The Latest On Kansas State Wildcats Backup RB Competition

The Kansas State Wildcats' backfield is expected to go as far as Joe Jackson will take it. 

Now, the Wildcats are searching for someone to serve as the change-of-pace back when Jackson needs a breather. K-State hauled in transfers Rodney Fields Jr., and Jay Harris in the portal to provide depth in the running game. 

So far, both have impressed during preseason training camp. Offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson gave his thoughts of the competition while meeting with the media Thursday. 

"I think we're in great shape," Gleeson said. " ... I'm all confident that they'll be great in the game, each of them, but I do think that we're going to reward the hot hand too and see how they take us." 

Fields joins the Wildcats after playing last season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. A year ago, he rushed for 614 yards and a touchdown in nine games. He also had 276 receiving yards and a touchdown on 28 catches.

He likely has the best chance of landing the backup spot behind Jackson, who was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection last year. He was an unexpected contributor because Dylan Edwards was pegged as the starter before Jackson's emergence. 

And then there is Harris, who arrived in Manhattan after a two-year stint playing for the Oregon Ducks. Last year he had 42 carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns in limited action. This is his last chance to have a major impact before ending his college career. 

The hope is the Wildcats can form some sort of three-headed running attack, well, four if you include quarterback Avery Johnson. They aren't expecting Jackson to handle the load but do want to present opposing defenses with multiple looks in the backfield. 

The Wildcats have two weeks for it to come together before the season opener against Nicholls Sept. 5 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. 

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]