most influential lineman in the conference. He has continued to wreck offensive plans all spring in Manhattan and has become almost unblockable at times. Junior Ian Campbell is a step faster than senior Rob Jackson, ergo his move to OLB in this 3-4 scheme, but Jackson’s girth gives him advantages when forced inside. Cline and Moran inside need to be more effective, and the entire DL cannot again finish 78th as run stoppers if KSU is to finish over .500. Losing last year’s top two tacklers won’t damage the LB unit too much - Antwon Moore, along with fellow junior Reggie Walker, should form a strong enough nucleus as linebackers for the rest of the corps to be built around. Incoming JUCO-transfer Chris Patterson, who has enough speed to cover receivers, will definitely help to bolster this fledging group. What the corners lack in size, they make up for with seniority/experience and depth. Bryan Baldwin back from injury (undisclosed) will give KSU great dime/nickel packages with three viable starters. Speedy senior free safety Marcus Watts (4.3 sec. in the 40), an ex-WR back from a debilitating hand injury, will join Andrew Erker in the deep middle to bring some size to the DB proceedings. First-team NJCAA All-American Gary Chandler transfers in to give the Wildcats a worthy bunch that only has to come together to be effective against the best Big XII foes. This defense has to play as a unit, for no one area seems dominant. Four of their last six foes scored 30+ on KSU, hopefully motivating the ample talent on this side of the ball to (at least) help the offense secure some of their wins.