This week's KSU player to watch: Grant Gregory

Grant Gregory took Kansas State’s offense to another level earlier this season when he got his first collegiate start against Iowa State.

All of a sudden, the Wildcats had a quarterback with fast feet, a quick release and the passion of a player who only had a few games left in his college career.

Gregory, a senior transfer from South Florida, has even fewer games remaining now, and if K-State is to make a run at beating Oklahoma tomorrow he will need to once again raise the overall level of K-State’s play on offense.

Oklahoma’s front four, which is one of the best defensive lines in the country, will be after him all game.

Oklahoma’s secondary, which is also one of the best units in the country, will be swarming over his receivers throughout the night.

Things will be tougher for Gregory than they have been all year.

“They’re the fastest team we’ll play,” Gregory said. “The windows are very small. When somebody is open you have to hit him and you have to hit him in stride.

“Their defensive front is very good, a few guys playing in a few years will be pro prospects. In 10 years, when I’m doing whatever I’ll be like, ‘I played against that guy, that guy and that guy,’ who are still playing in the NFL. They have great personnel.

The last time he went up against a stifling defense was at Texas Tech, and he struggled all night. He couldn’t elude the Red Raiders’ pass rush, and the game was never competitive. He was pulled at halftime in favor of Carson Coffman.

Gregory will need to perform much better against the Sooners. Last week the Wildcats got by with a strong running game and 80 passing yards. This time around, it will take a complete offensive effort.

I expect Gregory will be up for the challenge. He is a true student of the game, and he lives for opportunities like this.

FSN will be televising the game, and with a win K-State could catapult itself onto ABC next week. Oklahoma is also the first ranked team Kansas State has played this season.

There is a lot for him, and K-State, to prove.

“If you can’t get up to play a game like that,” Gregory said, “you don’t have a pulse.”