Return of tackle Christian Duffie adds stability to Kansas State football offensive line

MANHATTAN —When Kansas State football tackle Christian Duffie suffered a lower leg injury over the summer, he didn't know how to react.

For someone who carried a string of 35 straight starts into the 2023 season, this was uncharted territory.

"I'll be honest, it was my first injury, so it was tough for me mentally," said Duffie, a sixth-year super-senior and mainstay at right tackle for the Wildcats. "I didn't really understand what went into it mentally, from an injury standpoint — coming back from an injury.

"But I feel like I became a better individual because of it."

There is no doubt K-State's offensive line became better collectively when Duffie finally was cleared to play on Sept. 23, a 44-31 home victory over Central Florida in the Big 12 opener. Although Duffie was limited in his snap count, the Wildcats turned in their most dominating performance up front, leading to a season-high 281 rushing yards and 536 yards total offense.

"I had (the date) circled," Duffie said with a smile. "I was ready to get out here, so it was really exciting to be back and be able to go back out there with the boys."

Related: Kansas State football's offensive line regained its swagger in victory over UCF

While Duffie spelled junior Carver Willis, who started the first four games at right tackle, he clearly added depth to that spot. That in turn allowed All-American Cooper Beebe to remain at left guard the entire game, instead of shifting outside for part of the game.

And with the UCF game coming ahead of an open date, Duffie has had extra time to work with the rest of the line and truly get back in the swing of things. He will be back in the starting lineup when the Wildcats (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) travel to Stillwater for a 6:30 p.m. game Friday against Oklahoma State.

"It worked out perfect," said super-senior Hayden Gillum, another member of the veteran line that returned intact from a year ago. "He was able to kind of get back in the mix and knock some of the rust off.

"He really hadn't taken a lot of live reps versus that level of competition during a game. I don't think he had ever prepared for a game like that, and then to be able to heal up for two weeks, I think he's going to be good to go."

Indeed, Duffie said the bye week came at a perfect time.

Related: Kansas State football suffers a second season-ending loss at linebacker

"I used it a lot, getting my body back," he said. "It was nice to take a little break. I really used it just to get my legs back under me and get ready for the rest of the season."

Just as important for Duffie as recovering from his first live action since spring practice, was the extra repetitions he got as he reintegrated himself with the rest of the line.

"That definitely played a big part," Duffie said. "The big thing is just continue to get more reps for me after missing fall ball. The reps were very important."

According to coach Chris Klieman, the plan for Duffie over the two-week stretch was striking the right balance between recovery and extra work with the offensive line.

"That was big for Duff, more than anything to get his legs underneath him," Klieman said. "He needed to practice, and he practiced every day.

Related: Kansas State football strives to balance healing, improvement during bye week

"Getting Duff out there and having him go against (defensive ends Brendan) Mott and (Khalid) Duke and (Cody) Stufflebean and Nate (Matlack), have him go against those guys whether it was in a team period or a one-on-one period, just to continue to get him more football reps. He's had a lot in his time, but he hadn't had any since spring ball, so I think it really benefitted him to get his feet back under him."

While his return coincided with a big game for the offensive line, Duffie didn't claim any credit.

"I feel like we did a lot better, but it had nothing to do with me," he said. "I think it was just kind of the mindset we went in with before the game."

And now that he's back, just what is Duffie's mindset?

"I feel pretty good," Duffie said. "I really missed being out there with the guys, so it really felt great. It felt amazing."

Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football tackle Christian Duffie back with offensive line