Kansas State Football: Alex Barnes has chance to be special in 2018

Alex Barnes has a chance to do some great things in 20018 for Kansas State Football. His performance will set the tone for the Wildcats season.

The 2018 season has the potential to be very good for Kansas State Football. Many returning starters, talented quarterbacks, and a Hall of Fame coach all play a role into that potential, but the biggest factor will be the play of Alex Barnes.

Barnes had an up and down season in 2017. There were seven games where he had 10 or fewer attempts, and he had 20 or more attempts in only two games. He was used sparingly at times, causing him to get lost in the offense.

He only caught five passes out of the backfield as well in 2017, leaving a lot to the imagination as to where the hype could be coming from. The hype is built from those flashes of greatness he possesses. Those flashes should turn into individual game performances.

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His responsibilities will be greater this season, meaning he will not only be getting more chances, but there will also be more pressure on the junior running back.

Barnes has shown he has the capabilities to be a workhorse as well as a flashier playmaker. With more opportunities headed his way, the success that the Wildcats achieve this season will undoubtedly be on Barnes’ shoulders.

The skillset is there to become the next great Wildcats running back. Being consistent is the only question mark. If Barnes disappears in 2018 like he did last season, these Wildcats may not be able to move on from it.

Barnes averaged 5.6 yards per carry last season, averaging four yards or better in eight out of 13 games. 5.6 yards is averaging a first down every two rushes. It’s hard to beat a team that never punts the ball.

Barnes has been the highlight in camp. Offensive coordinator Andre Coleman had these words to say about him at the first of the month.

"Alex has been unbelievable. He had a great summer and has probably been the most impressive guy in camp. He is committed to the process, committed to the team, he has developed as a leader. It won’t be a surprise to me when he excels on Saturdays."

As a freshman, he averaged almost eight yards per rush, but last season he was used sparingly at times and never had any type of rhythm.

Barnes is the second fastest player in Wildcats history to 1,000 career yards, Darren Sproles did it with just five fewer carries. He ranks first so far in career rushing yards per carry with a 6.24 average. This is his junior year.

Barnes began the 2017 season on the Doak Walker Award watch list but quickly fell off. The talent is there, and under a new offense, he will be seeing the ball much more consistently. Andre Coleman loves the kid, and he’s going to utilize him well.

If Barnes lives up to his potential this season, the Wildcats will remain a top 25 team and compete for the Big 12 title. Although the league is Oklahoma’s to lose, the Big 12 is up for grabs, every team is going through some type of major transition this season.

The Wildcats have a chance to spoil some parties and have one themselves this year, especially if Barnes is who we think he is.

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*Note: All statistics are credited to sports-reference.com

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