Versatility Is Name Of Game For Kansas State RB Joe Jackson

Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson was mostly recognized for his efforts on the ground last season. 

He hopes to add another dimension to his game this season. Jackson spent a majority of the offseason working on ways to get more involved in the passing game. He spoke about it last week at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas. 

"That may be things like catching, getting more out of the backfield, which I wanted to do," Jackson said. "Increasing those things will definitely be a big success for me." 

Last year Jackson was a third-team All-Big 12 selection after rushing for 911 yards and eight touchdowns on 169 rushes. He only caught 22 passes for 119 yards but expects to improve in that area. 

While Jackson wants a bigger role, he is maintaining a level-head with a realistic approach. He said there is no point in entering this season with something to prove. He's already done that after having a breakout a year ago. 

"My mindset, pretty much for me, is trying not to try to do too much, not trying to have a chip on my shoulder, where I have to prove them wrong," Jackson said. "I don't have to prove anything to nobody. I just have to be the best version of myself every single week." 

WILDCATS PLAYER TAKEN IN MLB DRAFT

Another Wildcats star is in the pros.

This time, it's in the MLB. The St. Louis Cardinals selected former Kansas State shortstop Dee Kennedy with the No. 114 pick in the Draft. He started in all 114 games he played for the Wildcats, logging a .357 batting average and 20 homers.

Kansas State was officially eliminated from the postseason after losing to West Virginia in the Big 12 quarterfinals. Still, it was a season that propelled Kennedy into pro-level status, officially solidifying his spot in the fourth round.

MORE K-STATE NEWS 

Collin Klein has a strong message for incoming players 

Are Collin Klein and Avery Johnson already on same page? 

Avery Johnson reacts to Dylan Edwards' departure to KU 

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