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Is Rodney Fields Kansas State's New Starting Running Back?
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- Is Rodney Fields Kansas State's New Starting Running Back?
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein made the first big decision of his career for Saturday's season opener against Nicholls.
He started Rodney Fields instead of the expected incumbent Joe Jackson. For now, it looks like the right move. Fields ran for 101 yards and a touchdown in the 71-3 victory at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
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After the game Klein explained why he went with Fields.
"Well, I think you saw it (Saturday)." Klein said. "I mean, when we went live work, his ability to make guys miss, find extra yards, and compete with the football in his hands was incredibly good. And every time we went live and tackled to the ground, he showed it in practice, and he showed it."
Fields was brought in to bring competition to the running back position. Last year he played for the Oklahoma State Cowboys but chose to hit the transfer portal. As did Jay Harris, who transferred from the Oregon Ducks.
It was surprising considering the solid season Jackson had last year. He ran for more than 900 yards and was named honorable mention All-Big 12. But this is college football. Everything is a competition.
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Klein made that clear during training camp when he said most positions were up for grabs, with the exception of Avery Johnson at quarterback. When the depth chart was released, Jackson and Fields were listed as co-starters.
This is usually how it works. Last year Dylan Edwards was considered the clear-cut starter but was overtaken by Jackson early in the season. It led to Edwards transferring to play for the Kansas Jayhawks, which was supposed to leave the No. 1 spot to Jackson.
Now, Jackson is in a situation where he has to win the starting position back. It wouldn't be surprising to see Klein move Jackson back to the starting lineup next week against the Washington State Cougars.
It just seems like he's trying to create a competitive environment.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
