#51 Justin Roland — Ready to feel old? The son of Ron Prince-era JUCO linebacker Justin Roland (51) walked on last season as a linebacker himself. Meet Gabe Roland! | Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images

In which BracketCat counts down the 59th day until the 2024 kickoff with a profile of Kansas State linebacker Gabe Roland.

#59 Gabe Roland

Redshirt Freshman | 6-1 | 235 lbs. | Ponca City, Oklahoma

Position: Linebacker
Previous College: None
Projection: Third-String
Status: Preferred Walk-On

Gabe Roland (Aug. 18, 2004) is a preferred walk-on linebacker from Ponca City, Oklahoma, who redshirted and did not play in 2023. He is majoring in nutrition and health.

Ready to feel old? He is the son of Justin Roland, who played linebacker for the Wildcats in 2006 and 2007 under esteemed former head coach Ron Prince (sarcasm intended).

Gabe prepped under head coach Scott Harmon at Ponca City High School, which he led in tackles during each of his final two seasons. He received the 2013 Iron Man Award.

Roland also played soccer — leading his team in goals for three seasons — and wrestled for the (Ponca City) Wildcats, finishing second and third in the state meet.

You can watch his high school highlight footage here.