Why K-State linebacker Daniel Green decided to remain with Wildcats as a super senior

The Kansas State football team landed a pair of coveted transfers this week, but neither of those roster additions are as meaningful to the Wildcats as the news that Daniel Green shared with the world on Saturday.

Green, a veteran linebacker who has made 219 tackles in the middle of Chris Klieman’s defense over the past four seasons, intends to spend an extra year in college and once again play for the Wildcats next season as a “super senior.”

It was widely expected that Green would turn his focus to the NFL after K-State’s season came to an end at the Sugar Bowl last month. Turns out, he has unfinished business with the Wildcats.

He explained his thinking with a post on social media.

“Coming to K-State has been one of the greatest decision I have made,” Green wrote. “The relationships and bonds I have formed here along with having the greatest fan base int he nation have been truly a blessing. With that being said, I have thought long and hard about leaving and entering the 2023 NFL Draft.”

“After a senior season plagued by injury and not being 100% for most of the year, I want to finish my college career playing my best ball. See y’all in the fall.”

Green had 58 tackles for the Wildcats last season, which was down considerably from when he led the team with 89 as a junior. But his drop in production can easily be explained by injuries.

Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman explained before the Sugar Bowl that Green played hurt most of the season and missed practice for several weeks while he recovered from myriad injuries. Somehow, Green found a way to still play in most of K-State’s games.

“The hardest part was just not practicing for probably half the season,” Green said last month. “It hurt not being out there with my guys during the week. That was probably the hardest part, just watching on the sidelines and getting mental reps.”

With Green back in the fold, much more will be expected from K-State on defense next season. Finding a replacement for him was going to be one of the biggest challenges of the season.

When he is healthy, Green is one of the best linebackers in the Big 12. It seems he wants to prove that one more time before he bids farewell to Manhattan.