Mark Stoops Challenges Jamarion Wilcox after Career Day

Jamarion Wilcox was a late, heralded recruiting win. Mark Stoops always believed the running back from Georgia could be an explosive playmaker. At times, it was unclear if he could break through and reach his potential. After the best game of his young career, the Kentucky head coach challenged the redshirt freshman to take the next step in his development.

Wilcox did not record a carry as a true freshman. During the offseason, it looked like he was once again destined to be buried on the depth chart. After a couple of injuries in the backfield, he saw his first real action against Georgia with nine carries for 43 yards. There were a few instances where it looked like he was going to burst free for a huge play. Today that happened.

Wilcox rattled off runs of 19, 21, and 23 yards against Ohio. The two 20-yarders were on back-to-back plays and one looked like he was going to take to the house.

He finished the day with a team-high and a career-high 82 yards on only eight carries. We saw a glimpse of the big-play potential. To unlock it, Stoops wants Wilcox to consistently do the little things the right way during the week.

“Jamarion is a guy that you’ve heard me say many times that I believe in his talent, and he’s a very good player. We are leaning on him to be consistent on and off the field. Do things right, be on time to meetings, the little things, know all the protection. As he gets more snaps, he’ll be more engaged and he’ll get better with opportunities, as far as all the little nuances to the offense and the protections and things of that nature,” Stoops said.

“As far as running the ball, he’s tough as nails. A week ago, you guys probably don’t see it, but he’s on kickoff and he’s running people over on kickoff team, getting to the football as a running back. He has the toughness, and I think he saw last weekend and this week, just the way he runs it. He’s been very efficient, very tough, and trying to be more accountable in all ways.”

This is only the third time we’ve seen Wilcox in action at Kroger Field. There’s a lot to like about the youngster and still plenty of room for growth.

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