Kansas State's NFL Production Illustrates Program's Recent Strides
In this story:
Former Kansas State's Jacob Parrish (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), DJ Giddens (Indianapolis Colts), and Marques Sigle (San Francisco 49ers) are all headed to the pros.
All three heard their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft, attempting to etch their names in NFL history with their new teams. Kansas State coach Chris Klieman expressed his pride watching the former Wildcats move on to the next level.
"Really proud of the fact that we had another three guys drafted, and then you throw Will [Howard] in there," Klieman said. "It's helping us with recruiting for sure."
The past three seasons, 10 former Kansas State players have been drafted, the most in a three-year span since 2002. The Wildcats' production of NFL talent displays the school's ability to develop players into high-level products.
And in return, it attracts more recruits to the program.
"Football's football," Klieman said. "I've said it for seven years here: if you're good enough, they're gonna find you. The opportunity for guys who were here, whether it was DJ [Giddens] and Jacob [Parrish] who had been here the whole time, or Marquise [Sigle] coming to a situation. Buy in, be in with both feet, at all levels of it. Not just what you do on the field, but what you do off the field with strength, nutrition, and recovery."
MORE K-STATE NEWS
Kansas State's Avery Johnson Inspiring Team With New Confidence
Kansas State’s Chris Klieman Awaiting Biggest Spring Improvement
NFL Broadcaster's Aaron Rodgers Comments Should Make Steelers Consider Starting Will Howard
Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.
Jayden is a journalism school graduate of Howard University. He was the 2024 recipient of the Terez Paylor scholarship award. He previously worked at the Orlando Sentinel.
Follow jaydenarmant