Former Kansas football players brought more recognition for their talent and play on the field than for many years during the 2024 NFL Draft and post-draft undrafted free agency signings. OL Dominick Puni was selected in the third round by the 49ers, and Austin Booker heard his name called by the Bears in the fifth round.
Four others received UDFA deals immediately after the draft, and six others were invited to various team minicamps and will have the opportunity to fight for roster spots.
That is just another indication, along with their record over the past two seasons, that the Jayhawks are getting better players and coaching them up.
Just how good could hometown hero Devin Neal be for the Kansas Jayhawks at running back in 2024?
Pro Football Focus thinks next year's draft is loaded when it come to the running back position, but they think Devin Neal is one of the best in the class, ranking him third.
Next years draft class is LOADED at Running Back🤯 pic.twitter.com/SnaUV5mqMw
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 1, 2024
That is certainly high praise for the RB, but it also sets very high expectations on Neal and the Jayhawks. That's okay, too. It's been a very long time since their were high expectations on the program and you want them to always be high.
Neal, a Lawrence native, has been incredibly productive during his first three years on campus. In 37 games, he has 3,007 yards rushing, 33 rushing touchdowns, 457 receiving yards, and three TD catches. He's averaged 5.7 yards per carry and 8.6 yards per reception.
He has over 1,000 yards running the ball as both a sophomore and junior and has averaged over 6.0 yards pery carry. He has 12 total 100-yard games and another in which he scampered for 224 yards. All of this has been accomplished while splitting time with other very talented running backs on the KU roster. If he matches or exceeds the succees and production he's had over his career as a senior, the sky will be the limit for Neal.
He's 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, so he is a decent size already and should be able add a bit of weight going forward. Fantasy Pros posted this scouting report on Neal:
"Knows how to change speeds and play with patience. Nice jump-cuts and lateral quickness. Able to weave through congestion effectively. Has impressive elusiveness to make defenders miss in the hole; very nice dead-leg move. Very effective one-cut runner who can win the edge and make sharp cuts upfield. Accelerates quickly and shows the speed to rip off long chunks. Hard to bring down once he gets out into the open field. Gets low at the end of his runs to administer some punishment. Shows some leg drive to fight for extra yardage, and runs with competitiveness. Ball security is excellent, with just three fumbles to date on well over 500 career touches."Matthew Jones, Fantasy Pros
Fans are extremely excited to see Neal and his Jayhawks in 2024. The Kansas football team is looking to build on the successes of the past two seasons and Neal will be at the very forefront and KU wants to compete not just in the newly restructured Big 12, but also nationally.
Neal could turn a very productive senior season into a high draft position and a stellar NFL career after his days on campus come to an end. Everyone is eager to see how Neal and the Jayhawks play in 2024, there is excitement abound!