Mark Stoops addresses running back depth amid uncertainty surrounding Chris Rodriguez

Before Will Levis and Liam Coen transformed Kentucky’s passing game last fall, the ‘Cats were a ground and pound team. Four yards and a plume of smoke. So the running back position is generally one of great strength for Mark Stoops. Just look at the string of backs Kentucky has had over the last five or six years. From Boom Williams to Benny Snell to Chris Rodriguez.

Well, Rodriguez is still around and ready to help carry the UK offense for one more year. However, a DUI and another undisclosed issue will likely keep C-Rod off the field for a few games this fall. The questions are: how many games? And who will replace him in the backfield.

When asked at a press conference following the team’s final scrimmage before the season, Stoops answered how the ‘Cats plan to fare without their featured back:

*You can watch his comments after the scrimmage here or read below*

“That’s going to be by committee, you know. We’ll come in here in two weeks on Monday and we’ll have a depth chart. Until then, you know, we have a lot of confidence in those guys. They have different strengths, different weaknesses, and all very good players. So we’ll kind of iron that out.”

Another reporter asked Stoops if he had an update on Rodriguez and how many games he’ll miss. The UK head coach didn’t offer a ton of wisdom there.

“I don’t. I’ll have one as we get closer to game time. With the roster
and everything. You guys know I’ve always been up front and as honest with you as I can be at all times with injuries or anything like that. I’ll get it out to you soon enough.”

Lastly, Stoops was asked about that running back depth and why he’s not too concerned if Rodriguez does have to miss a few games — since the backups are more than serviceable.

“That’s a tough call, you know. You got Ramon [Jefferson], who really had some tough runs today. I thought he showed what he’s capable of today. I thought he was very physical. Did some really good things. You got JuTahn [McClain], who’s so good out of the backfield, which is important in this offense. You know, you get a lot of things done with him. Then, of course, you got Kavosiey [Smoke]. So, we got a deep room.”

As good as those dudes are, though, Mark Stoops won’t compare him to the team’s bell cow in the backfield.

“I don’t know if it’s fair to compare one to the other. We have different styles, we have physical guys, we have some guys that are a little faster, a little more elusive in the open field. So I don’t know if I’m ready to compare anyone to Chris. I don’t know if that’s fair to them.”