Running back Jamarion Wilcox could become more of a factor for the UK offense this season than originally expected. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Georgia four-star running back Jamarion Wilcox was one of the stars in Kentucky’s 2023 recruiting class and many thought he would see significant playing time last season. Instead the 5-10, 197-pound Wilcox was redshirted and did not play.
Kentucky running backs coach Jay Boulware indicated several weeks ago that going into preseason practice, Wilcox was not one of the first three running backs on the depth chart. However, he seems to now be making an impression like the No. 9 ranked running back in the 2023 recruiting class was expected to do.
He had 4,119 yards rushing and 58 total touchdowns in high school and picked UK over Ohio State, Auburn, Clemson and others.
Wilcox has been compared to not only former UK running back Boom Williams but also Moe Williams, one of UK’s all-time best running backs.
“I think Moe Williams had the best balance I have ever seen,” said former UK all-SEC defensive back Van Hiles. “I saw this kid’s high school film and saw that extra gear he had. I keep hearing that Wilcox has finally turned that corner. He may not be fully around the corner but he is getting closer to being the back everyone expected.
“To me, this kid has the talent to be a special running back from what I saw in high school. If that happens, this team could be really special.”
Wilcox and true freshman Jason Patterson were summer roommates. Boulware had listed Patterson No. 3 on his pre-practice depth chart and cited his work ethic as one reason. Hiles said maybe Patterson’s work habits had rubbed off on Wilcox and helped him.
With Ohio State transfer Chip Trayanum expected to miss several weeks after breaking his hand, Wilcox now has an even better chance to find his way into the playing rotation.
“He’s always gonna have the talent, he’s always gonna have the speed,” UK running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, who had been No. 2 on the depth chart, said about Wilcox. “It’s just getting deeper into the playbook. Freshman year was just being on the scout team and just understanding things from the back seat. Now he’s starting to drive a little more.
Even Boulware is slowly coming around on Wilcox saying he has been one of the players he’s been most pleased with in practice so far.
“Part of my job as a coach is to help those young men. This is my calling, right? God has put me here for a reason,” Boulware said.
One Response
Wilcox is going to have a great freshman season. With the playing time I think he will get this season he should be the main candidate to take over in 2025. Patterson and Wilcox will be a great 1-2 punch next year. I think Patterson is going to be thunder and Wilcox is going to be lightning. You will be able to see what they bring to the table athletically the same thing with Barion Brown the last couple of years. He was just going on his speed. I’m glad he’s put some weight on because he would go down with arm tackles and still took 3 kickoffs to the house. He will be even better this year. I’m very excited about what we have. I think we are overrated which works out perfect for this team. Once this defense starts hitting these other teams they are going to feel Kentucky. Georgia said Kentucky was the most physical team they played last year. We will be even more physical this year especially on the offensive line with Eric Woldford back in the fold. I think you see that bleed over to the offense. The running backs should have nice holes to run through. Which should give us a great ypc average. I’m thinking 6.5-7 ypc. That will also open up the pass for Brock V. I know it’s cliche but our tight ends should be more involved in the passing game this year. Brown and Key will be much improved in year 3. Maclin will have T. Robinson numbers from last year probably a little bit better. Then you have Farrier and Brown-Stephens who is often times overlooked but Brown-Stephens is going to be a very good receiver. Wether that happens this year or next year it’s going to happen. If Brock can remain healthy which I hope he does he will entertain the 3,000 yards range. I think he also throws for the most touchdown passes in the Stoops era. He’s such a threat to run or pass that the defense won’t stay honest for every play and when they don’t he is going to make them pay. I just hope we get a healthy Chip back for the Georgia game. I’m starting to feel that we might shock the world on that night. If it was between the hedges I would say no way but I think this team protects their home turf better than any team in the Stoops era. We will see starting next week. Ps. I think Chip is by far the best back on this team and we really need him. Wilcox will be a good fill in against Southern Miss. Who isnt no slouch. This will be a good southern miss team they always have a pretty solid team year in year out.