If there was an award in college football for ‘most improved’ this season, it would undoubtedly go to Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein.
In 2010, Klein ran for 469 yards and 6 TDs and threw for 138 yards and one score, while his team went 7-6.
This year, it’s been like night and day.
Through 10 games, the 6-5, 225-pound Klein has 1,009 rushing yards and a staggering 24 rushing touchdowns (he leads the nation in that category). He has also thrown for 1,504 yards and 10 scores, with 5 interceptions.
He is as tough a quarterback as you’ll see these days. What John Madden would call a ‘football player.’
Last week, Klein rushed for 103 yards and 5 TDs and added 281 passing yards (with a TD pass) in K-State’s 53-50 win over Texas A&M. This came a week after a heart-breaking 52-45 loss to No. 2 Oklahoma State in which Klein ran for 144 yards and passed for 231.
As a result of Klein’s improvement, Kansas State is now 8-2 and has a very good chance of winning 10 games for the first time since 2003.
And for his efforts, Klein is the recipient of Heismanpundit’s Player of the Week honors this week.
Previous Players of the Week for 2011
Well deserved HP Player of the Week. Klein’s work may not be pretty, but he’s an amazing ball player and competitor. I’m still shocked that he is able to take the field after the abuse Defenses have unloaded on him.
His nickname here in Kansas is Kleinsdale!
Collin Klein for Heisman!
Here’s why: This award is not about glorifying teams with the best record, instead it is about honoring the single player that makes the largest yearly impact in college football.
Here’s why part II: He is on track to DESTROY 2001 Heisman Trophy winner, Eric Crouch’s, numbers in all offensive categories.
To Conclude: Overlooking Klein as a top tier QB because of KSU’s lack of consistent defensive play (resulting in KSU’s only 2 losses) would clearly show a lack of good judgement on behalf of Heisman voters.