DJ Giddens, Kansas State RB, Elevates Rushing Attack in 2025 Season
DJ Giddens has emerged as one of college football’s most dynamic running backs. The Kansas State junior stands at 6-1, 212 pounds, combining impressive size with remarkable agility. In 2024, Giddens rushed for 1,343 yards on 205 attempts, averaging an eye-popping 6.6 yards per carry while finding the end zone 7 times.
The Junction City, Kansas native has steadily evolved into the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ offense. NFL scouts have taken notice of his shifty running style, with some analysts describing him as “the shiftiest RB in the NFL Draft.” Currently ranked as the #17 running back prospect according to draft evaluators, Giddens offers an intriguing combination of production and potential.
What separates Giddens from other draft-eligible backs is his explosive rushing ability, though his pass protection and receiving skills remain works in progress. His 4.43 forty time demonstrates the speed that allows him to turn ordinary plays into highlight-reel moments for the Wildcats. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Giddens’ stock continues to rise as teams look for playmakers who can create something out of nothing.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
DJ Giddens’ path to college football stardom began in Kansas, where his natural athleticism and determination helped him develop despite a relatively late start in the sport. His impressive high school statistics foreshadowed the talent that would later shine at Kansas State.
Junction City Origins
DJ Giddens hails from Junction City, Kansas, a small town located just 20 miles from the Kansas State campus. This proximity to his future college team seems almost prophetic in hindsight. What makes Giddens’ story particularly remarkable is that he didn’t begin playing organized football until his sophomore year of high school.
The late start didn’t hinder his development. Instead, it speaks volumes about his natural athletic ability and quick learning curve. Junction City provided the foundation for Giddens to develop his skills, even though he had fewer years of experience than many of his peers.
His hometown roots remain an important part of his identity as he continues his football journey.
High School Football Highlights
Once Giddens stepped onto the football field, his talent became immediately apparent. By the end of his high school career, he had accumulated impressive statistics: 1,912 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns overall.
His senior season was particularly outstanding, as he rushed for 1,255 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. These numbers caught the attention of college recruiters and established him as a serious prospect.
High School Career Statistics
| Season | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|
| Career Total | 1,912 | 34 |
| Senior Year | 1,255 | 30 |
Following his high school success, Giddens committed to Kansas State, staying close to his Junction City roots. The Wildcats secured a local talent who would later develop into one of their most productive running backs.
College Career at Kansas State
DJ Giddens transformed from a backup role player to one of the most productive running backs in Kansas State history. His four-year progression showcased impressive development in rushing ability, pass-catching skills, and overall impact on the Wildcats’ offense.
Freshman Year Impact
Giddens arrived at Kansas State in 2022 with little fanfare but quickly established himself as a reliable backup. Playing behind star Deuce Vaughn, Giddens appeared in all 14 games of his freshman campaign.
The numbers tell the story of his efficient first season: 89 carries for 518 yards, averaging a solid 5.8 yards per carry. What impressed coaches most was his quick adjustment to the college game and ability to maximize limited touches.
His freshman contribution helped the Wildcats secure key victories throughout the season, providing valuable depth in the backfield. Giddens’ performance in spot duty foreshadowed his potential as a future feature back.
When the starter needed rest, Giddens provided no drop-off in production, a rare quality for a freshman in the competitive Big 12 conference.
Sophomore Season Development
Giddens’ sophomore campaign marked his emergence as one of the Big 12’s most promising backs. Taking over the starting role, he showcased remarkable growth in all facets of his game.
The numbers reflect his breakthrough: 1,226 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, establishing himself as Kansas State’s primary offensive weapon. His yards per carry held steady at 5.9 despite the increased workload.
What impressed scouts was Giddens’ improved vision and patience. He displayed an uncanny ability to set up blocks and exploit defensive alignments, traits rarely seen in underclassmen.
His performances against conference rivals Oklahoma and Texas Tech—both 150+ yard games—put the league on notice. By season’s end, Giddens had earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.
Junior Year Breakthrough
Giddens’ junior season cemented his status as one of college football’s elite running backs. He set a Kansas State single-season rushing record, surpassing the mark previously held by program legends.
