K-State head coach Chris Klieman and selected players met with the media yesterday. If these quotes don’t get you pumped up for Saturday, I don’t know what will. Here we go…

"DJ is one of the best, if not the best running back in college football"@avery2johnson with high praise for running back DJ Giddens when asked who the most underrated player on this #kstatefb roster is. pic.twitter.com/JbwsBIiA78

— Katie Maher (@wibwKatie) August 26, 2024

JM: Hyperbole? Probably, but I think DJ Giddens is going to have a fantastic season. He’s getting Heisman odds now, so I put a buck on him!

"There's a Lockett on the Kansas State depth chart" pic.twitter.com/7yvbGl8ori

— Kegan Reneau (@KeganReneau) August 26, 2024

JM: Yes, that is correct. Sterling Lockett is listed as a backup receiver and it looks like he and Dylan Edwards will split duties returning punts. This is fantastic news!

Chris Klieman on the leadership he's seen from #KStateFB starting LT Hadley Panzer so far.

"You just can't do anything but love Hadley. That kid is a kid that loves ball." pic.twitter.com/3PboLD1O0Y

— Katie Maher (@wibwKatie) August 27, 2024

JM: The offensive line is somewhat of a question mark going into the season, but I’m not worried. I think Hadley Panzer and the crew will be just fine.

Chris Klieman says he still hasn't chosen a QB2. Both Ta'Quan Roberson and Jacob Knuth impressed during training camp.

— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) August 26, 2024

JM: I don’t want to think what might happen if K-State is forced to play their number two quarterback for any extended period of time this fall. I hope K-State takes care of business early and we see both Roberson and Knuth take a bunch of snaps on Saturday.

Interesting note from K-State football interviews today:

Avery Johnson doesn't sit with QBs at team meetings. He sits with offensive linemen to build camaraderie with his blockers. It's something he learned from Will Howard.

The O-Line loves it, per right tackle Carver Willis.

— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) August 26, 2024

JM: Interesting. Probably a good idea, especially if you have a running quarterback.

Andy Staples talking about Avery Johnson on Pardon My Take pic.twitter.com/wu6HAqLNyV

— Coach Tang’s burner (@CoachTangburns) August 26, 2024

JM: Let the hype begin!

“I’m not worried about how I manage things,” Klieman said. “Cut the kid loose, let him go play. The kid is really good, so I’m not managing anything. I’m going to encourage him, tell him I love him, tell him how much I believe in him and then go play: ’Go do what you do. You’ve been waiting for this opportunity.’ “He’ll make plays within himself. Man, I’m as excited as you guys are.”…Chris Klieman, 8/26/24

JM: Klieman was asked how he is going to manage Avery Johnson on Saturday and he gave the reporter a smirk and said he’s not managing him at all. The head coach is as excited as we all are to see him play. Sounds like something Andy Reid might say about Patrick Mahomes. How’s that for hype?