dj giddens
If you are a fan of college football or keep a close eye on the pros, the name DJ Giddens is one you should definitely know. Born on August 26, 2003, in Junction City, Kansas, this talented running back has turned heads with his incredible work ethic and natural talent. Starting as a “no-star” recruit with zero scholarship offers, he eventually became a legend at Kansas State University. His story is a classic example of what happens when you bet on yourself and never stop grinding.
Many people find his journey inspiring because he wasn’t always the center of attention. In high school, he set records but still flew under the radar of major scouts. However, once he stepped onto the field for the Wildcats, everything changed. He proved that it doesn’t matter where you start, but how you finish. Today, DJ Giddens is recognized as a powerful runner who can catch, block, and make big plays when the pressure is at its highest.
The Big Leap: DJ Giddens NFL Draft Journey
The dj giddens nfl draft story is truly one for the history books. After three stellar seasons at Kansas State, DJ decided to declare for the pros in 2025. During his time in college, he became one of the most productive backs in the Big 12. Because of his size and vision, NFL scouts began to take notice of him as a potential “steal” in the mid-rounds. His ability to handle a heavy workload made him a very attractive prospect for teams needing a reliable ball carrier.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected DJ Giddens in the fifth round with the 151st overall pick. This was a huge moment for the kid from Junction City. Joining a backfield with stars like Jonathan Taylor, DJ was brought in to provide depth and productivity. While his rookie season in 2025 saw limited action, his potential remains high as he heads into the 2026 season. Scouts loved his “gap-run” style, which helps him stand out from other young players.
Speed on the Field: The DJ Giddens 40 Time
When scouts talk about running backs, one of the first things they ask is: “How fast is he?” The dj giddens 40 time at the NFL Scouting Combine was a blistering 4.43 seconds. For a man who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 212 pounds, that is serious speed! This time put him in the top tier of running backs for his draft class. It proved that he wasn’t just a “power” runner but also had the “home run” speed to outrun defensive backs in the open field.
This speed is a major reason why the Colts were so excited to draft him. Having a dj giddens 40 time that fast allows a team to use him in various ways, from quick sweeps to long passes out of the backfield. While speed is great, DJ also showed off a 39.5-inch vertical jump, proving he has the explosive power to jump over defenders or push through a crowded line of scrimmage.
Early Life and High School Heroics
Before the fame, DJ Giddens was a local hero at Junction City High School. Believe it or not, he only played two years of high school football! Even with limited time on the field, he managed to rush for 1,912 yards and 34 touchdowns. His senior year was especially crazy, as he scored 30 of those touchdowns in a single season. He even broke the school record by scoring five touchdowns in just one game against Wichita East.
Even though he was a star in Kansas, he didn’t have any stars next to his name on recruiting websites. Most people thought he would have to go to a small community college. But DJ stayed patient and kept his faith. Eventually, Coach Chris Klieman from Kansas State saw something special in him and offered him a spot. This was the only “Division 1” offer he received, and he certainly made the most of it.
DJ Giddens
Running Back | Indianapolis Colts
| Full Name | D.J. Giddens |
| Born | August 26, 2003 (Age 22) |
| Birthplace | Junction City, Kansas |
| Height / Weight | 6’1″ (185 cm) / 212 lbs (96 kg) |
| College | Kansas State Wildcats |
| NFL Draft | 2025 / Round: 5 / Pick: 151 (Colts) |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.43 Seconds |
| Vertical Jump | 39.5 Inches |
| Career Rushing Yards (College) | 3,087 Yards |
| Total Touchdowns (College) | 27 |
| Contract Status | 4-Year, $4.62 Million (Thru 2028) |
The Redshirt Year: Learning the Ropes
When DJ Giddens first arrived at Manhattan, Kansas, he didn’t play right away. He took a “redshirt” year in 2021. This means he practiced with the team but didn’t play in games so he could save a year of eligibility and get stronger. During this time, he worked behind the scenes to learn the playbook and improve his blocking. It was a time of growth that prepared him for the tough Big 12 competition.