The numbers tell an impressive story:
| Category | Statistics | Big 12 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1,549 | 1st |
| Touchdowns | 14 | 2nd |
| Yards Per Carry | 6.3 | 1st (min. 200 carries) |
| Total Offense | 1,782 | 3rd |
Giddens added pass-catching to his repertoire, securing 38 receptions for 233 yards and 2 additional touchdowns. This versatility elevated his NFL draft stock considerably.
His signature performance came against Texas, where he gashed the vaunted Longhorns defense for 217 yards and 3 touchdowns in a nationally televised upset.
Senior Season Statistics and Highlights
Giddens’ senior campaign put an exclamation point on his remarkable Kansas State career. Despite defenses focusing specifically on stopping him, his production remained elite.
Final season numbers:
- 1,338 rushing yards (second in Big 12)
- 16 total touchdowns (led conference)
- 42 receptions for 367 yards
- Zero fumbles in 289 touches
NFL scouts particularly noted his improved pass protection and receiving skills. His complete skill set projects him as a potential second-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Giddens earned First Team All-Big 12 honors and was named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. His reliability in short-yardage situations (18-for-20 on third-and-short conversions) showcased his power running ability.
His career concluded with over 4,600 rushing yards, establishing him as the second-leading rusher in Kansas State history behind only Darren Sproles.
Playing Style and Abilities
DJ Giddens brings a unique combination of explosiveness and power to the Kansas State backfield. His well-rounded skill set makes him a compelling NFL prospect, though there are clear areas where he excels and others that require development.
Rushing Technique
Giddens showcases impressive explosiveness when carrying the ball, utilizing a blend of power and agility that makes him difficult to bring down. At 6’1″ and 213 pounds, he possesses excellent size for the position while maintaining the burst to hit holes quickly.
His contact balance stands out on film, consistently breaking arm tackles and falling forward for extra yardage. Giddens runs with good pad level and leverages his frame effectively in short-yardage situations.
The Kansas State product demonstrates dynamic rushing abilities that contrast with other aspects of his game. His acceleration through the second level allows him to turn ordinary runs into explosive plays.
2023 Rushing Statistics:
| Category | Total | Rank (Big 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1,226 | 2nd |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.3 | 4th |
| Rushing TDs | 10 | T-3rd |
Receiving Skills
Giddens has shown flashes as a pass-catcher but remains somewhat unrefined in this area. His raw receiving abilities will need development at the next level to become a true three-down back.
Route running appears mechanical at times, and he doesn’t create separation with the same ease he shows as a runner. That said, he possesses natural hands and rarely fights the ball when making catches.
Pass protection remains another work in progress. His willingness to engage is evident, but his technique needs refinement to handle NFL-caliber blitzers. Most scouts project him as an early-down back initially with potential to grow into passing situations.
Vision on the Field
Giddens displays excellent field vision, consistently finding cutback lanes and exploiting defensive overpursuits. His patience behind the line allows plays to develop before he accelerates through openings.
His decision-making at the second level shows maturity, as he rarely gets caught making poor choices when navigating traffic. This vision translates to his productivity, helping him maximize available yardage on each carry.
What separates Giddens from many backs in this class is his anticipation. He processes defensive movements quickly and adjusts his path accordingly, making him particularly effective in zone running schemes.
Statistical Overview
DJ Giddens has emerged as one of the most productive running backs in Kansas State history. His combination of rushing prowess, scoring ability, and versatility in the offense has made him a standout performer for the Wildcats.
Career Rushing Yards
Giddens has amassed an impressive 3,087 career rushing yards during his four seasons at Kansas State. The 6’1″, 212-pound back has consistently shown the ability to gain chunks of yardage, averaging over 5.9 yards per carry throughout his collegiate career.
His junior season proved to be his most productive, with Giddens accumulating 1,343 yards on 205 carries. That’s an efficiency rate of 6.5 yards per attempt, showcasing his big-play ability.
What makes Giddens particularly effective is his blend of patience and explosiveness. He’s not just a volume runner but a game-breaker who can turn routine plays into highlight-reel moments.
| Season | Carries | Yards | Avg/Carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 205 | 1,343 | 6.5 |
| Career | 517 | 3,087 | 5.9 |
Total Touchdowns
Giddens has demonstrated a knack for finding the end zone, accumulating 27 total touchdowns during his Kansas State career. His scoring production has been crucial to the Wildcats’ offensive success over multiple seasons.
