Dylan Edwards shines for Wildcats’ offense in return to gridiron

MANHATTAN, Kan. — After missing Kansas State’s previous three games with an injury, the running back put on a show for the fans in the 34-20 win over UCF, solidifying his value to the offense.

Dylan Edwards is a perfect example of big things coming in small packages. After all, he only stands 5-foot-9, and weighs 175 pounds, but is one of the most explosive rushers in the FBS. Not to mention Edwards is versatile, and a threat to take it to the house from anywhere on the field anytime he touches the ball.

The Knights had no answer for Edwards last Saturday, as he steamrolled through their defense with ease. The 21-year old carried the ball a career-high, 20 times for 166 yards and a touchdown. Edwards also averaged a jaw-dropping, 8.3 yards per carry, and it was the second time he went over the century mark in rushing with the Wildcats. The Kansas native was proud of his performance against the Knights, and appreciated being on the field with his teammates.

“It was a good feeling going out there today, and playing football, and that’s something I wanted to do all of these weeks I’ve been out,” Edwards said. “So just watching the game from the sideline definitely was a sad feeling, but going out there and playing football was something I really want to do, and it felt real good.”

Edwards suffered an injury on a punt return in the opener against Iowa State, so of course he was eager for some action. He rushed for a four-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but a holding penalty cancelled the six points off the scoreboard. Edwards wanted to find the endzone again though, and he took advantage of the opportunity.

The former four-star prospect took a handoff later in the first half, and dashed 75 yards through UCF’s defense for a touchdown. It was the most explosive play on the afternoon for Kansas State’s offense, and the crowd of 53,013 went into a frenzy.

“I got the handoff and just seen grass,” he said. “The guys up front did their job, and I got through it real well.”

Kansas State’s offense finished with a season-high, 266 yards on the ground, and Edwards contributed to a lot of that production. It was the first time this season that the Wildcats showed an identity on offense, and they led the Knights in total offense, rushing yards, first downs, third down efficiency, plays and time of possession.

Klieman really appreciates having Edwards in the backfield, and trusts that he has the power to bulldoze linebackers, and the speed to outrun defensive backs. Edwards is a dangerous weapon in Klieman’s eyes with the ability to bounce off would-be tacklers, and feels he’s just starting to crack the surface on his potential.

“Just by the naked eye, it looks like the field’s about 60 yards wide when he’s playing, because he can hit something,” Klieman said. “We got to see it with his 75 yard touchdown run, they have angles on him, and they didn’t get to square him up.”

Edwards credits the big boys up front for opening up holes for him to run through, and he fed off their energy. Kansas State (2-3) dominated in the trenches, and played with physicality throughout the contest. Edwards feels the best is yet to come for the team after securing their first Big 12 victory of the season. Although the journey through the Big 12 gauntlet is just beginning fir Kansas State, Edwards and his teammates are going to enjoy being on the winning side, and they intend to carry that momentum into week six at Baylor.

“Everyone was excited, water being thrown everywhere, and I feel like we can have that feeling every week if we lock into the little details, and play our game the K-State way.”