Mark Stoops proud of Jamarion Wilcox's growth this offseason: "He hasn't flinched"

There’s no denying Jamarion Wilcox‘s talent. As a redshirt freshman, Wilcox showed flashes of brilliance, rushing for over 100 yards against Tennessee and almost 100 yards combined against Texas and Georgia. However, there’s also no denying that Wilcox was his own worst enemy at times, memorably losing his cleats during games because he didn’t tie his shoelaces, and getting called out by Mark Stoops for lapses in maturity and dependability.

Thankfully, it sounds like Wilcox has taken a big step forward this summer, with his shoes tied tight. This morning, Stoops was proud to report that Wilcox “hasn’t flinched” this offseason, driven in part by the new competition in the running back room with incoming transfers Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell.

“Well, I think we all saw the talent when he was running the football,” Stoops said. “I think we all understand competition and depth drives a lot of things, right? And so, he hasn’t flinched. He’s kind of just gone through the process. And that’s all you can ask of any young man.”

Wilcox led Kentucky in rushing last season with 590 yards on 92 carries for two touchdowns. Coming out of spring practice, he was primed to be the No. 2 running back this season behind Dowdell; instead of pouting when Kentucky added McGowan during the spring transfer portal window, Wilcox went to work, especially in the weight room. Stoops said he’s up to almost 200 lbs., which could help him shake even more tackles as a sophomore.

“He’s really improved and gotten better. And he’s one — that kind of mentality that I’ve talked about, kind of just put his head down, has been quiet, just been working,” Stoops said. “He’s a guy who just physically is getting better, and there are good players around him, and so there’s good depth there.”

Alabama transfer Kendrick Law will be Kentucky’s primary kick returner this season, but Stoops said that Wilcox could return some kicks as well. The Cats need the explosive running back on the field; it’s good to hear he’s doing the things off it to make sure that happens.

“I really appreciate him for embracing the competition, not running from it, and putting his head down and just getting himself better,” Stoops said of Wilcox. “And that’s all I ever challenge any young man, my own children. Like, let’s not worry about anybody else; let’s worry about you, and how do you get better? And he’s done that.”

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