Tayvion Robinson at RB? Max Duffy says it's a possibility

Kentucky is thin at running back — really thin, actually. Chris Rodriguez is unavailable, Ramon Jefferson is out for the year with a torn ACL and JuTahn McClain is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury.

Going into the Wildcats’ matchup at Florida on Saturday, only two running backs are listed on the depth chart: Kavosiey Smoke and La’Vell Wright. And luckily for Kentucky, the backfield duo has had a good week of practice.

“I am (happy with what I saw out of Wright this week),” head coach Mark Stoops said Thursday. “Kavosiey and La’Vell both looked good, did some good things. They’ll be ready to go.”

But two running backs is still two running backs. Maybe former four-star recruit — now a junior — Mike “Donut” Drennen II gets his shot in the backfield? Things have been quiet on that front, but he’s the only other scholarship running back on the roster. What about Tennessee transfer Dee Beckwith, who stands 6-5, 225 pounds and physically looks the part? Stoops likes his versatility, but he’s working with the wide receivers — and he didn’t have much to say about the former four-star recruit when asked about the possibility this week.

“Dee is versatile,” Stoops said during his call-in radio show. “He’s playing wide receiver and we can move them around and play some different spots, but he’s playing wideout for us right now.”

Could Kentucky think outside the box to find production in the backfield? Former UK punter Max Duffy says it’s a possibility, specifically with senior wide receiver Tayvion Robinson.

The 5-11, 187-pound pass-catcher led the Wildcats in receiving to open the season vs. Miami (OH), finishing with six receptions for 136 yards, including 103 yards after the catch. Now, Kentucky could look to use his versatility as a do-it-all specialist this weekend and beyond.

“Knowing some people in the program, don’t be surprised if you see Tayvion Robinson line up a little bit at running back in the kind of Deebo Samuel/49ers kind of operation. That’s what I would say,” Duffy said this morning on KSR.

In three years at Virginia Tech, Robinson rushed for a total of 227 yards on 29 carries, good for 7.8 yards per carry. He was most productive as a rusher his freshman campaign, racking up 132 yards on 11 carries, an average of 12.0 yards per carry.

Samuel has become one of the best gadget specialists in the NFL, making plays all over the field at multiple positions for the 49ers. Now, San Francisco’s former quarterbacks and assistant offensive line coaches, Rich Scangarello and Zach Yenser, are in Lexington with another gadget threat in Robinson.

With the Wildcats significantly shorthanded, could he be utilized in the run game?