Former Walk-Ons Take the Lead as Kansas State Announces 7 Captains for 2023
Kansas State football has recently announced its team captains for the 2023 season, and this year’s group is dominated by former walk-ons who have paved their way to leadership roles. Hayden Gillum, one of the team captains, walked into the lower level of Kansas State football’s Vanier Complex five years ago as a walk-on and never imagined that one day he would see his own name alongside those of Wildcat greats on the captain’s wall.
Gillum expressed his excitement at being recognized and the honor of being a captain at K-State. He acknowledged the significance of the captain’s wall and the legacy it represents. Being a former walk-on, Gillum understands the importance of hard work and leading by example, especially when he initially didn’t have a prominent voice on the team.
This year, the team decided to have a larger group of seven captains instead of the usual five or six. Head coach Chris Klieman explained that seven players received a substantial number of votes from the team, and he didn’t want to exclude the seventh player who won the voice of the team. The captains include the expected names like quarterback Will Howard, linebacker Daniel Green, and offensive lineman Cooper Beebe. However, what makes this year’s leadership group unique is the inclusion of three former walk-ons – Gillum, linebacker Austin Moore, and wide receiver/special teams star Seth Porter – along with senior safety Kobe Savage, a junior college transfer.
Howard, who experienced his own challenges before becoming the starting quarterback, acknowledges the diversity within the leadership group. He appreciates the different stories and obstacles each captain has overcome. The captains’ shared experiences will serve as valuable lessons for younger players on the team. Despite facing hardships, the captains have demonstrated resilience and achieved success, including a Big 12 championship, a Sugar Bowl trip, and a 10-4 record last season.
Seth Porter’s journey to captaincy is particularly inspiring. Though he has seen limited action as a wide receiver, Porter has become a leader on special teams. His unselfishness and willingness to guide younger players were evident when he took the initiative to teach the proper pre-lift stretch to incoming freshmen, ensuring they didn’t make mistakes that would result in extra exercises for the entire team.
Hayden Gillum sees a kindred spirit in Seth Porter, as both players started as walk-ons and have developed a deep love for Kansas State. Gillum acknowledges the remarkable journeys they have taken and the growth they have experienced during their time at K-State.
Cooper Beebe recognizes the grit and determination displayed by Gillum, Porter, Savage, and Moore. He admires their ability to persevere through tough times and achieve success, highlighting the tremendous impact they have made on the team.
Kobe Savage, who was under-recruited in high school, took a different path by attending a junior college before earning a scholarship at Kansas State. Despite a knee injury cutting short his last season, Savage was recognized as a pre-season All-Big 12 player for 2023. He considers being a captain a tremendous honor and feels grateful that his teammates trust him to lead the team.
For these captains, being recognized as leaders means more than any individual accolades. They understand the value of hard work, determination, and the K-State way. The team captains for the 2023 season exemplify the spirit of Kansas State football and serve as role models for their teammates.
