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2019 NFL Draft: 5 most impactful early Big 12 declarations to Horns

By Andrew Miller

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 17: David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates after a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 17: David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates after a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Alex Barnes #34 of the Kansas State Wildcats breaks away from linebacker Willie Harvey #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he drives the ball to the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Alex Barnes #34 of the Kansas State Wildcats breaks away from linebacker Willie Harvey #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he drives the ball to the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

This might be the most surprising announcement that dropped from any player in the Big 12 concerning the 2019 NFL Draft so far, at least as far as official declarations go. A program that is usually fairly consistent with its player retention and development is going to have a turbulent off-season ahead.

The Kansas State Wildcats are going to look completely different in Big 12 play next year than it has at all under retired former head coach Bill Snyder. Not only is Snyder no longer the coach in the Little Apple, there is set to be a ton of roster turnover. Losing key junior running back Alex Barnes doesn’t make anything easier for Kansas State heading into the 2019 off-season.

Barnes was one of the most consistent and underrated running backs in the Big 12 and in the nation in 2018. He posted more than 1,500 total yards and 12 touchdowns on a whopping 256 rushing attempts. His departure is going to be felt by the Kansas State offense almost immediately next year under first-year head coach Chris Klieman.

The former North Dakota State Bison national title-winning head coach Klieman is going to have quite the rebuilding job on his hands in Manhattan, KS. Barnes looked to be an experienced staple for the Wildcats next season, but his absence leaves huge hole for the ground game. This is definitely something that will play to the Horns advantage.

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