Chip Trayanum will get chance to be true RB1 at Kentucky

Chip Trayanum has had quite the college football experience. The former top-250 recruit in the class of 2020 out of Akron (Ohio) Hoban made the move west to start his career at Arizona State. After two seasons, Trayanum returned closer to home to play at Ohio State. The redshirt senior brings proven production, has played behind NFL player, and even spent time on defense.

Now he will be looking to become a go-to guy.

The Big Ten transfer is currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky and is going through winter workouts with his new teammates in Lexington. The Wildcats brought Chip Trayanum to the SEC to be the program’s next feature back.

Trayanum has been waiting a long time for an opportunity to be a true RB1 in college.

“It’s what I’ve been waiting for my whole career. It’s definitely something that I’ve dreamed about and it’s definitely a position I’ve been blessed to be in,” Trayanum told media at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility on Wednesday. “Now I’m just ready to make the most out of it.”

Benny Snell Jr., Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Ray Davis each became 1,000-yard rushers and clear go-to guys at Kentucky. Each will be draft picks after Davis comes off the board in April. Trayanum is looking to become the next. Kentucky’s latest tailback transfer addition is bringing 1,157 career rushing yards to Lexington.

Landing on Kentucky after entering the transfer portal for the second time in his career was an easy choice for Chip Trayanum.

“It was a great pitch. Just cause the proof is in the pudding,” Trayanum said about Kentucky’s recruitment. “You’ve seen the past history of running backs that came out of Kentucky and just the amount of production they came out with.”

Chip Trayanum will immediately become the oldest players in Kentucky’s position room at tailback. The new offensive coordinator in Lexington will likely ask the Ohio State transfer to carry a big load early. Trayanum is excited about his new opportunity and Kentucky’s coaching staff is happy to have him on the roster.

“Chip Trayanum is one heck of a football player. Again, just like everybody we got out of the portal, extremely mature. Extremely hard working,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops told the media during the early signing period. “Great fit for us and for our culture. Very physical running back. Very excited about him.”