'He’s going to make plays': Toledo is excited to feature Chip Trayanum against Kentucky

A former Kentucky tailback will make his return to Kroger Field on Saturday. Chip Trayanum‘s last game with Kentucky occurred in Lexington. Now his first game with Toledo will occur in Lexington. The transfer portal era creates a lot of possibilities. UK will be tasked with trying to slow a former teammate in Week 1.

Just 13 months ago, Trayanum was entering his first season with Kentucky as a fifth-year player who was finally going to get a chance to be RB1 for an offense after playing behind NFL players at Arizona State and Ohio State. UK was going to use the tailback in a feature back role until a hand injury in fall camp lingered all season. The multi-time transfer would play in just three games before entering the portal a third time in December. Trayanum quickly landed at Toledo.

The Rockets will present Chip Trayanum the same opportunity Kentucky did last season. The only difference is that the tailback is 100 percent healthy entering the season. This MAC program believes that a big year could be ahead as Trayanum runs behind an improved offensive line.

“When he’s back there, it’s a different mentality,” Toledo offensive guard Ethan Spoth told The Toledo Blade. “There might be six or seven guys in the box, but we only need to block five or six. He’s going to handle his man. He’s going to explode off the line. He’s going to make plays.”

“He’s a special player.”

READ: Chip Trayanum’s Toledo football debut finally arrives (Kyle Rowland | The Toledo Blade)

Toledo had one of the worst rushing offenses in college football last season. That was a big surprise for a system that has produced multiple 1,000-yard rushers and All-MAC performers under head coach Jason Candle. The Rockets ranked No. 124 in yards per rush, No. 127 in rushing success rate, and No. 132 in EPA/rush last fall. To help fix the problem, Toledo added multiple offensive line transfers and multiple tailback transfers. The plan is for Chip Trayanum to become the next heavy workload back. We will all see what that looks like on Saturday. The new Toledo rusher is finally ready to show what he can do as a lead back.

“This city has done nothing but welcome me with open arms,” Trayanum said. “Being here with the team, just steady grinding and steady building since January, I believe we’re ready. I’m going into it like any other game. I try to prepare like every game is a big game so emotions don’t even become a factor. For me, it’s just about staying consistent to my process, staying consistent to the film study, and then staying consistent to your assignment.”

Toledo is looking for more offensive balance. Chip Trayanum appears to be the solution. Kentucky can expect to see a former player receive a heavy workload against them on Saturday. The Rockets need the transfer to be a playmaker in this offense.