Kansas State is finding new ways to involve five-star freshman tight end Linkon Cure as he continues to adjust to the college level. Offensive coordinator Matt Wells confirmed this week that Cure is progressing and already pushing for more playing time.
“He catches the ball really well, and he’s learning how to block,” Wells said. “He’s just a true freshman out there blocking. He didn’t do that much out in Goodland.”
That last part highlights why Kansas State is investing early reps in Cure. At Goodland High School, he was a dominant pass catcher but was rarely asked to block consistently. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, his frame and hands are already college-ready, but the staff is building the other half of his game in real time.
Cure was one of the most heavily recruited players in Kansas and chose the Wildcats over national offers. His athleticism and ball skills give the offense something unique, but the staff knows he must become a complete player before taking on a full-time role. Wells’ comments make it clear that Cure is earning the trust of coaches, even if his technique is still catching up.
Kansas State is expected to work him into specific formations that highlight his strengths. Whether it’s in motion, lined up off tackle, or flexed out wide, Cure creates matchup problems for opposing defenses. Even in limited snaps, he can change how teams approach the Wildcats’ personnel.
The key is managing his development without rushing the process. Cure will need time to grow into his blocking assignments and gain confidence at the line of scrimmage. At the same time, Kansas State understands the value of putting him in spots where he can succeed now, not just down the road.
This is not a redshirt project. Cure is being coached to contribute as a freshman, and the staff is laying the foundation for a larger role as the season unfolds. If he continues to progress, his presence will expand. For Kansas State, that’s exactly the kind of return they hoped for when they landed one of the top recruits in the country.
