“K-State’s Dylan Edwards in Bowl Spotlight With DJ Giddens Departure”

Kansas State running back DJ Giddens had such a great season that he improved enough to become a better NFL prospect.

So, of course, he entered the draft weeks before the Wildcats’ game against Rutgers in the Rate Bowl in Tuscon, Arizona.

While the loss of Giddens is negative, it is positive that coach Chris Klieman will have the opportunity to look to the future. It offers the chance to see Dylan Edwards as the leading actor.

“I’m excited to see Dylan Edwards,” Klieman said. “I’m looking forward to watching Joe Jackson. Obviously you bring Avery (Johnson) into the mix. We have some playmakers back there.”

Edwards is the group’s most lauded representative. He began his freshman year at Colorado playing for coach Deion Sanders. After one season, he decided it was time to return to his home state.

This season, Edwards had 56 carries for 350 yards and three touchdowns as a backup to Giddens. He also had 17 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown.

While Klieman declined to single out anyone, Edwards is expected to be the standout running back next season.

“One of the things I challenged the offensive team to do is try to utilize all of these guys because they can all be productive,” Klieman said. “They can all make plays. In this short preparation we had, with all the other things we did. I like some of the things we did.”

Shandel Richardson is editor of Kansas State Wildcats On SI. He can be reached at [email protected]

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