Kentucky Wildcats Have Options at Running Back

By Tim Letcher
Mark Zerof, USA TODAY SPORTS
Mark Zerof, USA TODAY SPORTS

The Kentucky Wildcats will have a new offensive coordinator in 2015. After Neal Brown left to become the head coach at Troy, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops hired Shannon Dawson away from the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Dawson is a disciple of former Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme, the father of the “Air Raid” offense. When Mumme was at Kentucky, the Wildcats threw the ball early and often and fans loved it. Many in the Big Blue Nation are hoping for the same from Dawson.

While the passing game should be strong, with returning quarterback Patrick Towles the likely starter behind center, Dawson has repeatedly said that he wants to run the ball. And that may be the key to getting Kentucky’s offense going this season.

Dawson will have some good options at the running back position. Sophomore Stanley “Boom” Williams figures to be the starter this season. He led Kentucky with 486 rushing yards last season, while scoring five touchdowns. But Dawson could also turn to another sophomore, Mikel Horton. Last season, Horton rushed 59 times for 306 yards and two scores. During the offseason, Horton has worked hard on his conditioning and strength, and that should bode well for him in 2015.

Jojo Kemp is another possibility at the running back position. Last season, Kemp served as the Wildcat running back many times. For the season, he rushed 70 times for 323 yards and four touchdowns.

Those three players should see the bulk of the carries for Kentucky this season. Williams is the speedster, Horton the pounding runner and Kemp the shifty playmaker. Dawson will find a way to get all three involved and to keep defenses honest with the running game. If Kentucky can do that, the offense will improve in 2015.

Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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