Injuries may cause offensive line shakeups for No. 14 K-State

Wildcats are down three starters

MANHATTAN, Kan. — An offensive line already beset by injuries took another hit in Saturday’s 41-34 win over Southern Illinois.

Right tackle Cooper Beebe, who had started 28 consecutive games at the position, left the game in the first half with an apparent leg injury. His status is uncertain, according to head coach Chris Klieman, who said Beebe would be evaluated further Sunday.

If Beebe is unable to play Saturday against No. 6 Oklahoma, it will mark the third straight game that K-State has been without three starters on the offensive line.

Center Noah Johnson missed the previous two games with a foot injury and is not expected back for another two weeks, while left guard Hayden Gillum has missed the past three games with a back injury. Gillum also is not expected back for another two weeks.

With Beebe, Johnson and Gillum out, K-State has been forced to start three backups on the offensive line the past three weeks: redshirt freshman left tackle KT Leveston, redshirt freshman center Adrian Martinez and junior right guard Jeremiah Williamson.

Martinez, who has started the past two games at center, graded out as the Wildcats’ top offensive lineman against Southern Illinois, according to Klieman.

“Adrian played well,” Klieman said. “I think he is a really good football player. He is smart, tough and physical. He is going to be a really good player here for us.”

Leveston and Williamson have also played well in their starting roles, Klieman said.

“KT has played well,” Klieman said. “He is a redshirt freshman who has come in and played some snaps for us. He is going to be a really good football player. He is tough, physical and smart.”

“Jeremiah has played well,” Klieman added. “He is a junior college transfer who has come in and played some snaps for us. He is a tough, physical guy who is going to be a really good player for us.”

Despite the injuries, K-State’s offensive line has held its own the past three weeks. The Wildcats have rushed for more than 200 yards in each of the past three games, and quarterback Adrian Martinez has been sacked just once in that span.

“I am really proud of our offensive line,” Klieman said. “They have done a great job of stepping up and playing well. We have had some injuries, but they have not missed a beat. They have played tough and physical, and they have helped us win some football games.”

Injury could force shuffling of offensive line

If Beebe is unable to play against Oklahoma, Klieman said he could move Leveston to right tackle and insert redshirt freshman Desmond Purnell at left tackle.

Purnell has played in all three games this season, but he has not started.

“Desmond is a really good football player,” Klieman said. “He is a redshirt freshman who has come in and played some snaps for us. He is tough, physical and smart. He is going to be a really good player here for us.”

Klieman said he is confident that the offensive line will be able to handle the challenge of playing against Oklahoma, regardless of who is in the lineup.

“We have a lot of depth on our offensive line,” Klieman said. “We have some guys who have played a lot of football for us, and we have some young guys who are ready to step up and play. I am confident that we will be able to put a good offensive line on the field against Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma’s defense is ranked No. 2 in the country, and the Sooners have allowed just 20 points per game this season.

“Oklahoma has a great defense,” Klieman said. “They are big, physical and fast. They are going to be a tough challenge for us, but I am confident that we will be able to move the ball against them.”

Conclusion

Injuries have forced K-State to shuffle its offensive line the past three weeks, but the Wildcats have not missed a beat. The offensive line has helped K-State rush for more than 200 yards in each of the past three games, and quarterback Adrian Martinez has been sacked just once in that span.

If Beebe is unable to play against Oklahoma, Klieman could move Leveston to right tackle and insert redshirt freshman Desmond Purnell at left tackle. Klieman is confident that the offensive line will be able to handle the challenge of playing against Oklahoma, regardless of who is in the lineup.