Kansas State football's offense will rely heavily on these key returning players in 2024

In many ways, Kansas State football's offense last year was typical in that it was ruthlessly efficient, if not explosive.

The Wildcats were fourth in the Big 12 in scoring with 34.8 points per game and sixth in total offense with a 445-yard average, but where they stood out was in the red zone. Once inside an opponent's 20-yard line, their conversion rate was 89.2%, which ranked second in the conference.

Even more impressive was the fact that of the 58 scores in 65 opportunities, 51 went for touchdowns.

Where they Wildcats hope to take a step forward this season under new offensive coordinator Conor Riley and quarterbacks coach/co-coordinator Matt Wells is in explosive plays.

"We've got to throw the ball a little more so that the offense or the running game does open up," K-State head coach Chris Klieman said.

Klieman said he believes the Wildcats can put enough weapons around dynamic sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson to be more electric on offense in 2024. With the start of preseason practice around the corner, here are five key returning offensive players, plus a couple of others, who will have to step up to make that a reality.

Related: Kansas State football quarterback Avery Johnson embraces leadership role at a young age

Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson

Johnson may be the least experienced player on this list, but no quarterback in recent memory has created more of a buzz, especially among K-State fans.

Johnson spent most of his true freshman season backing up Will Howard, but he is a generational talent who already is receiving Heisman Trophy attention with just one career start. He made that first career start at quarterback in in the Pop-Tarts Bowl after Howard entered the transfer portal at the end of the regular season and was voted named valuable player in K-State's 28-19 victory.

His most impressive performance came at Texas Tech, where he rushed for five touchdowns to lead a Wildcat comeback win. While he has game-breaking speed, Wells calls him an underrated passer as well with a rocket arm.

Related: Kansas State football running back DJ Giddens a 'silent assasin' in big victory over UCF

Junior running back DJ Giddens

After serving as understudy to All-American Deuce Vaughn his redshirt freshman season in 2022, DJ Giddens busted out last year as a workhorse back who rushed for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 29 passes for 323 yards and three more scores.

At 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, Giddens is at his best running between the tackles, but his pass-catching ability and deceptive speed make him an all-around threat.

Junior wide receiver Keagan Johnson

Keagan Johnson arrived was touted as a difference-maker last year when he arrived as a sophomore transfer from Iowa, but things didn't quite pan out. A series of injuries had him in and out of the lineup, never allowing him to get in a rhythm.

But when healthy, Johnson proved to be a formidable weapon, catching a career-high seven passes for 70 yards and a touchdown at Texas, and three for 31 yards in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He finished with 24 receptions for 227 yards and two scores, and the Wildcats are looking for more this fall if he can stay on the field.

Sophomore wide receiver Jayce Brown

While injuries slowed Keagan Johnson last year, Jayce Brown just needed an opportunity.

As a true freshman, Brown played sparingly early in the season, but became one of the Wildcats' most reliable targets later on, starting the last six games and finishing with 27 catches for 417 yards and three touchdowns. He totaled 14 receptions for 216 yards in in the last three contests, with a TD in the bowl game.

With a full year under his belt, he looks to take another step forward in 2024.

Sophomore tight end Garrett Oakley

No returning player on the offense has bigger shoes to fill than Garrett Oakley, who is expected to take over at tight end for second-round NFL Draft pick Ben Sinnott.

As a redshirt freshman last year, Oakley backed up Sinnott and came on strong late in the season to finish with 11 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He started the Pop-Tarts Bowl when Sinnott opted out and had two grabs for 35 yards.

Oakley must beat out the more experienced Will Swanson for the starting job, but at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds is the more natural receiver.

Other returning players to watch

The offensive line must replace four starters from a season ago but boast plenty of experience. Senior guard Hadley Panzer will be a third-year starter who also could end up at center.

Senior lineman Carver Willis was arguably the Wildcats' most improved player. He got off to a slow start while filling in for injured starter Christian Duffie the first seven games, but by the end of the season was a reliable part of the offensive line rotation.

Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football's offense will rely heavily on these key returning players in 2024