By NATE KING
Salina Post
On Sunday, dozens of excited K-State Fans gathered at a Salina car dealership to get an autograph and photo with K-State's quarterback, Will Howard, and outgoing senior and former K-State quarterback Adrian Martinez.
Long McArthur Ford, 3450 South 9th Street, hosted the two athletes as part of an NCAA image and likeness promotion event.
Howard said the return of the entire offensive line bodes well for the 2023 season.
"We got our whole offensive line coming back, which is huge," Howard said. "We got a couple of really good transfers. Treshaun Ward, running back, Keagan Johnson, wide receiver."
Following their first Big XII Championship in a decade, K-State football is back on the field with their spring season starting this week.
"This is the second day but seeing those guys. They fit in really well and our culture is just off the charts good," Howard said. "You would think having a really good season, people get worried about you getting complacent, but that really hasn't been the case at all."
Not everyone will be returning to Bill Snyder Family Stadium in 2023. Adrian Martinez, K-State MBA graduate, told Salina Post he will miss his time at K-State but he is excited for what is next in his career.
"I played college football for five years. Now on to the next step," Martinez said. "It's been a great process. It was a bit strange at first, but being able to train and just continue to get better and know I'm taking the next step is exciting."
While Martinez was out for the entire latter half of the of the season due to a leg injury during K-States 2022 match up with Baylor, he laid down the groundwork leading the Wildcats to a 5-1 record to begin the season.
Last month Martinez was selected with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 USFL College Draft by the New Jersey Generals.
Martinez said leagues like the USFL, XFL and CFL are a tier below the NFL, and allow athletes to showcase their abilities and try to make it to the NFL.
"It can be useful for a lot of different guys and there's been some success stories. And really, it's fun to watch too so if you haven't watched it and you love football check it out," he said.
