Troy Trojans running back Kimani Vidal is among the most productive and experienced ball-carriers in the 2024 NFL Draft. The program’s all-time leading rusher, Vidal accumulated 2,793 yards and 24 touchdowns across the previous two seasons. Vidal is a hard-nosed runner that runs through arm tackles.
Vidal recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his experiences at this year’s Senior Bowl, addressing the “undersized” question, revealing which teams have shown interest in his services to date, and more.
JM: You had a massive campaign in 2023, following up an outstanding 2022 with an even better season, running for 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns. You became the Trojans’ all-time leading rusher. How do you look back on your final season of college football?
Kimani Vidal: To be quite honest with you, I just feel blessed that Troy gave me an opportunity to compete. I was surrounded by a lot of great individuals, a great team, and great coaches. I had the full support of my friends and family. I was very blessed.
JM: You attended this year’s Senior Bowl. What do you think you proved to GMs and scouts in attendance?
Kimani Vidal: I think I cleaned up my techniques. I had a great week running routes. I think I really showcased that. Overall, I proved that I’m a legitimate three-down back that can do a little bit of everything.
JM: You must have entered the week with a chip on your shoulder. Like yeah, the Sun Belt gets down too!
Kimani Vidal: I definitely felt like that. I don’t live under a rock. I know what people say about the Sun Belt and prospects that come from the conference. It was great to compete against Power Five competition in Mobile.
JM: You probably met with every team in attendance. Was there a handful of teams you felt a great connection with? The vibe was just different?
Kimani Vidal: There were a good amount of teams I felt that way about. That was my first time meeting most of those teams and scouts. It was a great, positive experience. I had great meetings with the Browns, Chargers, Texans, and the Bills.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? I get excited when I cut the tape on. Lateral agility, the ability to hit cut-back lanes, and terrific vision is present for me.
Kimani Vidal: It goes back to what I said earlier. I’m a two-to-three-down back. I can run between the tackles. I can catch the ball coming out of the backfield. I’m also confident in my ability to pass protect.
JM: What’s your favorite play to run in the playbook and why?
Kimani Vidal: I would probably say duo. I feel like a running back can always make the correct decision in duo. We have you beat on duo. Things would have to go very bad for a duo play to result in a negative loss of yards. I really love that play. It was one of my favorite plays from this past season. I feel like it translates well to the NFL, too. A lot of NFL teams are calling duo nowadays.
JM: They sure do. Earlier you said you don’t live under a rock. You know what people say. You’ve probably been called “undersized” your entire life. How do you typically respond?
Kimani Vidal: To be quite honest, I would say one of the best running backs of all time wasn’t a big guy. Barry Sanders wasn’t very big. I’d probably point that out first and foremost.
I’d also ask why it matters if I’m undersized? I’ve been extremely durable. I don’t have any major injuries. I’ve played in 28 games, started in all of them all. I don’t really look into that too much. I know who I am. I’ve shown what I can do. Everything else will take care of itself.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. What is Kimani Vidal going to offer the team that drafts him?
Kimani Vidal: I’m a great teammate first and foremost. I’m an extremely hard-working individual. I’ll do anything to help the team win a Super Bowl.
