Busting through the Central Florida defense and finding a clear lane to the end zone on Sept. 28 in Orlando, Fla., felt like a long time coming for Dallan Hayden.

The Colorado running back came to Boulder this summer after two seasons at Ohio State. After a solid start to this year, a high ankle sprain sidelined him for two games.

Hayden’s touchdown was one of the early highlights of the Buffs’ 48-21 victory at UCF, helping them improve to 4-1 (2-0 Big 12), a mark they take into Saturday’s matchup with No. 18 Kansas State (4-1, 1-1) at Folsom Field.

“First of all, man, it’s a blessing I got to be back out there with the guys,” Hayden said of the UCF game. “Them two games I missed, I hated not being out there because I wanted to help the team, obviously.”

A redshirt sophomore, the 5-foot-10, 205-pouind Hayden has the potential to be the Buffs’ lead running back, although it’s crowded at the top of that competition.

Hayden (85 yards, 1 TD), Isaiah Augustave (117 yards) and Micah Welch (113 yards, 3 TD) rotate and the trio finally got to show off together at UCF, helping the Buffs rush for a season-high 128 yards.

“The run game, man, I feel like we’re getting better each and every week,” Hayden said. “Zay, Micah did a great job while I was out. Then all three of us last game I felt did really good in the run game.”

Hayden rushed for 553 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman at Ohio State in 2022, but redshirted last year. Playing in a talented backfield, he saw in action in only three games, posting 110 yards and a touchdown.

The touchdown Hayden scored against UCF gave the Buffs a 21-7 lead in the second quarter.

It also was his first score in nearly a year and it meant a lot to him because of his work with Coaching for Literacy, an organization that donates money every time he scores.

He has helped raise more than $24,000 for the program.

“Of course, it means a lot to me, because that charity is a big thing back home for me and holds a special place in my heart,” said Hayden, who his from Memphis, Tenn. “Actually, my mom went to an event that they held back home when I was in Florida for me, since I was absent. So they always hold a special place in my heart.”

Going forward, Hayden hopes to add even more to the charitable donations, but also hopes to do all he can to help the Buffs.

Hayden said he’s “definitely close back to 100%” healthy, although running backs are rarely fully healthy once a season begins, he said. But, he looked good against UCF and hopes to continue his progress.

He also sees great potential in the Buffs, who have a chance to make a statement on Saturday and prove they are a legitimate contender in the Big 12.

“Everybody on the team, I feel like has a pro mindset,” he said. “Everybody bashes us for bringing a bunch of (transfer) portal guys here, but we brought a bunch of portal guys that came from winning programs on this team. I feel like all the guys are bringing that winning mentality to this team, and we’re doing a really good job. And I can’t wait to keep going.”