Kansas State Football: Graduate transfer running backs key for offense

Kansas State football will lean on graduate transfer running backs to make the offense go during inaugural season for new coach Chris Klieman.

When Athletic Director Gene Taylor hired Chris Klieman in December to be the new head coach at Kansas State, he inherited some roster issues. Those were highlighted by the fact the offense had not a single scholarship running back on the roster. Zero, zilch, nada.

Coming from North Dakota State, Klieman and his offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham like to run an offense that is somewhat similar to the Bill Snyder led run first offense. With that in mind, Klieman and company knew they had to find some running backs.

Enter graduate transfers James Gilbert and Jordon Brown to the Wildcat backfield.

James Gilbert was the first to arrive, coming from Ball State. After a career for the MAC program that saw him rush for 2,806 yards, he comes to Manhattan for his lone season with the Cats.

After averaging 4.7 yards during his four year career, Gilbert’s ability to move chains and make plays out of the backfield will be vital for an offense in desperate need of consistent running ability.

Added to that, with only 15 caught passes as a senior, quarterback Skylar Thompson will hope he’s able to do more out of the backfield as a receiving option. Having arrived in Manhattan in time for spring practice and summer workouts likely gives Gilbert the early leg up in the competition to be the starter on the first day for the program.

The wildcard of the entire position group is North Carolina graduate transfer Jordon Brown.

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Recording just over 1,000 yards in Chapel Hill during three seasons, Brown was a highly rated running back coming out of high school, but was simply never able to seize control of the position with the Tar Heels.

He comes to Manhattan ready to make his season with the Cats count. During his past two seasons, Brown pulled down 45 passes, which could help him get on the field more if he’s able to show an ability to be a versatile weapon for Kansas State football.

Past these two backs is a mix of inexperience and potential. Harry Trotter sat out last season as a walk on transfer from Louisville. A native of Atchison, Kansas, Trotter will help provide depth and versatility to the offense. Incoming freshmen Clyde Price, Thomas Grayson and Joe Ervin will via for playing time during their first year with K-State.

An offseason that witnessed Isaiah Zuber transfer to Mississippi State and Hunter Rison transfer following an arrest and suspension, the Wildcats wide receiver position offers very little in either experience or explosiveness.

With so many variables and question marks at the position, Gilbert and Brown’s ability to get positive yardage, move the chains will help open the passing game for Thompson to make plays down the field.