JuTahn McClain earns reps, respect in standout performance at Vanderbilt

Chris Rodriguez typically takes the majority of headlines and highlights at the running back position, and did so again against Vanderbilt. It’s become a yearly occurrence at this point, with the veteran back now rushing for over 110 yards in three straight games against the Commodores. Tonight’s 114-yard, one-score performance pushed him past the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career.

But it wasn’t all about Rodriguez in Kentucky‘s 34-17 win in Nashville. It wasn’t even backup Kavosiey Smoke serving as the strong complementary piece in the backfield and racking up numbers.

Tonight, it was sophomore running back JuTahn McClain who stood out in the backfield, finishing with ten rushes for 69 yards (6.9 YPC), including a long of 22.

It was an effort that earned him future playing time.

“I thought he was really, really good out there tonight,” UK head coach Mark Stoops said after the win. “He did some good things. I thought that was really good to build on that with him. We have felt like that — you’ve heard us talk about him for a year or so now. We know that it’s just a matter of getting some opportunities and getting some touches.

“With the way he played today, he earned the right to get more reps.”

If you ask Rodriguez, McClain‘s breakout performance is no surprise. The sophomore back has proven he can make that kind of impact in practice, it was just about proving he could do it in a game.

When his number was called Saturday night, that production finally came.

“Like I told you guys at the beginning of the year, everybody in that running back room can produce,” Rodriguez said. “So don’t take it easy, don’t try to change up who’s in the game just because I come out. You can see JuTahn, he’s a hard runner. He can do different things. He’s not just a scatback, he will run you over if he gets a chance. The thing about him is, he’s been constantly working.

“He hasn’t played a lot, but he didn’t let that get to him. He kind of just kept trucking on. Once his number was called, he produced.”

The effort you saw as he bounced past arm tackles and fought through defenders for extra yards? It started in practice. He earned the reps and is now making the most of every touch.

“He’s great,” Kentucky quarterback Will Levis added. “He works his tail off and it was great to see him get out there and get the carries that he deserves. I think you’re able to see just how hard he runs the ball and the good vision he has.”

The best thing about it? McClain is only getting better.

“I’m going to continue to find ways to get him the ball,” said Levis. “He’s only going to get better with time, so I was really, really happy for him. I think you guys are going to see a lot more of him here in the future, for sure.”