Chris Klieman labels Dylan Edwards 'the home run threat we were missing'

Going into the 2024 season, there are big expectations on the Kansas State Wildcats and head coach Chris Klieman to compete at the top of the new-look Big 12.

One of the biggest reasons for those expectations is the team’s running back room. It’s headlined by DJ Giddens, but the team also supplemented the room by bringing in Dylan Edwards. He’s a player who Klieman believes gives Kansas State a home run threat.

“DJ Giddens. It starts with DJ. DJ, I think, is an all-conference type of player,” Chris Klieman said at Big 12 Media Days. “Had a tremendous year, 1,000-yard rusher, really physical runner, but he does everything as a running back. He can be an every down back. He catches the ball really well. Unbelievable in pass protection. Then we brought in Dylan Edwards from Colorado, that’s probably the home run threat we were missing.”

Dylan Edwards is a four-star recruit, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, in the 2023 cycle out of Derby, Kansas. He initially went to Colorado to play for Deion Sanders but transferred following the season. Now, he looks to be part of one of the best backfields in the Big 12.

“Whether it’s in the backfield, out of the backfield, in the return game,” Klieman said. “I’m excited for Dylan because he gets to come back home. K-State is home for him. He and Avery have known each other since they were kids and he will elevate our offense.”

DJ Giddens will be playing in his third season for the Wildcats. Last year, he played in 13 games and had 1,226 yards rushing and 10 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry while also proving to be a capable receiving threat. Dylan Edwards, meanwhile, had 321 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground as a freshman in 2023 behind a struggling offensive line.

Those two, along with quarterback Avery Johnson, should make the Wildcats one of the best running teams in not just the Big 12 but the entire country. It’s on the strength of that backfield that Kansas State believes it can compete in what should be a highly competitive Big 12.

Kansas State will begin its 2024 season at home on August 31st against UT Martin. After that, the Wildcats are going to begin Big 12 play in their third game against Arizona. Come October, Dylan Edwards is set to return to Boulder where he will play his former Colorado team.