Collin Klein

Klein was a lightly-recruited quarterback out of Colorado and redshirted his first season in Manhattan. He moved to wide receiver as a freshman in 2009 (two starts) and recorded six catches for 38 yards and one touchdown. Klein moved back to quarterback as a sophomore and started two games before taking over as the full-time starter in 2011. He started all 13 games and helped lead the team to 10 wins, recording 40 total touchdowns and 3,059 yards of total offense. He led the Big 12 in rushes in 2011 season with 317, finishing with 67 more carries than the No. 2 rusher in the conference. Klein was still a bit under the radar when he exploded onto the national scene in 2012, a season that was capped by being one of three finalists for the Heisman trophy. He led the Wildcats to their third conference championship in school history, and the first since 2003. Klein rushed for 920 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2012, second in school history to his 27 scores in 2011. He also completed 197 of 304 passes for 2,641 yards and 16 touchdowns and finished with the second-best completion percentage in school history at 64.8. If you combined Tim Tebow and Ryan Tannehill, the result might be something similar to Klein, a former wide receiver who is basically a tailback in the Wildcat's zone-read offense. Serious questions remain about his delivery, accuracy and ability to anticipate receivers uncovering. Klein's ability as a passer isn't NFL quality right now, but he is the type of player who puts his teammates on his back and wills his team to victory. While extremely doubtful that he will be a first round pick like the aforementioned Tebow and Tannehill, Klein will have a pro future in some capacity.

strengths

Klein is a big athlete with a broad, thick frame to be a powerful north/south runner. He makes smart decisions with the football, working through his progressions while showing the mobility to move well within the pocket. He conveys impressive leadership and toughness on the field with a gamer mentality to play through injuries.

weaknesses

Klein has a funky delivery with a hitch in his cocking motion, causing a longer delivery and inconsistent accuracy on passes downfield. Delivery and accuracy need word, as does his ability to throw to receivers as they make their breaks and turn toward the quarterback. Physical running style leaves him susceptible to injuries.

Earned first team honors for Loveland in the Northern Conference in 2007 after completing 116-of-176 passes (65.9 percent) for 1,398 yards and 12 touchdowns

Also named to the PrepStar All-Region team

Rushed for 745 yards and 10 touchdowns

Had 1,457 passing yards with 15 touchdowns in 2006

Also contributed 403 yards rushing and five scores. Holds school records for completion percentage (66-percent) and all-purpose yards

Named to the Reporter-Herald All-Area basketball team and garnered all-Front Range League honors after scoring 16.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a junior.

Collin Klein was born Sept.19, 1989

Parents are Kelly and Doug Klein

Younger brother, Kyle, is a freshman defensive end for K-State

Hobbies include playing the piano, violin and mandolin.