With the Departure of Boom Williams, Mark Stoops and company will need to establish another backfield candidate in order for Kentucky Football to make noise in the SEC.
The Kentucky Football staff does not have an easy task to replace Boom, who tallied 1,226 yards and eight touchdowns in his junior season. Boom Williams was a speed back, who created extra yards out of thin air with elusiveness. This speed opened the door for Benny Snell Jr, a power back who got the extra yards with brute strength. Snell produced 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns in his remarkable freshman season. The dynamic duo was a treat to watch, even if it was only for a year.
In comes junior running back Sihiem King, a player who’s skill-set resembles that of Boom. His speed and ability to get around the corner is going to be something that is needed if Kentucky wants a shot to win the SEC East. There’s no doubt that it will be the Benny Snell Jr. show this coming season. But, with King providing that change of pace role for Snell, there’s no reason that this season’s duo can’t emulate that of last season’s.
Another interesting storyline to follow throughout the season is the emergence of the backfield in the receiving game. It seemed as if Eddie Gran, the offensive coordinator, made it a focus to work on dump-offs in the spring game. The transition of the NFL to running back who can catch the ball, it’s nice to see Gran getting them ready for the future.
The Offensive Line Opening Holes for the Backfield
The backfield is especially intriguing to watch this season due to the much-improved offensive line. Since Coach Stoops has been at the helm, he has cultivated these young men to be the foundation for the offense. The line is SEC experienced now, with seniors Kyle Meadows and Cole Mosier leading the group. These men on the front line will open holes for players like King and Snell Jr. to make plays in the open field.
I’m so pumped for football season, even if it is over four months away. Expectations are high this season, as the Wildcats have avoided Alabama, Auburn, and LSU. If there were ever a season for Kentucky to make a run at the SEC East, this is the year.