Role Play: How will J.D. King Contribute in 2018?

Although it wasn’t a national storyline, everyone in Stillwater knew just how good Justice Hill was as the Cowboys entered the 2017 season.

Hill, who led all freshmen in rushing yards before leading the Big 12 as a sophomore, isn’t as far under the radar as he used to be. J.D. King, however, is widely unknown.

King could be a starter for 75 percent of other college teams. That number is obviously debatable, but his combination of power, speed and pass protection is exactly what coaches look for in a physical runner.

King’s momentous style of running complements Hill’s breakaway, make-you-miss shiftiness. But with Hill’s emergence and guys like Chuba Hubbard’s expected debut season, how much responsibility will King assume in 2018?

Here are three factors that will dictate how much of a role King gets during his sophomore campaign.

Development – What he brings to the table

In 12 games last season, King rushed 99 times for 469 yards, finishing second on the team in both categories. He also added eight receptions for 50 yards and a score. His best game of the season came against West Virginia; after Hill exited with an injury, it was the J.D. King show. He displayed the ability to be a true workhorse back, toting the ball a whopping 36 times for 142 yards and a score.

Just as an aside: This game drastically inflated King’s numbers, which aren’t truly indicative of how he was used last season. He had more than 30 percent of his carries in this game.

However, that was one of three games in which he received 10 or more carries. Gundy has raved about King’s pass-blocking ability, but he also is faster than he appears. This 71-yard scamper against Tulsa showed he can take it to the crib when the opportunity presents itself.

WATCH: Hail to the King! J.D. King goes 71 yards to put #OKState up 28-7! pic.twitter.com/ME0UqldbbH

— Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 1, 2017

He received six carries or fewer in eight games last season. We probably won’t see that at all in 2018 for King, who now has a year of experience under his belt.

Competition

When you’re behind one of the best running backs in all of college football, expectations have to be adjusted accordingly. Although King has a desirable skillset, Hill is undoubtedly the top dog in OSU’s offense, especially so in the backfield. I have no doubt Hill will be a stud in the NFL. This obviously hurts King’s ability to gain exposure, but coming onto the field to spell Hill when he – and opposing defenses – becomes tired will be beneficial.

King’s style of running wears down defenders as the game progresses. That will remain the case, particularly because of the Cowboys’ fast-paced offense, which already fatigues opponents.

Along with LD Brown, who totaled 223 yards on 34 carries in 2017, Hubbard looks like someone who could dig into King’s playing time. Hubbard, a former track star, has incredible speed. He’s going to find his way onto the field in some way, shape or form.

Jahmyl Jeter is the lone running back in the 2018 class. He seems to have good balance but no breakaway speed. I don’t see him as a guy who will get playing time this year, but I’ve been wrong before.

We must remember: This is football. Players are inevitably going to get hurt, and an injury to any of the aforementioned backs would call for an uptick in carries for King.

The Surrounding Offense

There are a lot of question marks surrounding OSU’s offense heading into the 2018 season. With a few options at quarterback, three stud receivers gone and a trio of starting offensive linemen departing, there’s a lot of turnover and possibilities for this season. For that reason, I believe the Cowboys will rely upon what they know they have: a talented backfield.

If freshman sensation Spencer Sanders is the starter, I expect an even heavier rushing load. That means more carries for everybody and more of a chance for King to make a name for himself. I wouldn’t be surprised to see King finish the season with about 125 carries, which would be good preparation for him to perhaps be the starter in 2019.