Kansas football: Devin Neal making his case for best running back in college football

There wasn’t much that was pretty about KU’s win against Nevada on Saturday night. The Jayhawks came in as four-touchdown favorites and the game ended up being a barnburner through most of the fourth quarter.

Regardless, KU was able to pull out the win and move to 3-0 on the season.

A major reason why the Jayhawks were able to leave Reno with a win is due to the continued excellent play shown by junior running back Devin Neal.

Neal finished the game with 17 carries for 89 yards and three touchdowns. He also had one catch that went for 59 yards late in the third quarter which set up what would be his second touchdown of the day and gave the Jayhawks a 24-17 lead.

It was a spectacular performance from Neal, who is more than living up to his Preseason First Team All-Big 12 selection and is quietly making his case as college football’s best tailback.

Neal – the Big 12’s only returning 1,000-yard rusher from a season ago – has already racked up 303 yards rushing on 40 carries and five touchdowns through three games this year. He’s also scored in every game so far this season.

Neal is on pace for approximately 1,200 yards rushing and 20 rushing touchdowns by the end of the regular season. Last year, Neal finished with 1,090 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns.

Neal is currently tied for fourth in the country in rushing touchdowns with five. He’s also ranked sixth in yards per carry (7.58 avg), and he is 14th in the country in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game.

While that may seem low for someone who’s being discussed as arguably the best running back in college football, Neal’s ability as a pass catcher is what sets him apart from the pack.

So far this year, Neal has 131 yards receiving and one touchdown – giving him six total. That puts him tied for second in the country in total points scored (36).

You can’t ask for much more than what Neal has given this team so far this season. He’s made plays on the ground and through the air when called upon, and he’s a big reason why the Jayhawks remain undefeated.

And although he’s the last person who would want any attention on himself over the team, Neal is worthy of all the discussion and notoriety he is sure to receive if he keeps playing the way he is.