The Big 12 is probably the scariest conference when it comes to the running back position. The conference has returning running backs like Ollie Gordin, who was the leading rusher last season, Tahj Brooks, Devin Neal, RJ Harvey and many more.
Kansas State adds to the dynamic running back group with DJ Giddens and new Wildcat Dylan Edwards in the mix. Giddens had a fantastic year last season, especially having to take over for Wildcat legend Duece Vaughn.
Giddens was an electric running back for the Wildcats in 2023 boasting 1,744 rushing yards on 312 carries and 16 touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He also had a solid role in the passing game as well adding 286 passing yards on 28 receptions and two touchdowns averaging 10.2 yards per catch. With the loss of tight end and leading receiver Ben Sinnott, Giddens could make even more of an impact in the passing game.
The addition of Dylan Edwards this past offseason was something that excited both the coaching staff and the fans. Edwards brings another level to the running back room that will make him a great duo with DJ Giddens. The other interesting part of Edwards joining the Wildcats is that he has been friends with quarterback Avery Johnson since they were kids so that connection will be fun to watch.
It may not seem like Edwards had the greatest numbers at Colorado in his first season with just 321 yards on 76 carries and one touchdown averaging 4.2 yards per carry. However, Colorado had one of the worst offensive lines in college football last season, which resulted in the most sacked quarterback. The fact that Edwards was the leading scorer with those numbers says a lot.
Now with Edwards and Giddens together at Kansas State, the running back room looks scary and the rushing threat Kansas State has with those two and Johnson behind center is one that should be feared by anyone they play.
In the Pop-Tarts Bowl, NC State was so worried about making sure they didn't let Johnson get into space that they dedicated a defender to him giving Giddens a chance to go off. Giddens had 151 rushing yards on 28 attempts and averaged 5.4 yards per carry with one touchdown in the bowl game.
With Conor Riley stepping into the offensive coordinator position after the departure of former Wildcats Collin Klein, K-State will have a different look on the offensive side of the ball. The Wildcats will most likely run more of a zone look so that Johnson can pull the ball if he wants to depending on what he sees.
There is a lot of hype around Johnson this season, but there needs to be a lot of attention on this running back room because it is special. The Big 12 is stacked at the running back position and Kansas State could have some of the best, and most people don't even know it.