Joe Jackson bulking up for heavy workload in Wildcats’ backfield

FRISCO, Texas — Navigating through the Big 12 can be a gauntlet for a running back, and Kansas State’s leading-returning rusher understands that after his major production down the stretch last season.

Joe Jackson raised eyebrows around the conference after he broke the Wildcats’ single-game, rushing record, with 293 yards on the ground against Utah. He followed up that performance, and left a lasting impression with 193 rush yards, and three touchdowns in the season-finale win over Colorado.

The impressive numbers helped Jackson earn third-team, All-Big 12 honors. Now Jackson is eager to show his teammates, and coaching staff that he can handle the workload again if necessary, as Kansas State rolls through fall camp.

“No matter what, I always prepare to be the guy,” Jackson said. “I always prepare to be the workhorse, because you never know what’s going to happen at any given moment.”

Jackson is constantly improving different aspects of his game to show that he’s an every-down back, which includes blocking, receiving and adding muscle to a six-foot, 212-pound frame. Fumbling is not an option, and Jackson intends on keeping the ball in a secure place under his bulging biceps. At the end of the day, it’s all about having durability, and Jackson is definitely capable, after carrying the ball for a career-high, 27 times against TCU.

However, Coach Collin Klein will be orchestrating the offense this fall, and intends on utilizing Jackson’s versatility. Although the Wildcats have other capable rushers, including Rodney Fields, Jay Harris and Monterrio Elston, Jackson is the headliner, and Klein believes he makes the backfield that much stronger.

“I think he (Jackson) is definitely the leader in that room, and he’s done a tremendous job preparing himself to be an every-down back,” Klein said. “He got good ball skills, his body has improved, along with his movement skills, but I don’t think you can make it through a season with just one back realistically, that doesn’t happen very often.”

Jackson plans on turning it up a notch as fall camp intensifies. The Florida native wants to move the chains in multiple ways, including outrunning defenders on the outside, and running over would-be tacklers through the gaps. Not to mention catching passes out of the backfield will be vital, and Jackson has soft hands after hauling in 20 passes, including one for a touchdown against South Dakota in 2025. The former three-star prospect is confident that his knowledge of Klein’s playbook is going to help him be a weapon as a rusher.

“My understanding of the game, understanding the defense, what they give to me and not trying to make things happen, or force things,” he said. “Being able to mature, anticipate what’s going to happen before the snap, and I feel like that kind of helps me out in a huge way.”

Jackson is trying to be more of a patient runner like a prime Le’Veon Bell. He even thinks his style is similar to  current NFL running back Dalvin Cook. As an adolescent Jackson watched Cook all the time when he played at Florida State. Jackson also keeps in touch with former Wildcat running backs Deuce Vaughn, D.J. Giddens and Hall of Famer Darren Sproles for advice, and how to handle the pressure.

The hunger for more is there, considering Jackson almost hit the 1,000-yard mark in rushing last season. Now he’s due for an All-Big 12 campaign after starting nine games, and rushing for 435 yards, and six touchdowns in the final two. Jackson is putting his jaw-dropping stats in the rearview mirror, and focusing on the pieces around him, including the big boys up front.

The offensive line don’t get enough recognition in Jackson’s eyes. After all, they paved the way for Jackson to break the record, and he understands that efficient blocking is going to be vital again for Kansas State’s ground game this fall.

“Knowing our offensive line, and the production they had that game, I feel like it’s going to be a real big confidence booster for them, knowing what they can do.”