Daniel Hishaw becoming a dominant force in Jayhawks’ backfield

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The sophomore running back is making his mark in a potent Jayhawk rushing attack this season.

After all, Daniel Hishaw leads Kansas in rushing touchdowns, and he’s coming off a solid outing in the victory over Oklahoma. Hishaw found the endzone twice against the Sooners, and wants to build on the momentum he generated.

The bye-week gave the backfield some much-needed time to improve in certain areas, and the unit executed in front of a sold out Homecoming crowd. Hishaw, along with Devin Neal, combined for 163 yards, three touchdowns and solidified they’re one of the best running back tandems in the Big 12. The Oklahoma native believes the backfield is just starting to crack the surface on the group’s potential, and the extra time off has everyone clicking on all cylinders.

“It helped everybody get a little more healthy, look into more film and get plays that we thought would work, and wouldn’t work,” Hishaw said.

Kansas (6-2) is currently second in the Big 12, and 12th nationally in rushing offense. Quarterback Jason Bean has also contributed to the ground production with his mobility. Hishaw and his teammates made it a top priority to run the ball, and he was proud to see how everything played out on the gridiron.

Kansas led Oklahoma in total offense, first downs, time of possession and yards per play because of a dominant running game. Hishaw knows that didn’t happen by accident.

“Our team didn’t expect to go into this game losing,” he said. “After the game it was very exciting, but that’s what we expect to do, just like every other football team on the field.”

A solid rushing attack is vital in the fourth quarter because it chews up clock, softens up the defense and opens up the play-action pass. Hishaw feels he’s a running back that gets stronger with every carry, and wants to deliver for the offense in the clutch. That’s why he’s always striving for improvement, and willing to make the most out of his touches.

Hishaw’s value to Kansas’ offense can’t be ignored. He rushed for a season-high, 134 yards and two touchdowns in the win over UCF. The 5-foot-10, 220-pounder has remained consistent, with a touchdown on the ground against Missouri State, Illinois, Nevada, and Texas.

Hishaw wants to keep his foot on the gas as the Jayhawks navigate through the Big 12 gauntlet. He’s starting to hit his stride too, considering Hishaw has 15 career rushing scores, including eight this fall. Regardless of how much success Hishaw endures, he refuses to stay complacent. The former three-star prospect wants to remain a staple in Kansas’ backfield. There’s no denying Hishaw had a solid performance last Saturday, and the big boys up front opened up holes for him to run through. However, he gave himself a B grade, which means his best is yet to come, and that’s a scary thought for opposing defenses on the schedule.

“I think I could’ve made a lot better reads in some holes and other areas, but my linemen kind of made up for me, so I thank them.”