Kentucky added a strong piece to its backfield in the form of Vanderbilt transfer Ray Davis this season.

Davis has racked up 236 yards and 3 touchdowns already on the year, including a 112-yard, 2-touchdown performance in the Wildcats’ season opener against Ball State.

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops had high praise for his running back during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday, complimenting Davis’ consistency through 3 games.

“Ray has been a very good player for us, very consistent,” Stoops said. “He gives us that strong physical style that we’re looking for, but he also can make some people miss, as has been evident by the explosive runs that he’s had  and explosive pass catches as well, catch and run. So he’s made a big difference for us.”

But Davis also provides assets to Kentucky from a leadership standpoint. Having 4 years of college football under his belt has given him some experience that he can pass on to his teammates.

“He’s really done a great job as far as a leader and he’s played a lot of football in the SEC, so he knows what he’s getting into, and I’m sure it’ll be a different challenge for him this week,” Stoops said. “He’s just got to stay within himself and play the game like he knows how to play. It was quite aggravating for myself to have to sit there and watch last year’s film and see what he did against us and how well he played. So he’s just got to do what he’s capable of and can trust his teammates.”

Davis will get the chance to face his former team this weekend as Kentucky takes on Vanderbilt. Last year, Vanderbilt came out on top and Davis had 129 yards and a touchdown. Stoops is hoping Davis can have a similar performance for Kentucky this year.