Devin Neal shatters school rushing records in win over Iowa State
Kansas running back Devin Neal signals towards a first down after a run in the third quarter against Iowa State Saturday November 9, 2024 at Arrowhead Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Jayhawk running back set a couple of milestones in Saturday’s victory over the Cyclones, and is now closing in on the 4,000-yard mark for his career.
Devin Neal remains consistent when it comes to carrying the football, and he’s always a load to bring down for would-be tacklers. His unique blend of speed, vision and power is the reason why he’s close to eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards for a third-straight season.
Iowa State’s defense found out the hard way about Neal’s skill set at Arrowhead Stadium, and he made a statement with his first carry of the game. After all, Neal surpassed June Henley as the program’s career leader in rushing yards with the carry, and the crowd of 51,109 went wild.
There were a bunch of fans that wore T-shirts in support of Neal’s pursuit to Kansas’ record book, and he didn’t disappoint them on the afternoon. The hometown kid rumbled for two touchdowns, and finished with 116 yards on the ground. Not to mention it was the sixth time this season that Neal surpassed the century mark in rushing.
It was one of those dreams come true moments for Neal, and something that he never imagined would happen as a true freshman. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder also became the school’s career leader in rushing scores, and now has 43. Regardless, Neal is cementing his legacy as a Jayhawk, and will be in the conversation with the likes of Gale Sayers, Tony Sands and Henley.
“It’s unique just to be part of a team for four-straight years, growing with the guys, growing with the coaches, and so many relationships that I have in that locker room, it’s just awesome,” Neal said. “So I’m super blessed to be part of this organization.”
Having a new Offensive Coordinator this season didn’t stop Neal’s production either. Through it all, Neal remains humble, and gives credit to the big boys up front for opening up holes for him to run through. Most importantly, he understands that it takes a complete team effort.
“It’s our record, they even got all of the T-shirts too,” he said. “They were rocking it, and I owe them dinner, but that’s no big deal for me.”
As memorable as his performance was, Neal just wanted to get the victory over a ranked opponent. The Jayhawks are trying to become bowl eligible for a third-straight year, and they’ll have to win their final three games to do so. It just so happens that Kansas will be playing two top-20 teams next in No. 7 BYU and No. 18 Colorado. Neal believes the Jayhawks have momentum, and will be up for the challenge.
“It is easy to quit, it is easy to give up, or just throw in the towel and focus on the future, but everyone has bought in,” the 21-year old said. “This win was special in some way too, because a lot of people counted us out, and said we didn’t have a chance, so we came out here and showed otherwise.”
Neal currently ranks fifth in the Big 12 in rushing yards, and 22nd nationally. Coach Lance Leipold believes the best is yet to come for the senior, as the Jayhawks look to finish strong down the stretch. He’s proud that everything is coming full circle for Neal, and that his journey is far from over.
“This year what really stood out to me is his ability out of the backfield,” Leipold said. “I think he continues to challenge himself as a pass protector, he’s willing, wanting and doing so much for us this season.”
Now Neal only needs 49 rushing yards to hit 4,000 for his career. So with three games left to accomplish that amazing feat, and the fact that the Jayhawks’ bowl hopes are still on the table, Neal has plenty of motivation to carry his team to the finish line.
