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If you were not impressed by true freshman running back Jason Patterson gaining 28 yards on four carries in Saturday’s season-opening 31-0 win over Southern Mississippi, you should be.
Kentucky football beat writer Jon Hale of the Lexington Herald-Leader noted that no freshman running back had got a carry in the first half of a UK game since all-time leading rusher Benny Snell did in 2016. Think about that — not a single freshman running back had a first-half carry for seven seasons from 2017-2023.
“Jason I thought showed his physicality and vision,” Stoops said after the game.
With Ohio State transfer Chip Trayanum not expected to play this week against South Carolina, Patterson likely will get a chance to carry the ball in the first half for a second straight game.
Maybe it was not a coincidence that Patterson is wearing No. 26, the same number Snell wore during his record-setting career. Only two players — Torrance Davis and Ramon Jefferson — have worn No. 26 since Snell’s departure.
Stoops and his coaches were impressed with Patterson in spring practice and he has not shown any signs of backing off.
“I think just the opportunity he had in the spring to get a lot of reps, he made the most of it,” Stoops said. “He’s one of those guys that ‘s pretty serious. He’s locked in on his daily goals, and he works hard daily.
“Kind of puts his head down, keeps his mouth shut and works hard. He’s worried about just getting better. I don’t mean that in any selfish way. He just wants to help the team and he wants to get better. I love that attitude.”
His attitude reminds you a lot of Snell who had to wait for a chance to play but still ran for 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns his freshman season in 2016 even though he did not have a rushing attempt the first two games. However, in UK’s third game Snell ran for four touchdowns and just kept on going.
One Response
It’s hard to compare a freshman to Kentuckys all time leading rusher. We didn’t have as many good running back when snell was a freshman. I think when Chip gets back he will take over the position. What these kids can do however is play really well while Chip is hurt and maybe get some carries when Chip is healthy. I think the 2 seniors have #1 and #2 running back clinched. Unless someone really breaks out against South Carolina. If I was the coach I would still have a running back by committee approach. The problem with Stoops is he lives in the now and never thinks ahead. So when injuries do occur we can have backups that produce as well and we don’t fall off. Plus this is chips last year. We need to get at least one of the freshman some carries. So we’re not completely starting over again next year.