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NFL Draft: Top 25 prospects from the Big 12

By Briley Hughes

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners approaches the stands after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners approaches the stands after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 48-47. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The most positive aspect of Kansas State’s offense in 2018 was the rushing production of Alex Barnes. The then-junior racked up 1,355 yards and averaged over five yards per rush attempt. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Barnes has decided to forgo his senior season and enter his name in the NFL Draft.

While only recording one 100-yard rushing game and two touchdowns during the first five games of the 2018 season, Barnes broke out with 250 yards and three touchdowns against Baylor and never looked back. In his final seven games for the Wildcats, Barnes recorded six 100-yard rushing games and ten touchdowns to get K-State within one win of bowl eligibility.

Barnes has the beef to handle the physicality present at the next level. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 225 pounds, Barnes could become a long-term workhorse for the team willing to spend a draft pick on him. Barnes doesn’t possess blazing speed, but recorded a respectable 4.55 40-yard dash time. His strength and speed give him big play ability, which he displayed often in the latter half of the 2018 season.

Brad Kelley of The Draft Network says that Barnes “has NFL level athletic ability. The combine will be the perfect opportunity for Barnes to prove his talent and might help create some much-needed buzz for the Big 12 running back.

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