Versatility of JuTahn McClain could give Kentucky high ceiling

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McClain Vandy Offensive Breakdown — (Photo courtesy of Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

JuTahn McClain is entering year three with the Kentucky football program, and the Fairfield (Ohio) High product can be a difference-maker with the ball in his hands. The new scheme is hoping to unlock some of those talents.

After missing the first part of last season, McClain returned to the lineup as a sophomore and recorded 34 rushes for 165 yards and a touchdown with a 44.1 percent success rate and six receptions on seven targets. The 187-pound tailback played 145 snaps and was used in a multitude of ways.

With new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello taking over the offense, some things are being altered within the Kentucky scheme. Throwing the ball to the running backs is one of them, and that has been a point of emphasis this spring.

“I think we’ve thrown the ball to the back more in spring ball this year than we had in all of camp last year and the regular season combined,” said quarterback Will Levis. “So that’s one that we have hammered down on.”

Chris Rodriguez Jr. is RB1, and Kentucky will be looking to get him the ball as much as possible. However, multiple tailbacks are needed, and JuTahn McClain can give the offense an added element.

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The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year in Ohio Division I is an effective runner, but also has a high ceiling as the pass catcher. With Liam Coen, Kentucky scratched the surface with McClain using the multi-positional player in the slot some and experimenting with wheel routes. Expect Kentucky to expand upon that this fall.

“A lot of things have changed since last year,” said McClain. “We’ve got a new OC, so everybody got something to prove to him to show him that we can step up and play the position we came here to play. I believe my role has changed a lot.

Part of that change will be in being a major chess piece as Scangarello builds formations to unleash specific concepts. With McClain, the Wildcats have a player that has a wide receiver skillset, but opposing defenses will most consider a running back when matching up. That could give Kentucky a schematic advantage.

Look for JuTahn McClain to become a major piece of the puzzle in the new scheme.