Kansas is building its running backs room around depth, development and a clear standard, and Jonathan Wallace likes what he’s seeing in fall camp.
The Jayhawks’ assistant head coach and running backs coach said the group has handled a demanding workload with the kind of preparation he expects. He knows what associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki wants out of the offense, and he said it’s the backs’ job to carry that out.
That hasn’t been flawless - Wallace pointed to a red-zone turnover from the day he spoke with reporters as something he wasn’t happy about - but he said the overall effort has been there. Between walkthroughs, film study and quizzes, the backs are staying engaged and meeting the bar that’s been set for them.
That effort has mattered even more because Kansas hasn’t had a full room throughout camp. Redshirt freshman Justin Thurman is out for the season because of injury, and freshman Kory Amachree hasn’t been able to go fully during fall camp.
Wallace said he’s been proud of how the group has responded to that adversity, noting that players have taken advantage of walkthroughs and other opportunities to keep developing without missing critical details. He’s also been encouraged by the way certain backs have stepped up with the extra reps.
One of the names drawing attention is redshirt sophomore Jalen Dupree. After missing spring work because of injury, Dupree has stood out this fall, with Wallace praising him as a decisive runner. Dupree is still working his way back into rhythm, but the Colorado State transfer has college experience to lean on as he catches up in the competition.
Wallace also had plenty to say about junior Yasin Willis, the Syracuse transfer who brings a bigger frame to the room. Willis can still change direction and punish defenders once he gets downhill, and Wallace said he has been impressed not just by his pass protection but by his effort to grow as a receiver. Willis has even been getting extra work with Kotelnicki during practice periods when he isn’t directly involved.
That push to expand Willis’ game fits with the bigger picture Wallace wants for the position. He said he looks at what NFL backs are doing and wants Kansas to develop every-down running backs. As the staff evaluates players, it isn’t only searching for traits it already likes - it is also looking for areas it can improve.
Wallace sees another interesting pairing in Willis and redshirt junior Dylan Edwards, the Kansas State transfer. Their skill sets complement each other, and Wallace said the idea of using Edwards alongside another back would be intriguing because of the pressure it could put on a defense. The Jayhawks won’t limit themselves to just those two, but the signs point to them as the leading duo in the room.
Wallace also pointed to the relationship between Edwards and Willis. He said they hold each other accountable, push one another and challenge each other in ways he appreciates. For Wallace, that kind of edge is part of what it takes to become elite.
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