Kansas RB Coach Compares Dylan Edwards to Former Jayhawks Star

The most intriguing addition Lance Leipold and Kansas football made to the offense this offseason was running back Dylan Edwards. Although the Jayhawks weren't able to land him the first or second time they pursued him, Edwards eventually made his way to Lawrence through the transfer portal after leaving in-state rival K-State.

There aren't many players like Edwards to pass through Kansas in recent history. He may not be as complete of a tailback as someone like Devin Neal, but his small frame, game-breaking speed and elusiveness make him a headache for opposing defenses and a treat to watch.

When Edwards takes the field next month in the season opener against Long Island University, he might remind the Jayhawk faithful of a player who donned the crimson and blue not too long ago. Running backs coach Jonathan Wallace, who has been with the university since 2020, compared Edwards' skill set to a Jayhawk from the late 2010s.

"I think you guys know the name Pooka Williams," Wallace joked in a press conference yesterday when asked who Edwards reminds him of. "In terms of what he was able to do on the field, dynamic in terms of make-miss ability, return ability, catch ability, all those things. One thing I love about Dylan is the kid will do any and everything to make sure he gets it right."

Pooka Williams was one of the most fun runners to watch in recent Big 12 history, despite starring for consecutive 3-9 Kansas teams. He took the conference by storm as a true freshman in 2018, rushing for 1,125 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 7.0 yards per carry.

MORE: Kansas HC Lance Leipold Optimistic About Jayhawks’ New-Look Backfield

Similar to Edwards, what made Williams so effective was his ability to break tackles and find open gaps. During those dark days of the KU football program, Pooka-Mania was running wild, brother. He was the sole reason fans would tune in to games, simply because of his electric and explosive style of play.

In Edwards' own presser yesterday, he said that he never watched Pooka play in person but has studied his film countless times.

It'll be difficult for Edwards to match the production Williams had, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons behind a mediocre offensive line. However, Edwards is absolutely capable of making the same highlight-reel plays that Williams made nearly a decade ago and bringing some of that excitement back to Kansas football.

Check out the KCSN official website and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest KU basketball and football news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google