Kansas running back Carmon Boyd-Anderson hails from Jacksonville, Texas, population 14,402. When he takes the field Saturday, the Memorial Stadium crowd will number more than 40,000.

No pressure.

“I really don’t know what to expect,” Boyd-Anderson said. “Coming from Jacksonville, we played in front of packed crowds, but the stadium was nowhere near as big as this stadium. It’s human to be a little bit nervous before your first game.”

If the soft-spoken freshman is a bit apprehensive about his performance in his first collegiate game, he may be the only one in the program who is worrying. Judging by Boyd-Anderson’s inclusion as the third running back on the depth chart and glowing reviews from head coach Mark Mangino and offensive coordinator Ed Warinner, the Kansas coaching staff thinks the back is ready to contribute.

Coming out of Jacksonville High School, Boyd-Anderson was tagged by some analysts as an excellent under-the-radar pickup for Kansas. But he stayed out of the spotlight until the preseason when Mangino praised his strong work ethic and willingness to learn. Each week of the preseason Mangino’s take on Boyd-Anderson’s progress grew more optimistic until the freshman made the official depth chart last week.

“He has good acceleration and really good vision. He can cut and make people miss – he can burst,” Mangino said. “So far he has shown that he should be on the depth chart and he’ll have opportunities to play.”

It is rare for a true freshman to see any playing time, let alone a good chunk of his team’s offensive workload. Last season, sophomore Jake Sharp ran the ball 21 times as a true freshman. Boyd-Anderson could easily eclipse that total this season. Boyd-Anderson will share carries with Sharp and senior Brandon McAnderson, but the three backs will not be in direct competition – each brings a distinct style to the table.

McAnderson fits the bill of short-yardage bruiser, although Mangino hinted at using him as the team’s feature back at times. Sharp is the quintessential scatback: quick, shifty and perhaps a bit small to shoulder 20 carries per game. Boyd-Anderson could provide a happy medium for Kansas.

“I think I’m more of a between-the-tackles runner,” Boyd-Anderson said. “But also I can stretch the defense. I guess I’m balanced.”

Though Boyd-Anderson is reserved and reluctant to bill himself as anything more than just another player, his teammates have plenty to say about his abilities. When asked about the young running back, Kansas players string together long lists of positive attributes.

“He doesn’t run like he’s never ran in this offense before. He’s confident in his ability and he has a little bit of speed – a little bit of wiggle,” McAnderson said. “He can finish runs, too, because he’s 200 pounds. I think he’s a really good back.”

“The main thing for him so far has been learning the offense and the fundamentals of becoming not just a great runner, like a lot of kids are in high school, but becoming a complete running back,” sophomore quarterback Todd Reesing said. “He’s taken it upon himself to learn and grow as a player and because of that he’ll have a chance to make some plays this year. I definitely think he can help us out.”

Boyd-Anderson said he came to Kansas expecting to play as a true freshman. Leading up to Saturday’s season opener, his expectations will almost certainly come to fruition.

“I don’t know where I fit into this equation yet, I’m just happy to be able to dress out for my first game because most people don’t get that opportunity,” Boyd-Anderson said. “Hopefully I might get a snap, but if not it’ll just be good to be out in front of the crowd. It’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

— edited by Amelia Freidline