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Rapid Recap: Approach from Klein and Martinez

BACKFIELD DEVELOPMENT

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In terms of what still needs to be accomplished during camp, Kansas State offensive coordinator Collin Klein instantly alluded to developing the depth at running back behind Deuce Vaughn.

It sounds like that is at the top of the to-do list in the remaining weeks before the beginning of the season. The two names he mentioned associated with that job were DJ Giddens and Anthony Frias.

Klein shared that both have done a great job and are on the right track. Giddens has improved a lot in the last few weeks. Frias has done some nice things, but it sounds like they hope to see much more from them moving forward.

What will help that is finding the right mixing and matching along the offensive line as well.

DJ Giddens
DJ Giddens (Kansas State Athletics)

DRAWING UP PLAYS

As the new play-caller for the K-State offense, Klein admitted to getting overwhelmed in wanting to be very creative with play design and what they are implementing.

He has the older assistants in the room bring him back down at times reminding him to be realistic.

By the same token, he still feels incredibly honored each and every day to be the leader of the Wildcats' offensive attack. Klein admitted that it is like playing quarterback all over again without being the actual signal caller.

While it is fun, he said they're more focused on having fun while being excellent. He doesn't want to let his players or the other coaches on the staff down in any way.

With that being said, they are pressing forward. The Wildcats want to drastically expand a lot of what they have been doing and look to be creative. That will consist of varying formations and varying tempos.

The goal is to put as much pressure on the defense as possible.

Collin Klein
Collin Klein (Drew Galloway/KSO)

VALUE OF BEEBE

Klein didn't hold back in his praise of Cooper Beebe. He called his star offensive lineman a stud, to which Beebe responded 'thank you' while waiting for his turn at the podium immediately following Monday's practice.

The two had a chuckle over that.

Beebe's versatility in how he can be the best player at either tackle or guard is a special tool for Kansas State. It allows them to shake up the alignment to where they always have an elite combination on the field.

His intelligence also gives them a great asset in flushing out the problems before they surface. He sees potential errors before they happen and is able to call them out so that they can find a better approach to a play.

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TAKING OFF

The most animated that the K-State offensive coordinator became was when he was asked about fifth-year receiver Phillip Brooks. He described the new wearer of No. 8 as 'taking off' and felt like it began last season.

Throughout the year, he was one of the more improved players on the roster, according to Klein. He's now added more weight and is taking care of his body thanks to the strength and nutrition staffs.

It has helped with his endurance and allowed him to remain fresher for longer. On top of that, he is playing with more of a mental edge, acting hungrier and has really bought into being a seasoned four-year guy that mentors his teammates.

His swagger and difference in leadership has been palpable.

Adrian Martinez
Adrian Martinez (Kansas State Athletics)

APPROACH WITH ADRIAN

By now, everyone knows about the turnover miscues that plagued Adrian Martinez while he was at Nebraska.

However, it hasn't been a concern of Klein's whatsoever. Furthermore, he's seen zero signs of it being a problem while the quarterback has been in Manhattan. Martinez has valued the football.

He is aggressive, but Klein embraces that. The coach trusts Martinez because he can make every throw and he is an electric athlete. The offensive coordinator has played the position before and knows it can become a mental hurdle if dwelled upon.

That is why he has imparted his wisdom onto Martinez and made sure that the starting quarterback for the Wildcats doesn't feel like he has to play scared or afraid to make a mistake. He won't be effective if he is pressing in hopes of not turning over the football.

It is impossible to think like that and be successful. Klein wants Martinez to play free and loose. He can play smart and aggressive at the same time, while also manage the game and rely on his teammates.

A great sign that Martinez has bought into that is that he used the same language when he spoke with the media later that day.

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