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Kansas football fans will definitely see these 3 players compete in the NFL

By Joshua Schulman

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 1: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates his touchdown run with Dominick Puni #67 of the Kansas Jayhawks against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 1: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates his touchdown run with Dominick Puni #67 of the Kansas Jayhawks against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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This year’s Kansas football team is producing a handful of NFL hopefuls. Jayhawks fans should expect these three Kansas football players to play at the next level someday.

Only three former Kansas Jayhawks are currently on an NFL roster right now. The university doesn’t have the best track record for producing next-level talent, especially during its 12-season stretch where they failed to surpass three wins.

However, with Lance Leipold at the helm and the coaching staff bringing in more highly touted recruits, there are some guys who have NFL potential. Some other players currently on the team could still make it to the league, but these three players are sure-fire draft picks in the coming years.

Kansas football fans should expect to see these three Jayhawks in the NFL sooner or later

Sep 8, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs the ball during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs the ball during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Devin Neal

Neal is one of the best offensive players to ever put on a crimson and blue football jersey. In his third year at KU, he has tallied 3,065 scrimmage yards and 29 total touchdowns and is on pace for his most prolific season yet.

Through nine games, Neal has recorded 828 rushing yards on 136 carries (6.1 YPC). He has also scored nine touchdowns on the ground while catching 21 passes for 200 yards and an additional score. If he continues at this pace, he’ll have the fourth-most single-season yards on the ground in school history.

The Lawrence native is poised to surpass Kansas football legends Gale Sayers and John Riggins in rushing yards at the university this week. There aren’t many words that can describe just how vital he has been to this rebuilding program. His hard work should pay off in the long run, too, as NFL teams are already giving him looks.

Despite being a junior, KU fans should prepare for a scenario where Neal is an early entrant to the draft. He possesses the elusiveness and power to be one of the first tailbacks selected in the upcoming draft. As long as he stays healthy and continues to play at the level he is, it’s doubtful we see Neal in a Jayhawk uniform again after KU’s bowl game.

NFL Draft Projection: Early 3rd-to-Mid-5th Round Pick

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