Running back Chip Trayanum has impressed SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic with his pass blocking. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Veteran ESPN/SEC Network college football analyst Cole Cubelic didn’t need long to become a fan of Ohio State transfer running back Chip Trayanum after he got to Kentucky.
“He’s a downhill thumper of a running back,” Cubelic said on his podcast. “He’s not afraid to put his head down and get the extra yards and be physical. His hands are a little bit of an issue but I have been told he is out working every day trying to get better.
“He’s good in pass pro (protection). I think his overall vision is a little bit of a concern and him finding a feel for this run scheme can take some time.”
Another senior, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, played some as slot receiver as well as running back last season.
“He can handle the load if needed,” Cubelic said. “He’s got juice. He has a dog mentality. He is not afraid of anything. He fears no one and adds an extra gear to the backfield that I like.”
Cubelic really likes UK’s top tight ends — Josh Kattus, Khamari Anderson and Jordan Dingle.
“I think they are underrated. They have multiple tight ends who can do a lot of dirty work but also make big plays when needed,” Cubelic said. “Khamari Anderson has the most ability. He is your mismatch guy. He can run past a linebacker and out physical a safety. They can move him around.
“Josh Kattus is your grinder. He is an old school tight end. You put him next to a tackle and he will push people off the football. He is not afraid to block. Jordan Dingle is in between. He’s more athletic than Kattus but also can really block.
“All three can play and could be starters on multiple teams in the SEC. It is a quality room and one area where Kentucky has great depth and strength.”
2 Responses
The TE’s performed better & more consistently than most of the WR’s last season, but did not get nearly enough plays to catch the ball. I hope the new OC gives the dynamic TE’s the ball more. It just may also send a message to the WR’s that UK has players who can actually run the correct route AND catch the ball AND get good yardage after a catch.
The RB stable is relatively unknown but does have a highly touted RB from Ohio State which will hopefully be a bulldozer with the ball.
After a few games, we will know who the gamers are.
I think chip carries the workload. Demie will get some touches too. You have to really watch Demie coming out of the backfield because he’s sneaky fast and can get into his route very fast. I think Patterson plays his 4 games and reserves his redshirt. He is definitely option #3, but Chip is going to be out bread and butter at running back. The amazing thing about him is that he was really better on the defense side of the ball. He could be a 2 way player if we werent so limited at running back. He’s a very good linebacker. I think he will hit around the 1,000 yard mark. This is his last year and I think he has something to prove to everyone. He has the size of a NFL running back and the way he moves reminds me of Adrian Peterson. He’s a tall but very strong running back. When he gets a little sliver he makes you pay because every 2 steps is 5 yards. I absolutely believe he plays himself into next year’s draft and depending on the season he has is where he will be drafted at. As of right now hes a 5th or 6th round running back but he can make his way up to the 2nd or 3rd round with a big year. I’m glad our freshman class will get to redshirt a couple backs because next year the running back position will be wide open. Another great thing about chip that is mentioned here and I noticed is he’s a great blocker out of the backfield for the quarterback. When a defender breaks through the line he makes them pay for it.