Rapid Recap: Workload distribution in Kansas State backfield
RB No. 3 for Kansas State
DJ Giddens and Treshaun Ward have probably locked up the top two running back spots at Kansas State for the season. I’m not sure that is a debate at this point. But there are a few options emerging for the No. 3 role.
The first player mentioned by K-State assistant Brian Anderson was Anthony Frias.
He played in just one game last season, but the California native had a strong offseason. Frias ended the Spring on a high note and has carried it through the first week of training camp. He is a hard worker and has really excelled in pass protection.
True freshman Joe Jackson was identified by both Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman and Anderson during the first week of practices in August. The young back has been very coachable and has made plays during team sessions.
Excitement for life after Deuce
It is kind of crazy to think about, but it is just the second fall camp that Brian Anderson has been through in Manhattan without Deuce Vaughn. While K-State will miss the playmaker for the Dallas Cowboys, there is a lot of excitement about the next crop of standouts for the Wildcats.
It is a chance for Anderson to challenge himself as a coach and learn new things and begin to develop the next playmakers for Kansas State. Not having Vaughn will let him continue to grow as a coach and a leader for the running back room.
Workload distribution
With two running backs who are impressing and can contend for a starting position, it can be difficult to divvy up the workload. Do not be surprised if it looks similar to that of the 2019 K-State season when James Gilbert and Jordon Brown split carries and were on the field together a lot.
A return to those type of sets with Giddens and Ward seems likely, and they are still determining how to distribute the touches for both.
When he knew Giddens would be a weapon
A fun question that Anderson was asked was when he knew Giddens was going to be an impact contributor.
The Junction City product redshirted as a true freshman and played in a reserve role for Kansas State last season. Anderson knew Giddens as soon as he stepped foot in Manhattan on day one. Nobody could tackle him, and he was making plays the few times he knew what he was doing.
The mental side was what Giddens needed to work on because he was special when he was informed. He just wasn’t up to speed enough for it to be all that common. Once that he overcame that hurdle, he was more consistent, reliable and effective.
Ward’s transition to K-State
Although he was impactful at Florida State and brings a strong record to Manhattan, it hasn’t been easy for Ward at K-State. It’s been a transition for him, too. Additionally, he was limited in the Spring so the coaches are still familiarizing themselves to some extent.
While Ward was out, he began to learn the new terminology. The language and the calls between Kansas State and Florida State haven’t shown themselves to be all that similar. Because of that, there’s been a few growing pains.
He is learning the new coaching cues, and the K-State staff is learning more about him. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t be dangerous for the Wildcats. It just isn’t as simple as we sometimes assume, and some challenges have surfaced.
For example, Anderson pointed out how one of the modifications and adjustments that his new standout back has had to make is the tempo in which he runs behind the offensive line. It isn’t the same as it was in Tallahassee. He’s had to slow down and be more patient at times to allow the blocks to manifest.
Despite those developments and hurdles, Ward is still on the upward trajectory, and he and Giddens should form one of the best backfield duos in the Big 12.
