RB Joe Jackson Is Still A Big Part Of Kansas State Wildcats Offense
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson is in a different position than he expected.
But he is making the most of what some would call a difficult situation.
After entering training camp as the expected starter, he is now the backup to transfer Rodney Fields. That doesn't mean Jackson is left out of the offense.
First-year coach Collin Klein went as far as saying Jackson remains a key part of the attack.
"Well, I don't know what you mean by taking a step back," Klein said when asked about Jackson's new role. "I think he's absolutely crushing it, and he's a vital, vital main on our team and on our offense. He didn't take the first snap, but that's the only thing."
Last year Jackson was on the opposite end of this situation. Dylan Edwards was pegged as the starter before being overtaken by Jackson, who went to earn honorable mention All-Big 12 honors.
This year, he has 106 rushing yards and one touchdown on 17 carries. He's also caught six passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in blowout victories against the Nicholls Cowboys and Washington State Cougars.
It may be difficult for Jackson to unseat Fields, who played last year for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He has topped 100 yards in both games, including a 75-yard scoring run against the Cougars.
Still, Jackson figures to be a big part of the offense. In fact, Klein is impressed with the entire running back room that also includes Oregon Ducks transfer Jay Harris. The Wildcats like the idea of having a three-headed running back attack.
Fields leads the team with 206 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. Harris has 86 yards on 12 attempts and a touchdown. The idea is to make opposing defenses prepare for all three.
"They're all hungry when they get the opportunity to carry the football," Klein said. "They do it with violence and hunger. So he's an integral main, main role for what we're doing."
The Wildcats are attempting to complete an undefeated non-conference schedule. They face the Tulane Green Wave Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Last year the Green Wave was a participant in the College Football Playoff. In the last meeting in 2024, the Wildcats hung on for a 34-27 victory in New Orleans.
MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS
Could Tulane Green Wave be a trap game for Wildcats?
Kansas State chasing four-star cornerback from Texas
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos