Kentucky is 'really pleased' with Ray Davis

To address the lack of scholarship capital spent in the tailback room, Kentucky decided to visit the transfer portal in the offseason to address the position. The Wildcats laded Vanderbilt transfer Ray Davis, who was fresh off a 1,042-yard season in Nashville. Expectations were high for the redshirt senior but many expected a committee approach.

In Kentucky’s Week 1 win over Ball State, Davis played in 42 of 54 (77.8%) snaps and posted 122 yards from scrimmage on 7.2 yards per touch. Davis provided some big plays on the ground and looked the part of RB1 in the Southeastern Conference. The coaching staff was happy with the performance of the transfer running back.

“It was really good to see Ray do the things that he did. Make things happen,” Jay Boulware told the media on Tuesday. “Things were closed off, make guys miss in the hole. I was really pleased with him.”

In his last five games, Ray Davis has rushed for 590 yards on 7.3 yards per rush and has chipped in nine receptions for 42 yards. The newest Kentucky tailback is becoming a well-rounded contributor and figures to play an important role in Liam Coen‘s pro-style scheme that will need to have run/pass balance to be effective.

Ray Davis can give Kentucky that required balance.

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.

Kentucky tailbacks hold up in protection

Pass protection has been a point of emphasis for Kentucky heading into 2023. The Wildcats must keep Devin Leary clean in the pocket. Most of that falls on the offensive line, but the tailbacks also play a big role in protection. Most notably, JuTahn McClain stepped up and provided some physical blocks to assist the offensive line against Ball State.

Pocket on Devin Leary's only sack. Play-action concept where the QB likely held onto the ball too long. JuTahn McClain does a good job helping Eli Cox who got beat early. pic.twitter.com/L1rxUTKqUb

— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) September 3, 2023

Jay Boulware was pleased with how Kentucky’s backs handled their protection duties.

“We did solid in protection. That’s a mark of the guys that play for us,” Boulware told KSR. “Just pretty good in that area. That’s one of the things I demand — you have to be able to protect in order to play.”

Pass protection from the offensive line, tailbacks, and tight ends will be essential throughout the season.