Manhattan’s Ilalio set for big role with K-State in 2024

MANHATTAN ( KSNT ) – Damian Ilalio was one of the best athletes in the state of Kansas when he graduated from Manhattan High School in 2021.

He made his presence felt in football, wrestling and track and field. Ilalio, despite winning a state title on the mat as a senior, went the football route for college. He joined Kansas State as a defensive tackle but has had to show patience in playing time.

In 2021, he redshirted as a true freshman. Then, the MHS grad played in five games as a redshirt freshman in 2022. His role increased again in 2023, playing in eleven games, including three starts.

Now, he’s primed for an even bigger role with the Wildcats in his fourth season with the program.

“We see him as a starter,” K-State head football coach Chris Klieman told 27 News.

Klieman says Ilalio and Uso Seumalo, who enters his fifth year of college football and third with K-State, are both viewed as starters at the defensive tackle spot. Seumalo missed a few games due to injury in 2023 and Klieman says Ilalio stepped up nicely.

“He already was a good football player then he realized, ‘Man, I can play a lot of snaps and play at a high level,'” Klieman said. “It kind of carried over into our offseason because I think Damian was one of our best vocal leaders.”

The Wildcat head coach says Ilalio took notes from guys at his position, like Eli Huggins, and others like Cooper Beebe well before seeing the field a significant amount.

“I’m excited for Damian, I think he’s going to have a great season,” Klieman said.

K-State’s defensive coordinator agrees. Seumalo might have some physical traits the MHS product doesn’t, but the leadership of Ilalio keeps him up to speed with the first-team defense.

“Great voice, always does things right,” defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman said of Ilalio. “Just rock solid. He’s been great, he’s been unbelievable.”

Klanderman expects the DT duo to split reps.

Ilalio had two tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks in 2023.

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