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Is Kansas State's Jay Harris Odd Man Out In Running Backfield?
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- Is Kansas State's Jay Harris Odd Man Out In Running Backfield?
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
During the offseason, the Kansas State Wildcats brought in two transfer running backs despite already having a proven one.
The idea behind it, according to first-year coach Collin Klein, was providing constant competition during the preseason and allowing the Wildcats to have multiple options in the backfield.
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Six games into the season, it appears things may have changed. Last week the Wildcats only utilized two of the three running backs. Here's a rundown of what happened leading up to the change.
Last year the Wildcats were led by Joe Jackson in the backfield after he unseated incumbent starter Dylan Edwards, who has since transferred to play for the Kansas Jayhawks.
Jackson took every advantage of the opportunity by rushing for nearly 1,000 yards on the way to earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. Everything was set for the Wildcats to feature Jackson this season, but then came the arrival of transfers Rodney White (Oklahoma State Cowboys) and Jay Harris (Oregon Ducks).
Things only got crazier when Fields was named the starter for the season-opener against the Nicholls Cowboys. That was the case for the entire season, but things may have changed last week against the Jayhawks
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Jackson received the bulk of the carries, followed by Fields. The change was Harris not getting any action. Could it mean the Wildcats are back to a two-man or even one-man running back rotation.
It's probably best to wait and see.
Here's the explanation Klein gave during his weekly press conference in advance of Saturday's game on the road against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
He said the decision was circumstancial. He based it on making sure to reward Jackson and Fields for the work they have put in. Another factor was over-coaching, with hopes of avoiding getting too "cute" with rotations. This way, Klein is just lining up what he feels is best instead of second-guessing the defense.
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It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Last week was also impacted by how well Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson was able to produce in the running game. When that happens, it makes it even harder for Klein to get all three running backs involved.
Regardless, it may be time for the rotation to be cut in the backfield. It will allow the primary runners a chance to establish rhythm, which is needed. The running game is especially key for the Wildcats because it gives Johnson more freedom under center.
