Ad Disclosure
Kentucky player switches positions to help Wildcats’ thin backfield
By Keith Farner
Published:
Kentucky has dealt with a short-handed lineup in the backfield since Chris Rodriguez did not start the season in the backfield.
Along with Rodriguez’ absence, Ramon Jefferson suffered a torn ACL in the season opener last week against Miami-Ohio. Jutahn McClain also suffered an injury last week and is considered week to week.
While both Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said this week that it’s good to have depth, the Wildcats have reportedly made a move to help that running back depth. Dee Beckwith, a Tennessee transfer, has moved from wide receiver to running back to help the situation, Jon Hale of the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
Tennessee transfer Dee Beckwith warming up with UK running backs in the swamp. We saw him taking handoffs after practice one day this week.
Looks like with Rodriguez, Jefferson and McClain out, Beckwith has moved from WR to RB.
— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) September 10, 2022
Beckwith saw action in 2 games for the Vols last season, against Kentucky, and South Alabama, and had a carry against South Alabama.
Beckwith, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, began his career at wide receiver before he shifted to running back during the 2020 season. So this seems like a logical move, at least in the short term, to help the Cats against Florida.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
