Kansas State running back Alex Barnes has announced his full intentions to enter the 2019 NFL Draft, despite having one year of eligibility left in Manhattan. The Pittsburg, Kansas, native was among the best running backs in the country this season and because of that, he has decided that he is done with his time in college football. But new K-State coach Chris Klieman isn’t sold that Barnes is 100 percent gone yet.
On Wednesday afternoon, about one hour prior to his press conference to introduce his 2019 recruiting class at K-State, Klieman joined Kevin Kietzman on Sports Radio 810’s Between the Lines to discuss recruiting, coaching staff and more.
Among the questions Kietzman asked Klieman, the two discussed Barnes’ future and whether or not he was a lock for the NFL Draft.
“I know that a number of people have reached out to him and have visited with (Barnes),” Klieman said. “I don’t know, to be honest with you, because of all the whirlwind I’ve been in the last week, if he has signed with an agent. Obviously we’d love to have Barnes back, but I don’t know where that’s at. I’m going to learn about that over the next week. But you’re right. Everybody is trying to look out for their family and I understand that. If it’s the best situation for him, then we’ll wish him well. If we can get him back, we’d obviously love to have him back. Whether that’s a signed, done deal yet, that’s something I still need to learn about.”
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Of course Klieman would like to have Barnes back for the 2019 season. It would without a doubt enhance his offense for next year as Barnes, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior this past year, finished this season with 256 carries for 1,355 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 20 catches for 194 yards, leading the Big 12 in rushing attempts, total rushing yardage and rushing touchdowns.
At the same time, though, Klieman is familiar with having players go to the draft and whether or not it is the right move. If Barnes were to seek Klieman’s advice, he would give him the full truth.
“I would be upfront and honest with everybody that I had at North Dakota State,” Klieman said. “We’ve had a couple kids over the past that have asked our opinion and they’ve ended up staying at North Dakota State. But I think that’s what you do. You find out with your family and get representation of where you may fit in the landscape of the draft, as well as do you have an opportunity to make a club?”
If Barnes decides the draft is for him, K-State will be left with not much at running back for 2019. The Wildcats also lost seniors Dalvin Warmack and Justin Silmon to graduation. Sophomore Mike McCoy had high hopes but suffered an injury that appears to be career threatening.
That means eyes will likely fall to 5-foot-11, 190-pound Harry Trotter, a junior who sat out the 2018 season after transferring from Louisville, or James Gilbert, a graduate transfer from Ball State who signed with K-State today.
“Obviously the draft status is important from a financial standpoint, but do you feel you’re talented enough to make a roster,” Klieman said. “And there’s an awful lot of kids that aren’t drafted that make a roster, that make a pretty good living.”
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