Kentucky Football Spring Cleaning: Running Back

Kentucky football spring practice is right around the corner. Before the Cats kick off 15 spring practices over the next two months, KSR is hitting the reset button and providing the BBN a refresher on what each position group is bringing to the table. Let’s take a closer look at the rebuilt running back room that features a few unknowns. Previous Positions: Quarterback

Running Back Newcomers

Jay Boulware: The former Texas and Oklahoma assistant replaced John Settle. In addition to coaching the running backs, he’ll also be in charge of the Wildcats’ special teams.

Ray Davis: Kentucky is the third stop (Temple, Vanderbilt) for the powerful 5-foot-10, 216-pound runner. Last season he became just the 10th 1,000-yard rusher in Vanderbilt history, toting the rock 232 times for 1,042 yards and five touchdowns. An affable individual and a vocal leader, his presence will immediately be felt in the Wildcat locker room.

Jamarion Wilcox: Is not currently on campus for Kentucky, but the three-star recruit could play a significant role in the running back rotation during fall camp.

Top Storyline: How Can You Replace Chris Rodriguez?

One of the biggest storylines of the offseason, Jay Boulware is giving the the entire group a “clean slate.” He’s well aware that no one individual can replace C-Rod. It will take the entire room to replicate Rodriguez’s high quality production. However, Ray Davis fits the mold of running backs that has excelled for Kentucky. Adam Luckett detailed for KSR+ how Davis’ ability to generate yards after contact in a zone scheme should provide a smooth transition for the athlete with SEC experience.

Wild Card: Ramon Jefferson

We only saw two snaps from the former FCS All-American before the Sam Houston State transfer suffered a torn ACL in the first game of the 2022 season. There are plenty of unknowns in this running back room, none more so than Ramon Jefferson. How will he make the transition from the FCS to SEC? Will he be healthy enough for fall camp? Where does he stand out among the group of running backs? Even though it’s unlikely that any of these questions will be answered this spring, we’ll be keeping a close eye on his progress.

Prediction: JuTahn McClain Carves Out Role

JuTahn McClain seems to get left out of the equation far too often when discussing what’s next for the Wildcat running backs. During Liam Coen’s first stint, McClain was one of the offensive coordinator’s favorite players to praise during preseason practice. Then the off-campus frat party fight sidelined him for half the season. Injuries limited his role in 2022. This year feels like a good time for the talented Cincinnati athlete to break out.

McClain is the best pass-catcher of the bunch and later on in the 2022 season, he showed more explosiveness than ever before. While UK traditionally excels with big, powerful backs, McClain is the ideal change-of-pace runner this offense needs.