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Kansas football: 5 highest-rated Jayhawks in first half of season, according to PFF

By Joshua Schulman

Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Cornell Wheeler (44) runs after catching an interception during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Cornell Wheeler (44) runs after catching an interception during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /
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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Jason Bean #9 hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Jason Bean #9 hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

3. RB Devin Neal (82.3)

One spot after KU’s RB2 is KU’s RB1, Devin Neal. He is the X-factor and potentially the most important component of the Jayhawk offense, and his PFF grades make that evident. They have provided him with an 81.4 running grade, 80.9 passing grade, and 48.9 pass-blocking grade thus far. (If you’re wondering why I didn’t mention Hishaw’s passing grade, it’s because he doesn’t have one. He hasn’t reeled in a catch this season.)

The Lawrence native has been on the field for 58.8% of offensive snaps for Kansas football this season (261), a huge difference from Hishaw’s 33.3%. He has run for 659 yards on 90 carries (7.3 YPC) and six touchdowns. Neal also has caught 17 balls for 184 yards and an additional score.

He already is nearing the 3,000-yard mark during his Kansas career and has quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in recent history. If not for a pair of ineffective outings against Texas and Oklahoma State, Neal would likely be in the 85+ range this season.

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