Chris Klieman appreciates DJ Giddens’ contribution to the rushing attack

LAS VEGAS – Last year, the running back had to split the runs in the backfield and still managed over 1,000 yards in the regular season.

Coach Chris Klieman is preparing to use DJ Giddens in the Big 12 again, but this time he believes the junior rusher will be more dangerous. And that’s saying something considering Giddens has six 100-yard games in 2023, including four in the Big 12.

The Kansas native has a rare blend of speed and power that makes him one of the most explosive players in the league. Klieman also appreciates Giddens’ versatility, allowing him to use him in different ways on any given play.

“DJ is just a phenomenal football player, great kid, great pass protection, great catching out of the backfield, he’s going to have a great year for us,” Klieman said. “We’ve surrounded him with more talent now so we don’t have to rely on him as much.”

Although Giddens’ running mate Treshaun Ward left the program last season, Klieman was able to bring in Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards to fill the running game. Edwards led the Buffaloes in rushing yards and caught 36 passes out of the backfield last year. Klieman is confident Giddens and Edwards will be a dynamic duo this fall. In Klieman’s eyes, both running backs should be able to take some of the work off quarterback Avery Johnson.

“So we have another tailback in Dylan Edwards who really complements DJ well with his speed and his strong hitting power in the open field,” he said. “That’s probably what we’re most excited about offensively, we have a lot of guys around Avery.”

After not being named All-Big 12 in 2023, Giddens will approach the upcoming season with a chip on his shoulder. However, the league is full of elite rushers, so Giddens may have to do more to avoid being like a needle in a haystack.

However, depending on the opponent’s defense, Klieman will use Giddens accordingly. The 20-year-old has the skills of a workhorse when needed, but Klieman doesn’t want to overuse him. Instead, he will take advantage of the depth in the running back room, which should benefit the Wildcats as they fight their way through the Big 12 hurdle. However, that doesn’t mean Giddens won’t get valuable play.

“It will probably be similar in that DJ can carry the ball 30 times, and he did that a few times for us last year,” said the 56-year-old. “He can carry the ball 20 times, DJ is a running back for every situation and is underrated in our league.”

For the past three seasons, Kansas State has produced a 1,000-yard runner, and it looks like that’s not going to change, as Giddens is lightning in a bottle and has some of the softest hands of any running back in the league. The 6’1″, 215-pound runner won’t be stalking anyone this time, and will have a big target on his back.

That’s why Klieman has designed some special packages for Giddens to keep opposing defensive coordinators guessing. Klieman is confident Giddens will have an All-Big 12-caliber season in 2024, and he believes the best is yet to come for the running back.

“We will give it to him (Giddens) and he will be ready for it.”