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Kentucky announces timeline for Chris Rodriguez’ return, Mark Stoops comments on availability
By Keith Farner
Published:
Kentucky will have Chris Rodriguez available for the Oct. 1 game against Ole Miss after the star running back has already missed the first 2 games of the season, wins over Miami-Ohio and Florida. UK plays Youngstown State this week, and Northern Illinois next week.
Rodriguez has been out, and although Mark Stoops has hesitated to call it a suspension, to start the season and the absence came after Rodriguez had a DUI arrest in May and pled guilty to the charge in July.
Last season, Rodriguez rushed for 1,379 yards, fifth on UK’s single-season list, and 9 touchdowns. Rodriguez has 2,740 career rushing yards, sixth-best all-time at Kentucky. Rodriguez rushed for 100 yards 9 times in 2021, a new single-season school record.
Stoops said Monday to reporters that Rodriguez is doing everything in practice and keeping his conditioning up to be ready.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be available to play at Ole Miss on Oct. 1. Excited to be getting @CROD_JR back. Go Cats. pic.twitter.com/Pbzsj0H7jK
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 12, 2022
Asked about Chris Rodriguez returning Oct. 1 for the Ole Miss game, UK head coach Mark Stoops says, “How’d you know that? I just found out 10 minutes ago.” (Laughs) Says C-Rod is doing everything possible to stay sharp with reps in practice, keeping his conditioning up.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) September 12, 2022
Stoops in recent weeks told reporters that the decision was out of his hands, and the ruling had “several different layers” beyond his payroll.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
