With Devin Neal gone to the NFL, the Kansas football team still has a few players on the roster with experience in getting into the endzone by rushing the ball. While that number is not very large, a couple of them are no strangers to the endzone.
It is well known that Kansas head coach Lance Leipold is rebuilding his offensive roster from near scratch, especially at the skill positions, other than at quarterback. The Jayhawks do have two experienced ball carriers in holdover Daniel Hishaw Jr. and transfer LeShon Williams.
While Williams had 318 carries at Iowa, for over 1300 yards, he didn’t score many touchdowns. Hishaw, on the other hand, is prolific at scoring touchdowns when he’s been healthy. Considering he’s been a backup his whole career, his ability to get into the endzone made sure he did see the field regularly.
The biggest surprise, however, is that the rushing touchdown leader among current Jayhawks isn’t a running back at all.
Which current Kansas football players have the most career rushing touchdowns?
The list for most rushing touchdowns on the current Kansas roster is a short one.
- Jalon Daniels, QB, R-Sr. - 19
- Daniel Hishaw Jr., RB, R-Sr. - 18
- LeShon Williams, RB, R-Sr. - 3
- Cam Picket, WR, R-Jr. - 1
With Daniels and Hishaw, Kansas does have two experienced players who know how to find their way to the endzone. Williams will undoubtedly have plenty of chances to increase his career total in this category as well.
Junior Johnny Thompson and redshirt freshman Harry Stewart III may also have a few opportunities to score. Who knows? Maybe someone else will emerge from the bevy of inexperienced youngesters who will have a nose for the endzone and will get a few opportunities to prove themselves.
The Jayhawks shouldn’t have issues scoring on the ground with Daniels and Hishaw in the backfield. Williams adds another experienced option, who also can break off long runs. In 2023, he produced an 82-yard scamper while at Iowa. Don’t be surprised if he breaks a long run or two for KU as well.
There are fewer question marks around the running back group than the wide receivers or tight ends. The running game will be a strength of this offense, and they will score plenty of touchdowns before the season is over.