Sources: Kansas standout RB Neal to return in ’24

• Pete Thamel, ESPNDec 26, 2023, 07:55 PM ET

Kansas star tailback Devin Neal has actually informed the Jayhawks coaching staff that he’ll be returning for the 2024 season, sources informed ESPN.Neal earned second-team All-Big 12 honors this season after hurrying for 1,209 yards and scoring 16 goals. A real junior, Neal had actually contemplated going to the NFL.Neal’s return for his senior season will offer Kansas an unique offending identity heading into 2024, as the school likewise revives star quarterback Jalon Daniels. The Jayhawks task to return 8 of 11 beginners on offense, including all 3 starting wide receivers, and will boast a few of the most identifiable talent in the Big 12 for 2024. Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Neal has signed up back-to-back seasons of more than 1,000

backyards, and his 6.6 yards per carry in

2023 led all Huge 12 rushers with more than 100 brings. He likewise caught 24 balls for 214 yards, and he’ll get in 2024 as one of the most productive tailbacks in the sport.Neal is a Lawrence native who has been a crucial cog in returning Kansas to the national conversation, as he’s been

a linchpin in all three of coach Lance Leipold’s seasons. “Him being the local guy, it’s a credit to his loyalty to the community,” stated a Kansas source.”It was his objective when he signed to put Kansas football on the map, and this is another part of that. “The Jayhawks have actually been ranked as high as No. 19 in each of the past 2 seasons and reached back-to-back bowl games for the first time in over a decade.A 49-36 win over UNLV in the Surefire Rate Bowl on Tuesday night provided Kansas (9-4 )its most wins given that

2007, when the Jayhawks went 12-1 and won the Orange Bowl. Neal added 71 yards on 20 brings and a touchdown, in addition to a 3-yard reception, in Tuesday night’s win.During his 3 seasons in Lawrence, Neal has actually rushed for 3,077 yards and has 33 rushing goals. He ranks No. 4 on Kansas’all-time hurrying backyards list and No. 3 in rushing touchdowns.With another efficient season, Neal jobs to eclipse June Henley as the program’s most decorated tailback. Henley’s 3,841 lawns and 41 touchdowns rank No. 1 in school history.Neal eclipsed the 100-yard mark 6 times in 2023, consisting of 154 backyards against UCF and 138 backyards and 3 touchdowns against Kansas State.