Five things: What to watch for in the Kansas State backfield

1.) For clarity, I believe that Kansas State running back DJ Giddens will be 100 percent healthy in time for the season opener against UT-Martin. But he’s still working his way back from offseason surgery, which has him in a limited contact jersey in practice right now. I’ll have my eyes on when that changes.

2.) How good is redshirt freshman Joe Jackson? It’s a question worth asking and if he can find his way into the regular rotation with Giddens and Dylan Edwards. We keep hearing good things about him, and he’s off to a fast start in training camp. If true, K-State really does have a loaded running back room.

3.) The role for Edwards will be an interesting one. We can make a strong assumption that the Kansas State newcomer will be the biggest receiving threat out of the backfield, even more than Giddens who is pretty good at it in his own right. But how much will he carry it? What does that ratio look like this year? I’m curious as to what the plan will be from new K-State offensive coordinator Conor Riley. They won’t treat him with kid gloves, but Edwards’ lack of size probably needs to be considered so that he’s just as explosive and dangerous by the end of the season.

4.) Does the presence of Avery Johnson and the threat of his legs make life easier for the backs? Having to pre-occupy yourself with the fastest player on the Kansas State roster that happens to be under center makes me think the space to operate and holes to run through should be bigger. At the same time, because Johnson will rip off plenty of big plays himself, that takes away some potential production for the backs.

5.) Edwards is dangerous. Giddens ran for over 1,000 yards last season. The vibes are high on Jackson. There may not be enough balls for De Von Rice, but he enrolled early at K-State and is another home run hitter in the backfield. How the Wildcat coaches choose to distribute the snaps and touches is an intriguing storyline.

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