Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) Chris Klieman probably felt good about the team he was inheriting at Kansas State when the new coach looked down the depth chart and saw a veteran quarterback in Skylar Thompson, experience on the offensive line and plenty of playmakers on defense.

Then he looked at running back. Or rather, he looked at the giant hole at the position, which was a favorite position for Klieman at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.

The Wildcats returned not a single scholarship back from last year's team, losing top rusher Alex Barnes to the NFL and everybody else to graduation or retirement. In fact, Thompson is the only player left on the roster who had yardage on the ground last season after wide receiver Isaiah Zuber also transferred.