Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman likes to refer to the Wildcats as a “developmental program.”
That means he prioritizes recruiting high school prospects from across the region and developing them into college contributors as they mature in Manhattan.
But he doesn’t ignore the transfer portal. Far from it. Every year, he aims to bring in a small group of older players who have already proven themselves at other schools. He isn’t looking for much development out of them. Instead, he wants them to make an immediate impact, usually at positions of need.
Over the years, his balanced approach to roster building has paid off. K-State has produced 13 NFL Draft picks during the Klieman era. Of that group, nine were homegrown players who signed with the Wildcats out of high school. The other four were transfers.
Julius Brents, Josh Hayes, Marquis Sigle and Russ Yeast all transferred to K-State from other Division I teams and helped the Wildcats reach bowl games before they moved on to the pros.
Other transfers such as Adrian Martinez, Reggie Stubblefield, Easton Kilty and Kade Warner gave the Wildcats a boost while they were wearing purple. Several current starters also joined K-State as transfers.
K-State loaded up on 15 transfers heading into this season. After losing three players to the NFL Draft, the Wildcats hoped a larger group of experienced newcomers would help the Wildcats as they chased a Big 12 championship this year. Instead, they have a 1-3 record and are off to their worst start since 1989.
How much blame does K-State’s newest batch of transfers deserve for those underwhelming results?
You be the judge.
Here is a rundown of how K-State’s 15 newest transfers have performed thus far.
Jerand Bradley: The Boston College transfer has been a productive, if not spectacular, addition at wide receiver. He has caught 10 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown. But he hasn’t played since midway through a loss to Army because of injuries.
Terrence Enos: The Pittsburgh transfer is one of several offensive linemen to start a game at right tackle this season. He has helped the Wildcats block in every game, but offensive line has been a major weakness for this team.
George Fitzpatrick: Klieman told reporters that Fitzpatrick was destined to start at left tackle for K-State after he transferred in from Ohio State. But he hasn’t seen any action because of a “medical situation” that happened in the preseason.
Amarion Fortenberry: The cornerback from South Alabama has made two tackles and defended one pass in limited action this seaosn.
Gunner Maldonado: It is probably unfair to judge Maldonado yet, as he is still working his way back from injury. But the Arizona transfer has played in every game and delivered mixed results at safety. He has made six tackles.
Antonio Martin: K-State gave him his first real shot at running back against Arizona, and he responded with 17 yards on five carries.
Caleb Medford: The New Mexico transfer has not recorded a single stat with the Wildcats.
Qua Moss: K-State’s top newcomer after four games has to be Moss. The West Georgia transfer has been in the starting lineup at cornerback and delivered several big plays for the K-State defense, including an interception at Arizona. He has 13 tackles, one forced fumble and one sack on the young season.
JB Nelson: The Penn State transfer opened the season as Kansas State’s starting right guard, but he has mostly been a complementary blocker ever since.
Ralph Ortiz: The linebacker from West Florida made one tackle against Army.
Gabe Powers: An Ohio State transfer, he has made a tackle in every game this season. The linebacker has 11 tackles on the year.
Jayshawn Ross: As an Alabama transfer, some had high expectations for Ross. But he was quickly dismissed from the team following a drug arrest earlier this month.
Jayden Rowe: The Oklahoma transfer had one tackle against North Dakota.
Amos Talalele: The USC transfer has seen some action on the offensive line.
Jaron Tibbs: He has delivered big catches and unfortunate drops. The Purdue transfer has caught 13 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns as one of Avery Johnson’s go-to receivers.