Even without Ben Sinnott, Kansas State football looks for production from tight ends

MANHATTAN — In about three weeks, former Kansas State football tight end Ben Sinnott is certain to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft.

In three seasons, the last two as a starter, Sinnott became arguably the Wildcats’ most reliable receiver while also taking care of business as a blocker. In many ways, he helped redefine the position as it evolved in K-State’s offense.

“It’s extremely important to the offense,” said new offensive coordinator and veteran offensive line coach Conor Riley. “And as we get in and recruit tight ends and talk about that particular position, to me, it’s one of the things that makes our offense unique across the landscape of college football, the versatility that we can do with the tight ends.

“Ben Sinnott, I think I read something the other day that said, ‘Gosh, he may be the No. 2 tight end in this year’s draft.’ Whether or not that’s true, I know he was a hell of a player for us here at Kansas State.”

Related: Kansas State football offensive coordinator Conor Riley ready for his move upstairs

Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott (34) drives through the Kansas defense during last year’s Sunflower Showdown in Lawrence.

He certainly was. In his K-State career before opting out of the Pop-Tarts Bowl last December to prepare for the draft, Sinnott amassed 77 career receptions for 1,138 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a senior, he had 44 catches for a team-best 676 yards and six scores.

The challenge now for Riley and tight ends coach Brian Lepak is to make sure that the position remains an integral part of the offense with Sinnott off to the NFL.

The good news is that there were several prospects waiting in the wings, all of whom have showed that they can contribute — if not immediately, then down the road.

The veteran of the group is senior Will Swanson, who at 6-foot-5, 251 pounds is closest…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/even-without-ben-sinnott-kansas-090708722.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-04-07 09:07:08

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