KANSAS

Criminally Underrated Kansas Jayhawk Leads Nation in Two Key Categories

Kansas senior Devin Neal is not only one of the most underrated backs in America, but he's also the most prolific among Power 4 runners.

Rich Cirminiello

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) looks back after a touchdown against Lindenwood Lions in the second quarter Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Children's Mercy Park.
Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) looks back after a touchdown against Lindenwood Lions in the second quarter Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Children's Mercy Park. / Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Devin Neal has been a Jayhawk gem from the moment he decided to stay home and play for Kansas in 2021. The Lawrence native, who drew interest from the likes of Nebraska, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State, has been the offensive engine for Lance Leipold almost from the moment he arrived.

Neal has led the Jayhawks in rushing in each of the last three seasons, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in 2002 and 2023. And he's off to another wicked start, averaging almost 10 yards a carry over the first two games. Yet, despite being the Power 4 active leader in career rushing yards and rushing TDs entering Week 3, he still remains criminally underrated at the national level.

Neal is a twitchy athlete, with the footwork, balance, and cutting ability to make defenders whiff in space. He runs with leverage and little wasted movement, which makes him especially effective in short yardage and red zone situations. Neal can also be an effective weapon out of the backfield on swing passes.

The 5-11, 215-pound Neal has all of the characteristics of a bellcow feature back on Sundays, yet he still struggles to gain much notoriety outside of the Big 12. And that's what makes Friday night's visit from 2-0 UNLV so interesting.

Neal knows he's been overlooked for much of his Jayhawk career. He also knows NFL scouts will be watching him closely against the Rebels. With a rare spotlight opportunity in primetime, do not be surprised if he puts forth one of the best single-game efforts of an already terrific career.

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Rich Cirminiello
RICH CIRMINIELLO

I've been the VP of College Awards for the Maxwell Football Club since 2008. I oversee and manage all aspects of the Maxwell Award (CFB Player of the Year), Bednarik Award (Defensive POY) and Munger Award (CFB Coach of the Year), including creating watch lists, steering the selection committee and choosing players of the week. I appear weekly on SportsGrid TV to discuss college football, both as a guest and a co-host of various live shows. I oversee and manage two additional college awards, outside the purview of the Maxwell Football Club - former Seattle Seahawk RB Shaun Alexander's Freshman of the Year Award & the Buddy Teevens Award, which was created by Peyton Manning, Archie Manning and Omaha Productions in honor of the late Dartmouth coach. I'm contracted out each May by Phil Steele to help edit the magazine and write select articles leading up to the publication of his annual College Football Preview in June.

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