Devin Neal had options after a standout run at Lawrence High School in Kansas. These included schools like Nebraska and Oklahoma State.

But instead of taking his talents out of state, Neal chose to become a Jayhawk. And now he gets closer to the story.

The talented senior is just 73 yards away from becoming Kansas University’s all-time career rushing leader. It will soon surpass the mark of 3,841 set by June Henley between 1993 and 1996.

It’s been an outstanding career for Neal, who is also just one offensive touchdown away from top spot on this list. He is currently tied with Henley with 43 points, including 40 rushing TDs, just one point shy of the record.

Last year, Neal became just the third Jayhawk, joining James Sims and Pooka Williams Jr., to record back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns. He is one of 20 semifinalists for the prestigious Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which goes to…a student-athlete who demonstrates leadership on and off the field.

At Lawrence, Neal was the No. 1 recruit in Kansas and helped his team to an overall record of 9-1. In his final season as a Lion, he ran for more than 1,300 yards and scored 20 touchdowns, earning numerous all-state honors.

As a true freshman, he jumped right into the Jayhawks’ lead back role, rushing for 707 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. He made his first career start against Duke, ran for 107 yards and added two more 100-yard games against Oklahoma (100) and Texas (143).

As a sophomore, Neal surpassed 1,000 yards with 1,090 while scoring nine touchdowns and adding another 183 yards through the air. He had 108 yards on just four carries in the season opener against Tennessee Tech and 224 yards on the ground and 110 through the air against Oklahoma State, becoming the first Jayhawk to ever accomplish that feat.

Last year, he rushed for 1,280 yards and reached the end zone a total of 17 times, including on his first carry of the season against Missouri State. Neal had 120 yards against Illinois, 154 against UCF, 112 against Oklahoma, 137 against Texas Tech, 138 against Kansas State and 108 in a bowl win against Cincinnati.

As team captain that season, he received Preseason All-America status from Phil Steele and Athlon and was named to both the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award watch lists. Right out of the gate, Neal rushed for 110 yards against Houston and added four straight 100-yard performances against West Virginia, UNLV, Illinois and Lindenwood.

Neal has his sights set on another record as he is tied with Tony Sands for 100-yard games with 17. Sands established this brand between 1988 and 1991.

He’ll get the opportunity to break the record this Saturday at Kansas State live on ESPN2. Kansas ends the season against Iowa State, BYU, home of Colorado and Baylor.