Kansas State's Chris Klieman Takes Tumble In National Coaching Rankings

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman led the team to consecutive nine-win seasons and finished both with bowl victories.

Still, it didn't keep him from falling in the 247Sports coaching rankings this season. Klieman checked in at No. 22 after finishing No. 16 a year ago.

Here's what 247Sports wrote: "Klieman has won 29 games over the last three years with the Wildcats with one Big 12 title to show for it."

Klieman was among five Big 12 coaches to make the list. The others were: Deion Sanders (Colorado) at No. 25, Kalani Sitake (BYU) at No. 24, Matt Campbell (Iowa State) at No. 21, Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State) at No. 12.

GIDDENS CONSIDERED AMONG BEST SLEEPERS IN NFL DRAFT

Former Kansas State running back DJ Giddens has three months to impress NFL scouts before the draft in April.

The one word most are using to label Gidden is "sleeper." Some are considering him a potential steal for a team in the middle to late rounds.

Sleepers at Each Position:

*all currently projected outside the Top 100*

QB Kurtis Rourke
RB DJ Giddens
RB RJ Harvey
RB Woody Marks
WR Jaylin Noel
WR Jack Bech
WR Pat Bryant
TE Jake Briningstool
OT Jack Nelson
OT Ozzie Trapilo
OG Dylan Fairchild
OC Jonah Monheim
OCJake Majors…
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 18, 2025

Last season Gidden carried 205 times for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 6.6 yards a carry and also impressed as a receiving threat out of the backfield. He arguably the Big 12's most valuable running back behind Cam Skattebo (Arizona State) and RJ Harvey (UCF).

Dj Giddens RB out of Kansas St will be a prospect that will be talked about this upcoming NFL Draft with over 1300 yards this past season he was an important piece to the K State offense .. QUICKNESS AGILITY LATERAL ABILITY .. he is shifty and tough to t… https://t.co/VnniExi6KW pic.twitter.com/AOREVRbOSb
— J Tuck (@jtuck151) January 17, 2025

Here's the scouting report on Giddens according to NFLDraftBuzz: "While Giddens may not possess elite breakaway speed, his ability to create yards after contact and contribute in the passing game should translate well to the NFL. Teams looking for a back who can handle a heavy workload and provide a reliable outlet in the short-passing game will find Giddens an attractive mid-round option."

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Kansas State Wildcats On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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