Kansas State Football: Bronson “Boom” Massie back for another round!

Bronson “Boom” Massie announced his return to the Kansas State football team for the 2021 season via twitter on Monday.

Massie is a 6’4, 260 pound strong side defensive end who mainly played behind Wyatt Hubert in 2020. He recorded 15 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, had 2.5 sacks, and forced 2 fumbles last season. For his career the soon to be 5th year senior out of Lufkin, Tex. has 43 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, all in a mainly complimentary role.

What it Means for K-State

While Massie’s overall numbers don’t look impressive, this is a huge pick up for the 2021 defense. After being stuck behind an All-American caliber defensive end in Wyatt Hubert, next season Massie will have the opportunity to step into the spotlight as the presumptive (more on that later) starting strong side defensive end. His ability to hold up at the point of attack will be crucial for a defense looking for answers in stopping the run after mixed results in 2020.

Retaining Boom gives Joe Klanderman a set of complimentary bookend defensive ends to work with in 2021. Khalid Duke is the speed off the weak side and Massie is the muscle on the strong side. This should provide a nice balance of run defense and pass rush next season. Massie’s strength may allow him to slide inside on passing downs where he can attack slower guards while an additional speed rusher can come in and provide additional pass rush off the edge.

In addition to his on-the-field ability, it’s impossible to put a value on his leadership abilities. At any point in his career he could have transferred out of the program in search of additional playing time, but he chose to stick it out with the Wildcats. That’s exactly the sort of example needed for the younger guys on the roster in a program where players need to put in the time to develop.

Off-Field Ramifications

Defensive end was a position the coaching staff could have reinforced through the transfer portal, but — much like retaining the services of Jahron McPherson — this is the absolute best case scenario for Wildcats.