In last year’s preview, we described the linebackers as a bit of a work in progress, and the 2015 season bore that out. The linebackers were the most productive defensive unit for Kansas State last year, but overall team struggles masked any obvious success. This season, nearly the same unit returns to the field, only faster, healthier, and hungrier.
Starters
Elijah Lee remains the obvious star of the unit. He led the team with 80 tackles, and was generally a terror in the middle last season in run support and on passing downs. In 2015, he became the first underclassman linebacker since Mark Simoneau to be all-conference, and now he’s been named to the preseason all-Big 12 team and to the Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award and Butkus Award watch lists.