Will Levis says Chris Rodriguez is 'on a mission' in return against Ole Miss

Kentucky Wildcats running back Chris Rodriguez returns to the field this Saturday versus Ole Miss but according to quarterback Will Levis, he’s been ready to go. Despite missing the first four games of the season, Rodriguez has been a man “on a mission.” Although he’s been on the sideline for games, the senior RB has participated in every aspect of the Wildcats’ work this year.

“We’re excited,” Levis told Paul Finebaum in anticipation of his No. 1 running back’s return. “We know that whether he was with us or not, we’re able to get things done like we have been but he’s just such a great weapon to include in the offense.

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“I know he’s been itching to get out there. He’s been practicing his butt off and preparing mentally as hard as anyone. He was staying in shape and making sure he was ready for his return. Even today, in our little Monday practice we just had, he’s out there on a mission. You could easily tell that from watching on the sideline.”

Kentucky run game on the rise with return of Chris Rodriguez

Without Chris Rodriguez, through four games, Kentucky ranks last in the SEC in yards per carry and second-to-last in rushing yards per game with 81.5. A year ago, Rodriguez averaged 6.1 yards per carry and surpassed 100 yards on the ground in nine of 13 games.

To say the Kentucky run game will improve with the veteran running back is an understatement, and yet, the Wildcats have found ways to win each game so far without him.

Head coach Mark Stoops is glad to have Rodriguez back, however, he doesn’t want him to try to do too much versus the Rebels.

“Chris, he just needs to be himself. He doesn’t need to come in and be our savior or anything like that or ‘save our run game,’ any of that,” Stoops said Monday. “We don’t need to him to worry about that. We just need him to be him. And we need the people around him, the other guys that are playing, to do their job, strain and to do things better in certain moments.”

The Wildcats travel to No. 14 Ole Miss on Saturday for a noon kickoff on ESPN. Like Kentucky, the Rebels bring in a clean 4-0 record. Unlike Kentucky, Lane Kiffin’s squad has yet to face an SEC opponent so far this season.