Trio of Wichita-area Wildcats shine in season opener

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — No. 17 K-State football began the 2024 season by beating UT Martin 41-6.

This season, Avery Johnson, Dylan Edwards, and Tobi Osunsanmi, all from the Wichita area, are key contributors to the Wildcats team.

The guys all graduated in the class of 2023. Johnson is an alum of Maize High, Edwards went to Derby, and Osunsanmi went to Wichita East.

While they were rivals in high school, the trio isn’t new to sharing the field. They played together as kids.

“It’s definitely different. We all played on the same seven-on-seven team as well, the Wichita Wheat with Coach Nook,” said Edward, Wildcats sophomore running back.

In their season opener, K-State sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson started his second game as play caller. He connected with Edwards for two touchdowns. It’s a feeling they say was far too familiar.

“Just being able to see like all this hard work and effort kind of come to fruition and being able to celebrate him in the end zone, it was it was kind of like old times again. So it was a lot of fun,” said Johnson.

“It felt like we were back at the Bears,” said Edwards. “So it’s just cool seeing my friend right next to me throw me the ball and being the general he is as a quarterback. He told me, ‘don’t forget our handshake when we get in the end zone,’ and I didn’t. We’ve been having the same handshake since I was in like fourth, fifth grade.”

Osunsanmi made his presence known on defense. He finished the home opener with two tackles and one and a half sack. He credits his success to his time as a Blue Ace.

“I feel like in high school I was just like, like just step by step, like the football fundamentals. Like I actually got to slow down and, like, learn football,” he explained.

K-State football head coach Chris Kleiman values having Kansas-area talent in K-State’s program.

“It’s something that’s really important to us in the recruiting process and really important to, I think, the fan base that comes from all over the state to come to our games. That way, we put on a really good product, and we give the kids in the state an opportunity to be successful,” said Klieman.

“Wichita is really like an underrated city when it comes to the athletes. So I feel like us three being here just not only is like representing Wichita, but it gives hope to other people in Wichita who want to make it to the next level,” added Osunsanmi.

They play game two of the 2024 season on the road Saturday against Tulane. Kick-off is scheduled for 11 a.m.

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