Deuce Vaughn shared a heartfelt moment with Chris Klieman during K-State’s latest win

When it became abundantly clear that Kansas State was on its way to a blowout victory over Missouri on Saturday, Chris Klieman walked onto the field at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and greeted Deuce Vaughn with an emotional hug.

Vaughn was done for the day after rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns. There was still plenty of time on the game clock, but there was no need for the junior running back to continue handling carries with the Wildcats destined for a 40-12 victory and several backups hungry for playing time.

Why not give Vaughn an opportunity to rest, and let the home crowd roar in approval as he was summoned to the sideline?

It was also a good time for Klieman to share a heartfelt moment with his star player. They hugged. They talked. They showed respect for each other. It was special for both of them.

“He just told me how much he loved me,” Vaughn said afterward, “and how he loves how hard I play.”

What did Vaughn say in return?

“I told him how much I love him and I will do anything for him,” Vaughn said. “That’s a man that took a chance on me coming out of high school. He is someone that saw talent that a lot of schools didn’t. So to come in here and play for him every single day and do everything that I can to be successful for him and for this coaching staff and for all the guys in this locker room ... I am going to do that without hesitation.”

Vaughn was not heavily recruited as a high school running back who grew up in Round Rock, Texas. Many college coaches were afraid to take a chance on him because of his 5-foot-6 frame. But K-State coaches sold him on the vision they had for him within their offense and he chose the Wildcats over Arkansas.

He has rewarded K-State consistently since. Vaughn has rushed for at least 100 yards in eight consecutive games and rushed for a touchdown in nine straight games.

Vaughn was so sharp against the Tigers that Klieman opted for a conservative approach in the second half that didn’t feature much passing.

“That No. 22 is a pretty good running back,” Klieman said.

No wonder Klieman was the first person to congratulate Vaughn after another job well done.