The Kansas State running back group is led by Joe Jackson
Last year the Kansas State Wildcats' backfield was basically just whatever Joe Jackson could provide.
Now, the Wildcats feel they have more balance entering next season. New coach Collin Klein recently gave his assessment of the running back room.
“Joe Jackson is a great leader and he has a ton of energy," Klein said. "He’s extremely positive and backs it up with his work ethic. I think when you have someone that’s been in the room like that before, when you add good pieces and good people to that, it sinks up really quickly. And I think that’s what’s happening in that room."
Jackson was among the few bright spots in the Wildcats backfield last season. He rushed for 911 yards on 169 carries and scored eight touchdowns. With the departure of Dylan Edwards to the rival Kansas Jayhawks, the Wildcats felt they needed to add more depth. They found that by searching the transfer portal in the Big Ten and Big 12.
Kansas State added Jay Harris and Rodney Fields in the offseason to help bolster the unit. Harris transferred in from Oregon after rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns with the Ducks last year. Fields, who ran for 614 yards and a touchdown a year ago at Oklahoma State, is also expected to figure into the mix.
There's also Monterrio Elston Jr., who is looking for more reps after playing sparingly last year.
"Jay Harris has been outstanding," Klein said. "I mean, we have to try to slow down in every walk-through, because he just goes hard every single snap. He’s been tremendous and adds a great skill set. Haven’t seen as much of Rodney [Fields Jr.] coming off the injury from last season. He’ll be fine, but when he has had a chance, he’s flashed and he has really quick feet. I think we’ve got three really good tailbacks. And then Monterrio [Elston Jr.] Ontario, being a young player, has done some really nice things at times and seeing that maturation process for him even in the short time he's been here. It’s been good to see.”
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of MagicRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com