Adding running back Dylan Edwards to the Kansas Jayhawks does a world of good.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Edwards left Kansas’ biggest rival, Kansas State, to join the Jayhawks. But beyond the rivalry, the Kansas Jayhawks enlisted one of the Big 12’s best running backs.
On the ground, Edwards offers a pacey runner who streams up the sidelines when given the space. Edwards comes to KU with 1,072 yards and 8 touchdowns. The junior averages an astounding 5.8 yards per carry thus far. While several of these snaps come from a backup role, if Edwards can remain healthy, then his potential is through the roof.
Especially when the Jayhawks are also enlisting the likes of power running back Yasin Willis, creating what could become one of the Big 12’s standout one-two punches.
However, during Big 12 Media Days, star linebacker Tre Lathan spoke about Edwards’ receiving game, which he looks forward to seeing next season.
“He gives us a weapon. You know, being able to run a ball and then being a flex option, being able to catch the ball, it gives us a weapon that a lot of teams are gonna have to face.”
Edwards opens up the ability for Kansas to unlock a new passing threat
Through 28 games, Edwards has come up with 449 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns, going for 7.7 yards per catch.
Next season, the Kansas Jayhawks are going to have to replace the likes of former fan-favorite quarterback Jalon Daniels, who is now carving out a role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead of Daniels, it will likely be either Cole Ballard or Isaiah Marshall; both players are novices at the Big 12 level, meaning any security-blanket receiver they have can go a long way.
Hopefully Edwards can become that option. He has showcased a strong ability to create plays from the flat in open space, along with a wheel route he took to the house in Kansas State’s 2024 win over UT Martin.
Edwards comes to KU ranked as the nation’s No. 286 overall prospect and No. 21 running back. If Edwards played more than just four games last season, odds are his ranking would have skyrocketed much higher.
Next season, the Jayhawks will be bringing back former associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki in the same role, meaning Kotelnicki will be in charge of Kansas’ offensive playcalling.
Kansas’ two best seasons since the days of Mark Mangino came with Kotelnicki in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In those campaigns, the Jayhawks’ passing offense ranked 40th with 258.3 passing yards per game and 55th with 237.1 yards per game
In the 2022 campaign, former star running back Devin Neal reeled in 21 receptions (5th most on the team) for 183 yards and five touchdowns. A year later, Neal went for 25 receptions (5th most) for 217 yards and one touchdown. With Kotelnicki back on the Jayhawks’ staff, it will be intriguing to see how often he utilizes the likes of Edwards in the passing game.
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