While the Quarterback competition is just starting to heat up, the starter at running back is pretty much set in stone. Senior Derrick Locke will enter his senior season looking to shed the notion that he’s only about speed and make himself into more of an all-purpose back. Moncell Allen takes over for UK legend John Conner at fullback and is hoping to make a seamless transition from running back.
Running back
The star:
#20 – Derrick Locke – SR – 5’9 / 190 – Hugo, OK
While Locke isn’t the biggest player on the field, he’s one of the toughest. He runs through and around players a hundred pounds heavier than him on his way to moving the chains for UK. He provides game changing speed and threatens to take the ball to the house every time it’s in his hands. While he’s not the best physically suited for power plays inside, he makes them work by squirming through holes and gaps in the line. He will be able to lean on a couple of teammates for support, but as the most well-rounded back on the roster, the load will largely remain his to carry.
The lead
#30 – Moncell Allen – SR – 5’7 / 230 – New Orleans, LA
Losing senior John Conner will undoubtedly hurt the Cats’ ability to pound the ball between the tackles and seal the edges on outside runs, but moving former running back Moncell Allen over to lead the way for Derrick Locke is the first step towards replacing the current Jet. Allen’s background as a RB will make him a more dangerous threat as a ball carrier and a receiver out of the backfield. The role of fullback will probably be different than what fans are used to seeing and extra tight ends and receivers on the field may supplant the fullback more frequently this season. Regardless, Moncell Allen should see plenty of time on the field as a runner and blocker this year, and may line up as the primary ball carrier at times.
The supporting cast:
#23 – Donald Russell – SO – 5’11 / 210 – W. Palm Beach, FL
Russell impressed the staff enough last year to forgo his redshirt season and suit up as a true freshman. He saw mostly garbage time at the end of games, but did flash some big time potential at times. At 210 pounds, he’ll likely get plenty of the tough carries between the tackles. After a good showing this spring, he’s considered the #2 back behind Locke.
#25 – Jonathan George – FR – 5’10 / 205 – Lincoln, AL
An untimely injury derailed George’s freshman campaign early in camp last year and forced the freshman to redshirt while rehabbing. Prior to getting hurt, the coaches raved about George and went so far as to list him as high as third on the depth chart at the position. He impressed during spring and should be solid in the rotation of backs this fall. Along with Russell, he provides more size and strength at the position than what UK fans are used to and should help in between the trenches as well. He’s still in the mix for the #2 job.
#4 – Raymond Sanders – FR – 5’8 / 185 – Stone Mountain, GA
Sanders was an unknown at the time he committed to Kentucky last year and managed to make quite a name for himself during his senior season. While it’s unlikely that he’ll log major carries this year, he might see some action in mop-up duty and on special teams if the coaches plan on keeping his redshirt off.
#29 – Brandon Gainer – FR – 5’11 /200 – Miami, FL
Gainer was rated as high as the #24 running back in the class as a prep player but was late arriving to campus. His time missed in the strength and conditioning program has put him behind the eight ball in terms of seeing the field this year. Barring an injury to Locke, George or Russell, it looks like he’ll redshirt and work to get ready for 2011.
#32 – Miles Simpson – FR – 6’2 / 210 – Independence, KY
Simpson is an intriguing prospect that can fill a number of holes for the Wildcats. He may eventually find himself as a linebacker or safety, but he’s listed as a running back on the roster now and it looks like that’s were he’ll start out. Once again, barring injury to players listed ahead of him, he will likely redshirt this season.
#26 – CoShick Williams – SO – 5’9 / 180 – Hiram, GA
Possibly the most talented walk-on on the roster now, Williams has manage to see the field in each of the last two seasons despite the more physically talented players at his position ahead of him. It would be unwise to count him out completely, but it doesn’t look like there will be many carries in Williams’ future at this point.
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