Jamarion Wilcox, left, is doing all the things coach Mark Stoops wants him to do. (Vicky Graff Photo)
One of the most perplexing players on the Kentucky football roster is sophomore running back Jamarion Wilcox.
He was a four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 9 running back nationally and No. 8 player in Georgia by Rivals.com who finished his prep career with 4,119 yards rushing and 58 total scores. He had 2,382 all-purpose yards, 229 rushes for 2,059 rushing yards, and scored 30 total touchdowns as a senior.
Many thought he could make an impact as a true freshman but he was redshirted with whispers that his work ethic and practice responsibilities were lacking. In 2024 he averaged 6.6 yards per carry but got only 92 carries for a team-high 590 yards and two scores in 12 games. He started against Auburn, Tennessee, Texas and Louisville and had 100-yard rushing games against Tennessee and Murray State.
However, his shoe came off more than once during a game because his shoelaces were not tied and that infuriated UK coach Mark Stoops — and some fans. Many thought Wilcox might hit the transfer portal but he stayed even though UK brought in transfer running backs Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell to potentially be running back No. 1.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops emphasized Monday that Wilcox has learned his lessons and benefitted from daily competition.
“I think we all saw the talent when he was running the football,” Stoops said. “I think we all understand competition and depth drives a lot of things, right? He hasn’t flinched. He’s kind of just gone through the process. And that’s all you can ask of any young man.”
He was No. 2 on the depth chart behind Dowdell coming out of spring practice but then UK added McGowan. Wilcox got the hint and is now up to about 200 pounds — over 10 pounds heavier than a year ago.
“He’s really improved and gotten better,” Stoops said. “That kind of mentality that I’ve talked about, kind of just put his head down, has been quiet, just been working. He’s a guy who just physically is getting better, and there are good players around him, and so there’s good depth there.”
Wilcox has breakaway speed and Stoops said he might be used to return kickoffs at times.
“I really appreciate him for embracing the competition, not running from it, and putting his head down and just getting himself better,” Stoops said of Wilcox. “That’s all I ever challenge any young man, my own children. Like, let’s not worry about anybody else; let’s worry about you, and how do you get better? And he’s done that.”
2 Responses
Wilcox is my favorite running back on the team. He's explosive and he bit his lip last year when Stoops kept ragging on him in press conferences. 99% of college athletes in 2025 would have transferred away after the coach said he doesn't know how to tie his shoes. He's immature. Stoops always has something to say about the players but never talks above the himself and how he needs to improve himself. Every Kentucky fan could see that Wilcox needed more touches last year. It's like Stoops was going to try to play anyone but Wilcox in certain situations. I guess if Stoops was right he could have said I told you so. I thought Wilcox should have received at least 150 carries last year. Only 92 carries and almost 600 yards. That's over 6 ypc. We struggled to move the ball and we had a back that averaged over 6 ypc. The closest back to him was the north Carolina state transfer and he averaged 4 ypc. Wilcox averaged over 2 ypc more and the other guy received more touches it makes no sense whatsoever. Hopefully Wilcox received at least 120 carries this year or it will probably be his last year here.l, and honestly I don't blame him if he's 3rd on the depth chart this year. This is his 3rd year at Kentucky. We have 2 transfers who've been here for 3-4 months and they are startin over him? Hmmmmmm
6.6 yards per carry!!! Led tht team in rushing yards even though he had limited touches.
He would run the ball for a 1st down when UK was deep in their own territory & not get the ball again.
If he played without his shoes, 6.6 yards per carry is enough to just let him run barefoot!
A real bright spot in a 4-8 season, and he was punished by not getting to run the ball more. Pathetic!