Mark Stoops believes Jamarion Wilcox's talent is undeniable

Kentucky is a run-first offense and is at its best when they are able to establish the run. Despite having that philosophy, the Wildcats did not produce a 100-yard game rusher until Week 10 in the 2024 season. There has been more coaching churn, some offensive line issues, and an unfortunate injury situation at tailback. That along with some other things have set the offense back in year one under play-caller Bush Hamdan.

Redshirt freshman tailback Jamarion Wilcox has been part of the ups and downs on offense, but has shown the potential to become a pillar of this offense in the future. In his first game used as a featured tailback against a top-five Tennessee defense, Wilcox rushed for 102 yards on 17 carries. The Vols allowed a season-high 192 non-sack rushing yards on 5.6 yards per rush in the contest. Kentucky’s young tailback was a big reason why.

“We were balanced offensively. Were able to rip off a big run to start the game,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops told Tom Leach during his weekly radio show on Wednesday. “That gave us some momentum.”

FAST START, @JamarionWilcox1 🏃💨

📺 – @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/2NsFjzJ2Qw

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 2, 2024

Wilcox’s 50-yard sprint on a gap scheme run did not lead to points but the splash play set the tone for the game and showed that the Wildcats could have run game success against a stingy defensive front. The young tailback again showed off his potential when given more touches.

“Jamarion is a guy that you and I have been talking about since the summer,” Stoops explained. “He definitely has the talent that we’re looking for.”

“One thing is for sure that is undeniable that I see it, and I think you see it, and everybody sees it, is you hand the ball off to him he can make some guys miss and he can run. He is a talented young man and he means really well. He’s very conscientious and he’s going to be just fine. He’s just growing and coming along for the system.”

During the 10-point loss to Tennessee, Stoops got on the headset and said he wanted to see Wilcox get more touches. The former high three-star recruit can make people miss. The redshirt freshman has forced 22 missed tackles on 56 carries, according to PFF data. We can expect No. 10 to get more touches and to become a focal point of the offense moving forward.

“I do like seeing him with the ball in his hands,” said Stoops. “That’s for sure because he can make some people miss.”