Dalton Risner

Classroom

Dalton Risner is a 2016 and 2017 first-team Academic All-Big 12 performer who also earned second-team honors as a redshirt freshman in 2015.

Character

Risner is a three-time team captain—one of only five in program history who have been a captain for three years straight—and is a leader both on the field and in the community.

Community

Risner started a foundation, the RiseUp Foundation. He originally started the idea as both a blog on AmateurAuthorCo.com and vlog series on Facebook Live to encourage everyone to RISE above the evil and sin in the world and be a positive shining light in the lives of others.

Risner visits Buttonwood Special Needs Home where he has bonded with a boy named Mike by going to the movies, bowling and hanging out once a week. He often goes to the house to hang out with Mike and then takes him to places around town to spend time together.

Risner has recently become a Big Brother to Kaden, a boy battling leukemia. He describes Kaden as, “a fighter who always has a smile and he doesn’t let anything get him down.”

Risner also is an avid speaker at elementary, middle and high schools in the Manhattan area where he shares his story of football, faith and his efforts within the community. Most of his speeches are based on dreaming big and accomplishing goals. He participates in Camp Hope, which provides an opportunity for him to spend time with children who are battling cancer. He also sends notes and autographed items to people who battle various difficulties.

He wanted to thank the K-State band by showing them how much he appreciated them so he took them out to lunch to honor their hard work throughout the years.

Competition

Risner is one of the top returning offensive linemen in the nation and is coming off an All-American season last year. He was named a 2018 Preseason All-American by ESPN, USA Today, CBSSports.com, The Athletic, Athlon and Street & Smith’s. As of nomination time, Risner had started 38 career games, including each of his last 25 at right tackle, and will continue to lead the line and lock down the right tackle spot while helping lead the entire offense. He started all 12 regular-season games at right tackle in 2017 as he was named a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and earned second team honors from CBSSports.com. Risner picked up first-team All-Big 12 accolades from the league’s coaches for a second straight year, and he graded out at a 90.3 mark during the regular season according to Pro Football Focus, including a 98.9 mark on pass blocking efficiency to tie for the fourth highest among FBS tackles. According to PFF, Risner allowed only three quarterback pressures, the fewest among 2018 draft-eligible tackles.