'We'll find out what we're made of': K-State's new-look offensive line ready for 2024
LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - Kansas State's offensive line will look slightly different in 2024, but the Wildcats aren't necessarily looking to replicate their former teammates.
The 'beef' of K-State football left behind some big shoes to fill after graduating standout offensive linemen Cooper Beebe, Christian Duffie, Hayden Gillum and KT Leveston. Beebe and Leveston were both selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Beebe to the Cowboys and Leveston to the Rams, while Duffie signed a deal with the Panthers.
This year's unit will see guys who played significant snaps last year, like sixth-year senior Taylor Poitier and fifth-year senior Carver Willis. The 'Cats also return senior offensive lineman Hadley Panzer, who is looking to step up in 2024.
"What I've been telling myself, and telling some of the other guys, is that 'I don't have to be the next Cooper Beebe, you don't have to be the next KT [Leveston], [Christian Duffie], or Hayden [Gillum],'" Panzer said at Big 12 football media days in Las Vegas. "We just have to go out there and be the best versions of ourselves, and taking it one day at a time and doing what we can to maximize our time and our opportunity."
Panzer started in all thirteen games for the Wildcats in 2023 and played in all 14 games in 2022. The veteran O-lineman reassures the leadership from Conor Riley hasn't changed, even though he's now both the team's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.
K-State also added Easton Kilty via the transfer portal, another veteran lineman who has four years worth of experience at North Dakota.
"Once it comes time to the season stuff, then we'll find out what we're made of," Panzer said.