**Kansas State’s DJ Giddens Praises Dallas Cowboys’ Deuce Vaughn at NFL Combine: “He Taught Me How to Dominate”**
Former Kansas State running back **DJ Giddens** spoke at the NFL Combine on Friday, crediting Dallas Cowboys standout **Deuce Vaughn**—his college predecessor and mentor—for shaping his game as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft.
### **Learning from a Kansas State Legend**
Giddens, who amassed 1,472 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season with the Wildcats, highlighted Vaughn’s influence during his time in Manhattan. Vaughn, a Cowboys 2023 draft pick, holds multiple Kansas State records, including **No. 2 all-time in rushing yards (3,604)**, **No. 4 in rushing touchdowns (34)**, and **No. 1 in receiving yards by a running back**.
“Deuce taught me *everything*,” Giddens said. “How to study film, dissect opponents, run routes, make guys miss—you name it. He’s the smartest player I’ve been around. Watching him work showed me what it takes to succeed at this level.”
### **Giddens’ Path to the Pros**
Reflecting on his journey from overlooked high school prospect to NFL hopeful, Giddens called the draft process “smooth” but surreal. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he admitted. “No one close to me has gone through this, so I’m just soaking it all in. It’s been a cool experience.”
### **Draft Projection and Team Fits**
Giddens is projected as a **Day 2 pick** (Rounds 2-3) in April’s draft. Teams like the **Kansas City Chiefs** (if Clyde Edwards-Helaire departs) and **Pittsburgh Steelers** (seeking depth behind Najee Harris) could target his versatility as a rusher and pass-catcher.
But the **Dallas Cowboys** loom as a intriguing possibility. With Vaughn already in their backfield and former Kansas State offensive line coach **Conor Riley** now on staff, Dallas—ranked **28th in rushing** last season—could pair Giddens with his mentor to revive their ground game.
### **What’s Next**
Giddens’ combine performance, including a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and sharp route-running drills, has already boosted his stock. For Kansas State fans, his rise is a testament to the program’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent. For Giddens, the next chapter begins now.
*Stay tuned as the former Wildcat aims to follow in Vaughn’s footsteps and carve his own legacy in the pros.*
—
**Jayden Armant** is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to *Kansas State Wildcats* on SI.
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