Marques Sigle picking up where he left off as KSU’s leading tackler

MANHATTAN, Kan. — It’s no mystery that the defensive back’s journey up to this point has been all about perseverance, considering he had no stars or FBS offers out of high school.

Marques Sigle paid his dues at the FCS level though, where he played three seasons for North Dakota State, a place where Coach Chris Klieman won four National Titles. Sigle earned three stars as a transfer prospect, and had a breakout campaign with the Wildcats in 2023.

So much so, that he started 12 games, and led Kansas State in stops. The Omaha native was a staple against the run with three tackles for loss, plus he excelled out in coverage and broke up nine passes. With All-Big 12 safety Kobe Savage now an Oregon Duck, Klieman is going to need a general in the Wildcats’ secondary this spring, and Sigle feels he fits the bill.

Although Kansas State’s defense finished 68th nationally in passing yards allowed last season, Sigle believes the secondary is more deep entering spring ball.

“I definitely feel like we provided depth, I feel last year we had injuries and some people had to play multiple positions,” Sigle said. “I feel like now we developed that depth to where we can have backups that can learn the position, and master the position.”

Sigle wants to spread his wings as a safety, which will require him to blanket an entire side of a field if necessary. Flying from sideline to sideline, and having great instincts comes with the territory. There’s no denying Sigle had his fair share of bright moments last season. He tallied eight tackles apiece in road games at Missouri and Texas. The six-foot, 190-pounder also generated seven stops apiece against Oklahoma State and Houston.

Sigle even picked off a pass in the shutout victory over the Cougars. He only received Honorable Mention All-Big 12 consideration for his heroics though, so the hunger for more is there as the Wildcats navigate through their first week of spring practice. Sigle wants to become more of a ball hawk too, and snagging interceptions will be the motivation.

“I take it as a learning experience, I was saying last year I wanted those, but now my mindset is trying to put all of the pieces together this year, and showcase the capabilities I have,” he said.

Everything appears to be coming full circle for the 21-year old, as he approaches his senior season. Defensive Coordinator Joe Klanderman will be fielding another talented unit, and Sigle is confident the Wildcats will improve in several areas. Kansas State will have two practices this week, before resuming the rest of the 13 after spring break. Sigle will be pushing himself to the limit every time he gets an opportunity, with hopes of it all paying off on the gridiron.

“Catching interceptions, mastering man skills, just cause being in the slot for the first time is definitely new to me, so growing and learning from there, and now it’s time to take it to the next level.”