MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University Offensive Coordinator Courtney Messingham, as well as Wildcat student-athletes spoke to local media via Zoom Tuesday to recap the start of spring practices and look ahead to the fall season.
One of the position groups that has received the most attention of late is the wide receivers. Coach Messingham shared his thoughts:
“Well, I’ve been really happy with Keenan Garber, has come to work every single day, has made plays for us. He’s shown, even though he’s a lighter guy, that he’s not afraid to throw it in there and block some. So, I’ve been really happy with him," said Messingham. "Obviously, Malik (Knowles) and (Phillip) Brooks know so much about our offense now after being here for two seasons. They’ve been easy to coach, and they’ve done a good job trying to help some of the younger guys. So, in general, I’ve been happy with them.”
Messingham went further into detail on his most veteran receiver, Malik Knowles, stating, "One of the things for me isn’t so much myself changing things for him, it’s him understanding that the offseason is so important for his development for game week. Meaning, if he’ll listen to our strength and conditioning staff, if he’ll listen to our nutrition people, if he’ll do the things before we ever get to gameday, he’s going to be that much better. To this point, I feel like he’s been doing that. He hasn’t missed one rep so far in spring ball, and if he can keep working the way he’s working, we’ll be in good shape.”
Knowles battled with injuries during the 2020 campaign, but came on late as a major contributor for the Wildcat offense.
"It was the focus. During the season I was going through a lot of stuff off the field, and just being able to really focus, and when the team needed me the most, I was able to push through," said Knowles of his late-season progress.
The receiving core for K-State has a lot of young talent, such as the previously mentioned Keenan Garber, but Knowles' role as a leader is one that's clear, and he seems more than prepared for the workload.
"I’m taking a lot of the young guys under our wings, and I’m always up here doing extra work like jugs catches, watching film and just trying to make them a part of the game," said Knowles.
K-State coaches and players will routinely speak with media throughout the spring practice calendar. Stay tuned for updates each week.