Ex-Kansas State Wildcats running back DJ Giddens is entering his second season with the Indianapolis Colts
Former Kansas State running back DJ Giddens was in the perfect position when he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts last year.
He was set to serve as the backup to starter Jonathan Taylor, but this season the Colts are expecting more from Giddens. According to Stephen Holder of ESPN, Giddens progressed slower than expected.
The goal now is to speed the process so Giddens can lessen the load on Taylor.
"The Colts are trying to find solutions," Holder wrote. "They drafted running back DJ Giddens in the fifth round last year, hoping he could provide some relief behind Taylor. But Giddens didn't develop as quickly as the Colts hoped during his rookie season, and that plan was mostly shelved."
Giddens, who was drafted in the fifth round, is one of the best running backs in K-State history. He finished his career with 3,087 yards, which is third franchise history.
Last year Giddens only had 96 yards on 26 carries for the Colts.
"Yeah, you know what, he's kind of a glider runner, good slasher, stretch-cut guy that's a physical runner," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said about Giddens. "Saw a little bit in training camp, obviously, last year, and in the reps that he got, late in the season against Houston. So, I'm excited for his growth and his development as a runner."
The good news is the Colts are giving every opportunity for Giddens to make an impact.
“Yeah, I think there's growth," Steichen said. "I think understanding the system going into Year Two is a part of it, and I think we'll see a lot of the growth going into training camp when the pads come on," Steichen said about Giddens going into 2026. "Because it is hard to look at running backs with no pads on, but you can still see a little bit of the vision in the cuts and stuff, but the physicality when the pads come on is going to be a big deal.”
MORE K-STATE NEWS
Kansas State gives offer to three-star basketball player
K-State baseball grabs top pitcher from transfer portal
Collin Klein is focusing on bring NFL talent to Manhattan
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
