Kansas running back Devin Neal will return for his senior season.
Neal announced the decision in a social media video posted Thursday afternoon. His plan to return to KU was first reported by ESPN on Dec. 26, just before KU’s victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
The video reflects on Neal’s decision to stay in his hometown Lawrence to help build up the KU program.
“I’ve never shied away from anything, especially a challenge,” he says in a voiceover. “Growing up in Lawrence, I was always looking up to KU legends. They gave the program everything. And now, it’s my turn.
“I could say I’ve done what I came to do, but there’s still more to make this dream come true — for the fans, for the community, for everyone.”
Neal ran for 1,280 yards on 203 carries, an average of 6.3 yards per attempt, in his junior season. He totaled 16 touchdowns on the ground and one as a receiver. He cleared the 100-yard mark on six occasions, including four times in a five-game stretch late in the year, and scored the game-winning touchdown in KU’s 38-33 upset victory over No. 6 Oklahoma on Oct. 28.
Neal will only need 765 rushing yards as a senior to become the Jayhawks’ all-time leading rusher; the mark is currently held by June Henley, who has 3,841. He also has a chance to pass Henley for first place in career rushing touchdowns.
He finished the year with an 85.5 Pro Football Focus grade, which was fifth among Big 12 Conference rushers, and was also named a second-team all-conference running back.
He rejoins a core of returning skill-position talent that includes quarterback Jalon Daniels and receivers Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm and Quentin Skinner.
