“We appreciate the efforts of Courtney and Jason during their time in Manhattan and wish them well in the future. These were very difficult decisions to make as both are great coaches and friends — Jason (Ray) since our time at North Dakota State and Courtney (Messingham), who I have known since we were young. “However, I feel like this is in the best interest of our program moving forward.”…K-State head football coach Chris Klieman, December 3rd, 2021

JM: I’m sure this was a very difficult decision for Chris Klieman to make, but he made the right call here. I’m not sure what the beef was with Jason Ray, but Messingham’s play-calling has been suspect since he first called a play in Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Perhaps the new offensive coordinator wants to bring someone with him to serve on staff and there wasn’t an opening? Pure speculation on my part. I hear former Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells’ name over and over again as a candidate. I’d be more than ok with that. However, I found an interesting tidbit about Wells. He’s only been an offensive coordinator one year in his coaching career (which started in 1997). In 2012 at Utah State. He became head coach there the following year and then got hired as head coach at Texas Tech in 2019. Would he be the best candidate for the offensive coordinator position? Who knows. What I do know is that Klieman needs to hire a couple of guys that can not only coach but can recruit successfully as well. Collin Klein will serve as offensive coordinator for K-State’s bowl game.

“I would like to thank Kansas State University for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the program. I would like to thank the KState coaching staff for everything! With long thoughts and prayers, I will be entering the transfer portal w/2 years of eligibility.”…K-State wide receiver Tyrone Howell, November 28, 2021

JM: I liked what I saw from Tyrone Howell, but he didn’t get many passes thrown his way. He had seven catches for 98 yards on the year.

“I would like to thank Kansas State University for allowing me to be a student and play the game that I love. I would like to thank coach Klieman and his staff for everything. After much prayer, and consideration I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”…K-State running back Joe Ervin, November 28, 2021

JM: Ervin rushed for 322 yards two touchdowns on the season and was the primary backup for starter Deuce Vaughn. I always thought he did a nice job. When I saw this I thought “That sucks. Well, at least we’ll see more of Jacardia Wright now…..”

“I would like to thank Kansas State for the opportunity, love, and support that they’ve shown and provided me in the last 3 years. I would like to thank Coach Klieman and his staff for the chance to continue to play the game I love! After long consideration and many prayers, I have decided to enter myself into the transfer portal.”…K-State running back Jacardia Wright, November 30th, 2021.

JM: So much for that.

“TO THE FANS: Thank you for all the love and support during my time in Manhattan. Y’all are second to none! After countless conversations with my family, I would like to announce that I’ve entered my name into the transfer portal.”…K-State defensive back Tee Denson, December 3rd, 2021

JM: Denson played in every game in 2021, mostly as a backup. The transfers are disappointing to me, but it’s the way of the world in college football nowadays.

“Joining Anudike-Uzomah on the first team was offensive lineman Cooper Beebe, kick returner Malik Knowles and defensive back Russ Yeast. K-State’s second-team selections were running back Deuce Vaughn and fullback Jax Dineen.”…K-Statesports.com, December 2, 2021

JM: Anudike-Uzomah was picked as co-defensive lineman of the year in the Big 12 by the coaches. He is a sophomore along with Cooper Beebe and Deuce Vaughn. Knowles and Dineen are juniors. K-State has a lot of good players returning next season, so I’m not freaking out about all of the transfers yet. If there are more, I reserve the right to change my mind. Congratulations to all the Wildcats who were selected to the coaches All-Big 12 team.

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