Ray Davis 'fits the mold' for Kentucky's offense

Mark Stoops and the Kentucky football program have a type at tailback. Despite having multiple offensive coordinators over the last few seasons with different schematic wrinkles, there has been one constant.

Big, bruising tailbacks.

Benny Snell Jr. set the program rushing record with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while accounting for 48 touchdowns from 2016-18. Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed him to rush for 3,643 yards over a five-year career on 6.2 yards per rush with 36 total touchdowns. However, neither will be on the Kentucky roster for the first time in seven years next fall.

When looking at the depth chart, it’s clear that the Wildcats were missing their typical power back. In the 2023 recruiting cycle, it was essential to find that. Vanderbilt transfer Ray Davis (5-9, 215) fits what Kentucky is looking for.

“He kind of fits that mold of what we’ve been,” Stoops told the media on Wednesday. “How you need to have that tough, strong, physical guy.”

The former Temple transfer spent two years in the SEC at Vanderbilt rushing for 1,253 yards in 15 games with six touchdowns. In 2022, Davis proved to be a true workhorse posting 19.3 carries per game. Only two backs in the conference averaged more rush attempts per game. The upcoming redshirt senior with two years of eligibility seems to fit what running backs coach Jay Boulware is looking for.

“I like big guys. I like guys that can obviously take a pounding,” Boulware told reporters last week. “And I say big, I’m talking physical.”

At Vanderbilt, Davis was a no-thrills runner that was able to get downhill and gain tough yards. The tailback spins upon contact and has a good feel in a variety of run schemes. Kentucky wants to establish the run under Stoops and it is very important to move the chains in short-yardage situations. The Cats feel that Davis should help the offense do just that in 2023. The transfer is a big, bruising runner who doesn’t have much pop but can create yards in must-have situations.

“We’re grateful to have him,” said Stoops.