Jamarion Wilcox's explosiveness has shown up in practice

Douglasville (Ga.) South Paulding tailback Jamarion Wilcox was a big recruiting win for Kentucky in the 2023 cycle. The high three-star prospect got legitimate recruiting interest from Auburn and Clemson, but the Cats were able to lock down a commitment. Now Wilcox is trying to carve out a role.

Kentucky enters the 2023 season with six scholarship tailbacks on the roster, and that’s not even counting Wake Forest transfer Jaquez Keyes. The Ironton (Ohio) High product was also a class of 2023 recruit that joined the program last week. However, Wilcox has a special skill set.

On tape, the 184-pound tailback flashes good contact balance, a slashing zone running style, and a quickness/long speed combo that is good enough to create explosive rushing plays in the SEC. What the film told us has shown up in fall camp.

“He’s got real gas. He can really run with the football outside the tackles. Had a good catch in the scrimmage. He’s done some nice things for us and he’s a little slasher,” Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen told the media on Tuesday. “He’s a little slasher between the tackles. He’s a one-cut gut vertical. I like the kid.”

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During his prep career, Wilcox rushed for 4,119 yards and accumulated 58 total touchdowns. That career was highlighted by a senior campaign that saw the tailback rush for 2,059 yards, average 9.0 yards per rush, account for 30 total touchdowns, and earn all-state honors. Wilcox was a well-rounded athlete who also wrestled. The true freshman can help Kentucky, but will likely have to wait his turn.

Ray Davis, JuTahn McClain, and Ramon Jefferson are each entering their senior seasons looking to prove something. NC State transfer Demie Sumo-Karngbaye will have a defined role in the offseason. There is a logjam for running backs coach Jay Boulware to work through. However, Jamarion Wilcox’s raw talent should find its way on the field at some point. The true freshman can play and is working hard behind the scenes.

“You can tell it means a lot,” Coen said about Wilcox.