The 5 best running backs in Kansas State football history

Kansas State running backs have one thing that ties them all together, and it might not be what you think.

Oct 16,2004; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Darren Sproles scores a touchdown in the 1st quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during their game at the KSU Stadium/ Wagner Field in Manhattan, Kansas. Oklahoma led Kansas St. 17-14 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports(c) Copyright 2004 Tim Heitman
Oct 16,2004; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Darren Sproles scores a touchdown in the 1st quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during their game at the KSU Stadium/ Wagner Field in Manhattan, Kansas. Oklahoma led Kansas St. 17-14 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports(c) Copyright 2004 Tim Heitman | Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 5

Kansas State has had a multitude of running backs go through its program, but there is one thing they all had in common.

They were not all the typical size of a running back.

A running back is supposed to be smaller yes, but the running backs that Kansas State would have, like Darren Sprole, John Huber, or Deuce Vaughn, were all even small for a typical running back.

However, one thing Kansas State running backs also have in common is their amazing ability to run the football and not let their size affect their game.

So which running backs were the best ones to go through the Kansas State football program? Let's take a look.

The first up on this list is Alex Barnes who played at Kansas State from 2015 to 2018. Barnes did not see the field in his freshman season and ended up redshirting, but he was slowly working into the offense starting his redshirt freshman year.

Barnes was a starter by his sophomore season, and his junior season was by far his best. Throughout his career at Kansas State, Barnes had 2,616 yards and 25 total touchdowns.

Barnes did not go on to play in the NFL, but his senior year at Kansas State was impressive with 1,355 rushing yards,194 receiving yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns. Barnes was a great running back for Kansas State, especially in Bill Snyder's last seasons as the K-State head coach.