Could Kansas State WR Josh Manning Be The X-Factor On Offense?
· Yahoo Sports
Quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Joe Jackson have been the most discussed Kansas State Wildcats football players in the media this offseason.
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They were the two offensive players to represent the program last month at Media Days in Frisco, Texas. They are the ones on everyone's minds. A close third, perhaps, is probably tight end Linkon Cure, who many are hoping to have a breakout after an injury-filled freshman season.
In reality, the Wildcats most important player on offense could be receiver Joshua Manning. After transferring from the Missouri Tigers, he has a chance to become the X-Factor this season.
Here's why:
The Wildcats were in desperate need of a lead receiver after Jayce Brown transferred to LSU. It is a void they needed to fill, and why not do it with a player who was once considered the top wide receiver in the state of Missouri coming out of high school. Things never materialized for Manning with the Tigers in Columbia.
He played special teams mostly as a freshman before cracking the starting lineup the next two seasons. Although he made 18 starts during that period, he struggled to make the impact many expected.
The time is now for Manning to finally live up to the expectations that made him one of the top recruits in the nation. Everything is in place for him to star with the Wildcats. He has an experienced quarterback in Johnson, who is back for his third season as the full-time starter. He has a coach in Collin Klein, who is offensive-minded.
All that's left is for Manning to take advantage of this golden opportunity.
The Manning File:
-After starring at Lee's Summit (Mo.) High School, he signed with the Mizzou Tigers despite dozens of offers.
-In 2024, he had 13 catches for 192 yards and one touchdown. The Tigers thought this was only the beginning of a productive career.
-Last year Manning did improve some with 29 receptions for 318 yards and two touchdowns. It appears that he wanted to have a bigger role in the offense, thus the decision to enter the transfer portal.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]