Neal, Hishaw setting precedent for younger KU running backs

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - The bar has been set for future Kansas running backs.

Hometown kid Devin Neal enters the 2024 campaign with the most career rushing yards of any college rusher. His dynamic duo partner Daniel Hishaw Jr., like Neal, was named to the Doak Walker preseason watchlist for the nation's best running back.

"Learning from all they know, they've played a lot of football," Kansas true freshman running back Harry Stewart III said. "Just the experience they have, just trying to take it all in before they leave... they do it at such an elite level, having them in the room is an advantage for me."

The younger guys on the team may have to submit to being lower on the depth chart this season, but that doesn't mean they won't be getting better while watching the veterans.

"It's great having guys like [Hishaw], [junior running back Sevion Morrison] and [Neal] and take small stuff from them and apply it to my game," redshirt freshman running back Johnny Thompson Jr. said.

While coaches are dialed in on the 2024 season, they also notice the impact Neal and Hishaw have had on the players that will see the field in the future.

"For those young guys, they're also able to see what it really takes to be a team," Kansas running backs coach Johnathon Wallace said. "When they push each other, and they challenge each other, both physically and mentally, they're able to achieve more."

The Jayhawks start the season on Thursday, August 29 at Children's Mercy Park against Lindenwood.