Those who witnessed DJ Giddens carry the ball for Kansas State during the previous season are aware of the junior running back’s capacity to manage a heavy workload. As an example, consider the 293 yards of total offense and four touchdowns he scored on an incredible 38 touches to help lead the Wildcats to a 44-31 victory over UCF. On over half of the 82 plays that K-State ran that day, Giddens was the main player.
Even while it was impressive, head coach Chris Klieman wants it never to happen again. Despite the fact that Giddens is back and recently finished with 1,200 yards, Klieman would prefer to use more running backs in the mix this year.
“We’d like to,” Klieman responded. “Everyone anticipates that DJ will be the player with the greatest number of carries. DJ is an excellent player, and we’ve done a good job of providing him with the repetitions he requires. However, as we need DJ fresh for the duration of the season, we are kind of shelving him at this point.
Given how long Joe Jackson, La’James White, and Evan Cantu have been in the program, we need to keep checking in to see how they are doing. To see what those guys can handle as an every-down back, we need to get them some reps. And naturally, look for other roles that Dylan Edwards can play so that we don’t throw everything at him at once. Though there have occasionally been anomalies, Klieman’s approach has always been to distribute the ball to as many different running backs as feasible. Despite having Deuce Vaughn at the top of the depth chart, the Wildcats managed to include several running backs.
Why? Considering that Klieman would prefer to switch between several new ball-carriers than just one workhorse. It’s his method of maximizing each person’s potential and lowering their chance of harm. While implementing such a plan wasn’t always feasible the previous season, Treshaun Ward was still able to accumulate 643 yards and five touchdowns on 124 touches.
Klieman envisions a more varied role for this season. And he ought to. With his transfer from Colorado, Edwards has given the offensive a wide range of new skills. He is a natural fit for the Wildcats as a typical runner or to receive the ball out of the backfield. On every play, Klieman views him as “a home run threat.” “That burst is in him,
” Klieman remarked. Sometimes it seems like he was shot out of a cannon. When you look at him, all you notice is his lightning-fast gait and his explosion through the hole. It’s still a new offense to him. We’re attempting to spoon-feed him a little bit so that he can absorb as much of the offense as possible since there is a lot to understand. Training camp has been giving Jackson great feedback. Cantu is just as fast as White, who has demonstrated his speed.
This season, they could all be useful to Giddens. Klieman remarked, “We have some good guys at running back.” “Considering the guys’ skill sets and the game plan, it’s just a matter of plugging and playing.” RELATED KANSAS CITY STAR STORIES Q&A: Football music, special teams, and Wildcats in NFL and Big 12 bowl games from Kansas State University 5:00 AM AUGUST 02, 2024 State University of Kansas
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