Kentucky Football: 3 players with most to prove in 2020

2. Kavosiey Smoke

The heir apparent to Lynn Bowden in the running game, Kavosiey Smoke’s performance this year has to be one of the most anticipated by Kentucky fans. You could very well throw both A.J. Rose and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the mix since all three running backs had similar stats last year playing the secondary role in Kentucky’s running attack in 2019.

Smoke accounted for 616 yards on a little over 100 carries and six touchdowns. And he was only a redshirt freshman. If that doesn’t scream potential, I don’t know what does.

If offensive coordinator and Smoke’s position coach Eddie Gran decides to give him the bulk of the carries, expect a breakout 1,000-yard season, perhaps even a double-digit touchdown campaign, if the offensive line continues to be the best run blocking unit in the SEC.

The difference in carries this year among all three backs will come down to who can excel in pass protection, who can effectively catch the ball out the backfield and contribute to the passing attack, and who can protect the ball.

If Smoke gets hot early on in the season, expect Mark Stoops and Gran to stick with Smoke as the primary running option or if they need a big play.