Many players get frustrated when they don’t play immediately, but DJ used it as motivation. He watched players like Deuce Vaughn and learned how to be a professional. By the time 2022 rolled around, he was physically and mentally ready to contribute. This patience is a big part of why his dj giddens stats eventually exploded in his later years.
Stepping Into the Spotlight: The 2023 Breakout
The year 2023 was when the world truly learned about DJ Giddens. With Deuce Vaughn moving on to the NFL, a spot opened up in the starting lineup. DJ didn’t just fill the spot; he owned it. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. One of his best games came against UCF, where he put up a massive 207 rushing yards and scored four times.
That season proved that DJ Giddens could be a “workhorse” back. A workhorse is a player who can carry the ball 20 or 30 times a game without getting tired. He earned All-Big 12 honors and became a fan favorite. People loved his “contact balance,” which is a fancy way of saying he is really hard to knock down even when someone hits him hard.
The Final College Act: A Stellar 2024 Season
In his final year at Kansas State, DJ Giddens reached a career-high of 1,343 rushing yards. He was a semi-finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the best running back in the entire country. He had seven games where he rushed for more than 100 yards. This consistency made him a legend in Manhattan and set the stage for the dj giddens nfl draft buzz that followed.
What made his 2024 season so impressive was how he performed against top teams. He had back-to-back games with over 180 yards against Oklahoma State and Colorado. He showed that he wasn’t just beating small schools; he was dominating the best talent in the country. This season solidified his place as the third-most prolific rusher in Kansas State history.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses
Every player has things they do well and things they need to work on. For DJ Giddens, his biggest strengths are his vision and his size. At 212 pounds, he is built to take hits and keep going. He is also very good at “pressing the line,” which means he waits for his blockers to open a hole before he sprints through it.
- Strengths: Great lateral agility, excellent body control, and high-end speed (as seen in the dj giddens 40 time).
- Weaknesses: Sometimes he is too patient, which can let defenders catch him in the backfield. He also needs to work on his pass protection to stay on the field for every play in the NFL.
Life in the NFL: The Indianapolis Colts Era
Now that he is with the Indianapolis Colts, DJ Giddens is learning what it takes to survive in the pro league. His rookie year in 2025 was a learning experience. He played in nine games and had 26 carries. While he didn’t score a touchdown yet, he showed flashes of the talent that made him a star in college. The NFL is much faster than college, and it takes time for young players to adjust.
As we look toward the 2026 season, many experts believe DJ will have a bigger role. With a full year of professional training and a better understanding of the playbook, he could become a key part of the Colts’ offense. His journey from a no-star recruit to an NFL player is far from over, and fans are excited to see what he does next.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DJ Giddens is a perfect example of perseverance. From being overlooked in high school to setting records in the Big 12 and making it to the NFL, he has proven his doubters wrong at every turn. His impressive dj giddens 40 time and rock-solid dj giddens stats show that he has the physical tools to succeed at the highest level.
Whether you are a Colts fan or just a fan of a good underdog story, keep an eye on number 21. He has the heart, the speed, and the power to make a major impact in the years to come. The future looks very bright for this Kansas native!
FAQs
1. What was the DJ Giddens 40 time at the combine?
He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds. This was one of the fastest times for a running back in the 2025 draft class.
2. Which team drafted DJ Giddens?
The Indianapolis Colts drafted him in the 5th round (151st overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
3. Where did DJ Giddens play college football?
He played for the Kansas State Wildcats. He spent four years there, including one redshirt year.
4. How many rushing yards did he have in college?
Across three active seasons, he racked up a total of 3,087 rushing yards, ranking him third all-time at Kansas State.
5. Is DJ Giddens a good fantasy football pick?
In dynasty leagues, he is a “wait and see” prospect. While he has great potential, he currently sits behind Jonathan Taylor on the Colts’ depth chart.
6. What is DJ Giddens’ height and weight?
He is 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 212 pounds, giving him a great build for an NFL running back.
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