The Kansas State to NFL pipeline is thin.
So it's essential to celebrate every positive story/moment that comes to fruition out of the institution. The latest Wildcats legend to be lauded was running back Darren Sproles, whose transition to the pros was used as a point of encouragement on social media.
Sproles rushed 815 times for 4,979 yards and 45 touchdowns during his tenure in Manhattan, KS. He remains the school's all-time leader in rushing yards and attempts, and only trails former quarterback Collin Klein in rushing touchdowns. Sproles also had 66 receptions for 609 yards and two touchdowns.
Even for his prolific college career, his small stature deteriorated his Draft stock. But as noted in the video, it didn't stop him. In 2005, the San Diego Chargers drafted Sproles in the fourth round. He went on to enjoy a long career, earning three Pro Bowl selections as an all-around weapon. Sproles trailblazed as a solid rusher but mainly made headlines as a punt/kick returner. Here are his career stats:
- 553 REC, 4,840 YDS, 32 TD
- 732 RUSH, 3,552 YDS, 23 TD
- 643 RET, 11,313 YDS, 9 TD
KANSAS STATE RB COACH LAUDS REVAMPED RUSHING UNIT
Kansas State's rushing attack has been a staple of the program for quite some years now.
So it was very alarming when the run game completely faltered last season. The Wildcats finished eighth in the Big 12 last year, but were dead last for much of the season. Dylan Edwards' injury created uncertainty in the primary role, and the offensive line failed to mesh and create opportunities for those in the backfield.
Luckily, help is on the way. Kansas State overhauled the position with some big names in the transfer portal and brought in Cory Patterson as the new running backs coach. Patterson discussed the new rotation going into next season, with Joe Jackson, Jay Harris, and Rodney Fields Jr. leading the new rushing unit.
"I feel like it’s gonna be a pretty good room with some talent in it," Patterson said in his Monday afternoon press conference. "I feel like it's some guys coming to work. We’re gonna apply some pressure to them and see what we get out of them."
Patterson has some relatively strong Power Four experience. He worked at Illinois for five seasons, overseeing running back Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals), who set a franchise record for consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Patterson was the wide receivers coach at Purdue from 2023-24 before transferring to Oklahoma State. He mentored Fields, who led the Cowboys in rushing last season.
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