Kansas State Wildcats

HYPE IS OF NO USE TO BILL SNYDER. BUT AS THE 71-YEAR-OLD coach tries to rebuild Kansas State's program for a second time, hype is exactly what two of his newest players are bringing to the school.

The Brown brothers, running back Bryce and linebacker Arthur, are Wichita natives, transfers from big-time teams (Tennessee and Miami, respectively) and the most intriguing new talents in the Big 12. Each will potentially meet a major need in Manhattan. Sophomore Bryce, the No. 1 recruit in the nation two years ago, could step into the void left by 1,500-yard rusher Daniel Thomas. Arthur, a junior, was the nation's top linebacker recruit three years ago and could solidify a leaky run defense that allowed 231.4 yards per game in 2010, second worst in the nation.

But both brothers will have to reinvent themselves at K-State. Bryce, a 220-pound tailback with a rare blend of speed and power, didn't live up to expectations in 2009 in Knoxville, in part because of a nagging hip pointer and in part because of the emergence of Montario Hardesty. Controversy surrounded Bryce's departure (coach Derek Dooley didn't grant Bryce's release, so he initially paid his own way at KSU), but after toiling on the scout team in 2010 and rushing for 73 yards and two TDs in the spring game despite a minor ankle injury, Bryce is ready to play. "It's been a while," he told reporters afterward. "I think I showed toughness."

Arthur is 6' 1", 223 pounds and a sideline-to-sideline tackler, but he struggled to read and react during his two seasons at Miami, never making much of an impact beyond special teams. The Wildcats, though, won't keep their most physically gifted defender, who was named to the 2011 Nagurski Trophy watch list, on the sideline. "Toward the end of spring ball, when he started [understanding our system] and playing as fast as he can, I've never seen a linebacker play like that," says senior safety Tysyn Hartman.

K-State has other intriguing talent. Collin Klein, who saw spot duty at quarterback last year, is the favorite to take over the position. Brodrick Smith is a No. 1 receiver when healthy, and slippery slot receiver Tramaine Thompson could be a favorite target of Klein's.

If the Browns live up to their homecoming hype, the Wildcats could be a wild card in the new-look Big 12.

THE VITALS

COACH Bill Snyder (20th year) 149-80-1 (82-61-1 in Big 12)

CO--OFFENSIVE COORDINATORS Dana Dimel, Del Miller