Posted on Sat, Aug. 04, 2007reprint or license print email Digg it del.icio.us AIM K-State quarterback Freeman has trouble passing conditioning test
By HOWARD RICHMAN
The Kansas City Star
K-State coach Ron Prince isn't happy that quarterback Josh Freeman hasn't passed the conditioning test. MANHATTAN, Kan. | At least Kansas State sophomore quarterback Josh Freeman is closer to his desired playing weight. Otherwise, he has a feeling that all he is right now to some of his teammates is dead weight.
"I'm in the doghouse, so to speak," Freeman said Saturday at Fan Appreciation/Media Day at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Freeman twice has failed the precamp conditioning test that consists of three 300-yard shuttles that he has to do in 50 seconds each. Freeman said he got the first two in the required time Saturday, but not the last.
What that means: Freeman is not cleared to practice until he passes, so it's at two practices and counting that he has missed as K-State marches toward its season opener Sept. 1 at Auburn.
"I'm not happy about Josh not passing the test," Wildcats coach Ron Prince said. "We've had plenty of time here to train. It's a performance business, and we all understand that."
The 6-foot-6 Freeman, who started the final eight games in 2006 and led K-State to the Texas Bowl, is fluctuating between 245 pounds and 249 pounds after tipping the scale this summer at a high of 265.
"If I hadn't been working out all summer and just sitting around putting on bad weight, it would be a concern," he said, "but I came in (to practice, which started Friday) in what I felt was fairly good shape. I really can't make any excuses."
Redshirt freshman quarterback Carson Coffman, one of Freeman's best friends, said Freeman's fears came true.
"He's been worried about it (conditioning test) all summer," Coffman said. "I think in his mind, he didn't think he could pass it. But he's the man. He'll be fine."
Freeman heads the list of six players still on the physically-unable-to-perform list. The others are center Jordan Bedore, defensive lineman Vlad Faustin, offensive linemen Brad Rooker and Brock Unruh and
quarterback Caleb Smith.
•Two key players are not with K-State. One should be. The other probably won't.
Junior-college transfer wide receiver Deon Murphy continues to finish his summer academics and should join the program at some point, Prince said. But juco offensive lineman Eldridge Sims doesn't appear to be coming. Prince did not disclose why.
K-State did add an offensive lineman late. Junior Eric Benoit (6-4, 306) comes from Compton (Calif.) College.
•Something about this team reminds senior defensive back Marcus Watts about K-State's last taste of glory.
"This team feels a lot like the 2003 team starting out during camp and in the summer," Watts said. "Guys have been here for workouts, guys worked hard, we've gotten stronger and we're a cohesive team. I feel this team is similar in aspects like that to that team, and I hope the result is the same."
K-State won the Big 12 title in 2003.
•K-State's new jerseys get a thumbs-up from senior defensive end Rob Jackson.
They have KSTATE in small block letters above the chest numeral, and numbers on the sleeve instead of the shoulder like in 2006. Also, they're a tighter fit, something Jackson likes.
"They're a little heavier, but they make us harder to grab," Jackson said.
•Sophomore running back Leon Patton made it after all.
Summer rumblings about his status with the program were answered Saturday. Patton says he has taken care of his academic issues and is ready to challenge senior James Johnson for the starting role.
"I learned I have to take care of my business. If something needs to get done, I've got to do it," Patton said.
•Harrisonville's Zach Kendall, a redshirt freshman who suffered a preseason knee injury in 2006 and missed the entire season, has been moved from defensive tackle to center.
To reach Howard Richman, Kansas State reporter for The Star, send e-mail to
[email protected]
