Kentucky entered the 2016 season with what many believed was a loaded offensive backfield. Boom Williams and Jojo Kemp each had multiple years of production for the Wildcats and had combined to rush for 1,410 yards in 2015. Add Mikel Horton in for extra depth and UK appeared to be set at the running back position heading into last season.

Taking that into account, it was a surprise that freshman running back Benny Snell Jr. burst onto the scene to rush for 1,041 yards and 13 touchdowns his first season in Lexington. Considering Snell did not even play in the first two games of the season, those numbers are even more impressive. After rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns in his first game, it was clear Snell earned the right to be mentioned with Kentucky’s other backs.

Now firmly established as the unit’s No. 1 option this spring, after Williams declared early for the 2017 NFL Draft, Snell is eager to show just how much further he can take his game. When recently asked to discuss what he needed to improve this offseason, Snell pointed to several the areas of his game that he has focused in on since the TaxSlayer Bowl loss to Georgia Tech.

“This spring I’ve just to work a lot more on being a smarter player,” Snell said. “Recognizing coverages, defensive blitzes, definitely been trying to work on my footwork, make my speed better, make guys miss more, just trying to be a smarter runner than I was last year.”

Kentucky’s co-offensive coordinator Darin Hinshaw has taken notice. Aside from the mental aspects of the game Snell mentioned, his coach has been most impressed with the leadership of the sophomore running back.

“From fall camp to where he is now is night and day,” Hinshaw said. “He’s a lot more mature, he understands the offense extremely well, and he is also leading, but also leading by example. He goes 150 miles an hour every play, and you have to love that about that kid. He’s a leader all the time whether he’s on the field or off the field.”

It will be interesting to see if Snell can replicate the success of his first season now that he won’t be able to sneak up on any of his opponents. While he did have some excellent performances against Mississippi State, Missouri, and Georgia, increasing the consistency of his production in conference play will be something Snell still needs to prove he can accomplish.

Judging by the limited body of his work, Snell may just be Kentucky’s best offensive weapon in 2017. How far the Wildcat offense goes next season could very well rest on his shoulders.

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