A good football team almost always has a great running back. Instead of just one, the Cyclones may have two different guys to go to this season.

The several running backs on hand come game are just a few of the many weapons available to the Cyclones on offense. According to the depth chart released Aug. 25, senior Aaron Wimberly will take the field first against North Dakota State on Aug. 30.

Wimberly, who led the team in rushing last year with 567 yards, has already gained some preseason hype. He was named to several award watch lists as well as being named a preseason Second-Team All-Big 12 member.

However, redshirt junior DeVondrick Nealy, who is listed second behind Wimberly on the depth chart, has been making noise this fall too. Nealy recorded 158 yards last season on 41 carries but has made some great strides this offseason, according to coaches.

“He brings it every day,” said running back coach Louis Ayeni. “He’s really hungry right now and excited to be out there in practice. And most importantly, he’s excited to get out there and make plays and really show people what he’s all about. He’s kind of an unknown out there, but we’re going to let him burst onto the scene and hopefully by the end he’s kind of a household name.”

Whether both Wimberly and Nealy will be on the field at the same time, however, is still up in the air.

“For me, when you have multiple guys with that kind of ability, I want to get them on the field at the same time,” Ayeni said. “We’ll see how things go these first few weeks, and see if that’s something that we invest in.”

Nealy was also listed as both a punt returner and kick returner, along with wide receiver Jarvis West. Whether Wimberly will get rotated into that spot or not, head coach Paul Rhoads is going to wait and see.

“When he gets his opportunity, he can be pretty slippery too,” Rhoads said. “Whether we rotate him in or just stick with those two just depends on how it goes.”

But no matter who is on the field come kickoff, Ayeni is confident that they can get the job done.

“The thing that’s really noticeable — when they have the opportunity to make a play, they’re making the play,” Ayeni said. “They’re difference makers for our football team. We need to continue to keep finding ways to get them involved in our offense and get them up the field.”