Everyone who follows college football is well aware that former Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for a mind blowing 2,601 yards last season. Jeanty's historic season earned him a spot as a Heisman Finalist. His exploits are well known and have been documented by sports writers all over the country.
While Jeanty is a household name, most college football fans have no idea who who amassed the second most rushing yards in college football last year. Do you? Chances are even the most ardent fans of the game will not know the answer to that question.
Allow me to introduce Kayvon Britten. The Cincinnati, Ohio native prepped at Western Hills University High School. Lightly recruited, the 5-7, 190 pounder began his career at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. As a freshman for the Golden Lions, he played in eight games rushing for 231 yards and two touchdowns on just 59 carries.
In 2022, Britten was able to carry more of the workload. He responded. With a 1,063 yards and sixteen touchdowns to his credit, it was clear Britten was capable of doing some big things on the college level. A coaching change led to him making a very difficult decision.
"It's all been cool," Britten said of his college journey. "I started out at UAPB and I didn't get a lot of playing time until my second year. That's when I had my breakout season. At the end of the year, my coach (Doc Gamble) got fired. I ended up hitting the portal and transferring to Tarleton State University. I had my best two years there."
Despite the change in scenery, Britten continued to thrive. During the 2023 season, the hard-charging back tallied 1,150 yards and sixteen touchdowns. He also reeled in eleven passes for 106 yards and a score.
Heading into his senior season, Britten was named an FCS All-American and saw his name on the Walter Payton Award watch list. Expectations were high coming into 2024. Britten met them all rushing for 1,982 yards and eighteen touchdowns. The highlight of the season was a 273 yard and four touchdown performance against North Alabama. As the season came to a close, Britten led the FCS in rushing and finished second in all of college football. Along the way, he set the Tarelton State single game and single season rushing records.
Now, Britten hopes to take his talents to the National Football League. While he may not be a guy who wows with size, he makes up for it with production. Britten knows how to hit the hole and what to do when he gets into the open field. Simply put, he is a finisher.
"I feel like no one runs as hard as me," Britten said. "I am confident in everything that I do. I feel like my mindset just sets me apart from a lot of people. I am just training for my Pro Day now and that is coming up this next Monday. I am training hard and working to make sure that I have a great Pro Day in front of the scouts."
It is the dream of all college football players to have the chance to play professionally. Britten has proven himself to be one of the most productive backs in the country. Now, he is ready to prove that he can make plays in the NFL.
"I have been playing football since I was about seven or eight years old," Britten said. "Playing in the NFL has always been a dream of mine. It would mean a lot to get that chance. My family has sacrificed so much for me. It would mean so much to me to have the chance to play pro football, but I know that it would mean the world to my family to see me have that chance."