His junior campaign saw him score 7 touchdowns, but that number doesn’t fully capture his impact in the red zone. Giddens possesses the rare ability to power through defenders at the goal line while also having enough elusiveness to find seams that others might miss.
What’s most impressive about his touchdown production is the variety of ways he scores. He’s equally comfortable powering between the tackles or bouncing outside to outrun defenders.
NFL scouts have taken notice of this scoring versatility, with Giddens currently ranked as the #17 running back prospect for the upcoming draft.
All-Purpose Running
Beyond just rushing yards, Giddens has proven himself a complete offensive weapon. He’s accumulated 679 receiving yards on 58 receptions during his collegiate career, showcasing his versatility out of the backfield.
This dual-threat capability makes him particularly valuable in today’s game. While his receiving and blocking skills are considered raw compared to his rushing ability, the foundation is there for him to develop into a three-down back at the next level.
His speed is another asset that translates to all facets of his game. With a reported 4.43 forty time, Giddens has the burst to separate from defenders whether taking a handoff or catching a pass in the flat.
Kansas State has utilized this versatility by deploying him in various formations and scenarios. His ability to impact games as both a runner and receiver makes him particularly difficult for defenses to game plan against.
Coaching Influence
DJ Giddens’ development at Kansas State has been shaped by quality coaching. The impact of mentorship on his playing style and decision-making shows in his performance on the field and his NFL draft prospects.
Mentorship from Chris Klieman
Chris Klieman’s influence on DJ Giddens cannot be overstated. Since taking over the K-State program in 2019, Klieman has established a culture that prioritizes running back development.
Giddens has frequently praised Klieman’s approach to player development, highlighting how the head coach encourages his running backs to find their own style while maintaining team principles.
“Coach Klieman helped me understand that patience is as important as explosiveness,” Giddens once remarked during a media session. This mentality has transformed him from a raw talent to a complete back.
Under Klieman’s guidance, Giddens developed into a dual-threat runner, capable of both power running and receiving out of the backfield. This versatility has caught the attention of NFL scouts, with some projecting him as a mid-round selection in the 2025 draft.
Running Backs Coach Contributions
The position-specific coaching at K-State has refined Giddens’ natural abilities. The running backs coach worked extensively on Giddens’ pass protection, an area scouts initially flagged as a weakness.
This focused coaching has paid dividends, as Giddens showed improvement in picking up blitzes during his final season. His progress in this aspect has been notable, though evaluators still see room for growth at the next level.
The technical aspects of Giddens’ running style also benefited from specialized coaching. His vision when hitting gaps was enhanced through film study and practice drills designed by the K-State staff.
Giddens’ Production Under Current Coaching Staff
| Season | Rushing Yards | Yards Per Carry | Total TDs | Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,343 | 6.6 | 12 | 28 |
| 2023 | 1,075 | 5.8 | 10 | 32 |
The staff’s emphasis on ball security resulted in just three fumbles across his last two seasons, making him one of the more reliable backs in the 2025 draft class.
Team Dynamics
DJ Giddens has become a cornerstone of Kansas State’s offensive strategy, building key relationships that enhance the Wildcats’ rushing attack. His ability to work within the team structure has elevated both his performance and the effectiveness of the entire offensive unit.
Teammate Synergy
Giddens’ relationship with his offensive line demonstrates why he’s projected as a dynamic rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft class. The 6-1, 212-pound junior from Junction City has developed exceptional timing with his blockers, often waiting for the perfect moment before hitting holes with explosive acceleration.
Quarterback Avery Johnson’s emergence has created a complementary backfield threat that prevents defenses from keying exclusively on Giddens. This quarterback-running back relationship has become one of the Big 12’s most effective partnerships.
The Wildcats’ coaching staff has tailored their inside zone and gap schemes to maximize Giddens’ vision and cutting ability. His communication with coaches during games has notably improved, allowing for mid-game adjustments that have produced several breakout performances.
Giddens has earned respect in the locker room for his work ethic and team-first mentality. Fellow players consistently praise his willingness to contribute on special teams despite his starring offensive role.
Comparisons with Deuce Vaughn and Dylan Edwards
Giddens has successfully stepped out of the shadow of former Wildcats star Deuce Vaughn, bringing a different dimension to Kansas State’s running game. While Vaughn excelled with quickness and elusiveness in space, Giddens offers more power between the tackles and superior size (6-1 compared to Vaughn’s 5-6 frame).
