http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/15203438.htmJosh Freeman looks as if his biceps have grown biceps. Dylan Meier proclaimed he’s “101 percent healthy.” Allan Evridge promises the passing game will be extremely prominent.
So which one of them will be under center when the Kansas State football team kicks off the Ron Prince era Sept. 2 against Illinois State? It’s a no-brainer, Freeman said Friday as players reported on the eve of today’s first fall practice at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
“I think it should be me,” said Freeman, the true freshman from Grandview who is regarded as the plum in Prince’s first recruiting class, “because I can win. I have extreme confidence in my ability, as a leader and a quarterback.”
Meier, a senior who missed all of 2005 because of a shoulder injury which required surgery, says the new offense was made for him. “I think this offense fits more of my strengths. I feel more comfortable in this type of offense,” said Meier, adding, “I feel experience is invaluable. At this level, anytime you have game experience, it will come out and play a key factor. The bottom line is the best guy is going to get the job.”
So, Dylan, is that you?
“I believe so,” he said.
Evridge, a sophomore, was less revealing about his chances as the starter. But he knows what he will do to try to put himself in line to be first on the depth chart, which Prince has not established for public consumption yet.
“It’s all up to Coach,” Evridge said. “I’ll go out there and do what I’ve always done, practice hard, and we’ll see how it turns out.”
Prince said he plans to announce a starting quarterback sooner rather than later. Obviously, the field has been whittled. Since spring football concluded April 22, quarterbacks Kevin Lopina (transfer to Washington State) and Allen Webb (transfer to Texas College) have departed.
“I want to be fair to these young people and give them a legitimate chance to compete for this job,” Prince said.
Freeman thinks he has an idea when the issue will be settled.
“I’m sure it’ll be pretty early,” he said. “I think we’ll probably go through a week of practice, and then the second week he’ll probably name the guy.”
Prince says true freshmen, even at quarterback, won’t be considered for redshirt status unless they prove otherwise.
“When they come here, we’re looking for them to compete,” Prince said. “If it’s a true freshman, I’m fine with that. No one can measure the heart of what’s in those kids. That’s how I view true freshmen. I have no problem with a true freshman playing quarterback.”
Freeman must love hearing that. He intends to make his opportunity worthwhile.
“As far as wanting to be the guy, that’s something I want to do. That’s one of the reasons I came to K-State,” Freeman said. “I want to show everybody that I can play, show off some of my skills, my talent, try to be the man. I’ve got supreme confidence in myself that I can do it.”
