http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/247560.htmlAnswered Questions
1 How will the players respond to the 3-4 defense? It was virtually impossible to locate a player who doesn’t like the new system. They kept talking about the freedom to “fly to the ball” and be aggressive.
2 What’s Jordy Nelson’s status? The senior wide receiver looks to be in 2005 form. That’s when he was a second-team All-Big 12 selection by The Star before injuries thwarted a chunk of his 2006 season. He could be Mr. Dependable on offense.
3 How does Deon Murphy look? He showed in camp that his signing might turn out to be the most important in 2007. The Wildcats needed help in the return game, and Murphy showed signs with his speed that he could add a charge of electricity that is missing now that Yamon Figurs is in the NFL.
Unanswered Questions
1 Who will kick? Four candidates — Brooks Rossman, Tim Schwerdt, Jared Parker and Josh Cherry — but zero who took control. Fans hope they won’t have to cover their eyes when it’s time for K-State to boot a crucial field goal.
2 Is the offensive line better? A unit that struggled in 2006 could be a major issue again if junior-college transfers Alesana Alesana and Ben Liu are busts. Coach Ron Prince still was looking for a left guard last time he spoke, and didn’t appear to be close to solving that problem.
3 Did the sophomore jinx latch on to Josh Freeman in record time? He missed the first couple of practices because he failed to pass the precamp conditioning test. That had to leave a sour taste for those who remained bitter over his late-season performances against Kansas and Rutgers. The burden is on him to prove he’ll be a sophomore sensation.
Bottom Line
The two biggest question marks entering camp, offensive line and kicker, remained unsettled weeks later. It wasn’t, however, because of insufficient effort. Senior defensive back Marcus Watts said it was the hardest camp he’s been through. We’ll find out soon enough whether it conditioned K-State for what could be its toughest test of the year when the Wildcats travel to SEC territory.