Kentucky Football: Way-too-early 2020 depth chart projections

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AJ Rose, Kentucky football (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Starter: A.J. Rose
Backups: Kavosiey Smoke, Chris Rodr iguez,Travis Tisdale

The Wildcats’ group of running backs is among the deepest in the SEC. Kentucky has a three-headed monster of A.J. Rose, Kavosiey Smoke and Chris Rodriguez that, along with Lynn Bowden, twice broke the school’s single-game rushing record last season in wins over UT Martin and Louisville.

Rose will likely be the feature back as he enters his senior season. Last year he ran for 826 yards and six touchdowns leading the UK running back room.

Smoke and Rodriguez will likely split the carries behind him. Both are entering their redshirt sophomore seasons as Smoke ran for 616 yards and six touchdowns last season while Rodriguez added 533 yards and six touchdowns of his home.

The other name to watch is Travis Tisdale. He played in just two games as a true freshman in 2019 to preserve a redshirt season but did damage as he averaged 11.4 yards on five carries and scored a touchdown. Thus, look for him to get some touches and play a role on special teams.

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