Unlike the transferred Dylan Edwards, Giddens provides better pass protection potential despite his current technical limitations. Edwards offered elite straight-line speed, but Giddens brings more complete running skills with his combination of vision, patience, and cutting ability.
2024 Season Comparison
| Metric | DJ Giddens | Deuce Vaughn (2022) | Dylan Edwards (at Colorado) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rush Yards | 1,542 | 1,558 | 984 |
| YPC | 6.4 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| TDs | 14 | 9 | 8 |
| Receptions | 29 | 42 | 36 |
NFL scouts rank Giddens as the #17 running back prospect for the 2025 draft, citing his “shiftiness” as his standout trait.
DJ Giddens’ Future Prospects
DJ Giddens has established himself as one of the top running back prospects heading into the next phase of his football career. His impressive production at Kansas State has positioned him well for professional opportunities ahead.
2025 NFL Draft Potential
Giddens projects as one of the more intriguing running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Kansas State product is currently ranked as the #17 overall prospect according to NFL Draft evaluators, showing his substantial value despite the position’s decreasing draft premium.
His draft stock benefits significantly from his explosive 2023 season where he averaged an impressive 6.6 yards per carry. That type of efficiency doesn’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts.
One notable draft analyst has even tabbed Giddens as the top running back outside of the second round, suggesting he could hear his name called in the third round.
Giddens’ Draft Metrics:
| Metric | Value | Draft Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.43 | Above average speed |
| Draft Rating | 80.9 | Solid mid-round prospect |
| Career YPC | 6.0 | Elite college production |
Professional Outlook
Giddens’ professional ceiling appears promising due to his dynamic rushing skillset. However, scouts note his receiving and blocking abilities remain raw, which could initially limit his third-down opportunities at the next level.
His three-year college production can’t be overlooked – 3,087 yards and 23 touchdowns on 517 carries. That consistent performance suggests he can be a productive professional with proper development.
Teams looking for an efficient runner with home-run potential will find Giddens appealing. His Junction City, Kansas background as a former two-star recruit who blossomed at Kansas State suggests he has the work ethic to improve his weaknesses.
The modern NFL values complete backs, so Giddens’ development as a receiver will be crucial for maximizing his professional impact and earning a potential featured role rather than being limited to early-down situations.
Off-The-Field Impact
DJ Giddens has made his presence felt beyond the football field at Kansas State, establishing himself as a positive force in the community and a respected leader among his teammates.
Community Involvement
Giddens has embraced his platform as a Kansas State football standout to make meaningful contributions to the Manhattan community. His volunteer work with local youth programs has created lasting connections with young Wildcats fans.
During offseason breaks, he regularly participated in reading programs at elementary schools, encouraging literacy among children. His annual involvement in the K-State Athletics community service day showcased his commitment to giving back.
Giddens organized a successful donation drive for the Flint Hills Breadbasket food pantry, rallying teammates to support families facing food insecurity. This initiative collected over 2,000 pounds of food for local residents.
His work with the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan has been particularly impactful, where he mentored at-risk youth and ran football clinics. Many NFL scouts have noted this community engagement as evidence of his strong character, potentially boosting his draft stock.
Leadership Qualities
Giddens’ exceptional leadership qualities are exemplified by his journey from walk-on to team leader. Coaches consistently praise his work ethic. They also commend the example he sets during practice sessions and strength training.
Teammates voted him as a team captain for the 2024 season. They recognized his ability to rally the locker room during challenging moments. His accountability extended beyond game day, as he maintained a 3.4 GPA while balancing athletic commitments.
Several NFL scouts have highlighted Giddens’ inspiring journey as evidence of his determination and leadership potential at the next level. His ability to communicate effectively with both coaches and younger players demonstrates his emotional intelligence.
| Leadership Traits | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Work Ethic | First to arrive, last to leave practice |
| Communication | Team captain, mentors younger RBs |
| Resilience | Walk-on to NFL prospect journey |
| Academic Success | 3.4 GPA while starting |
K-State coach Chris Klieman has credited Giddens with maintaining team focus during their challenging Big 12 schedule. This leadership quality is particularly attractive to NFL teams looking for immediate production from draft selections.