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Kentucky’s tailbacks make waves at Saturday’s open practice
By Ethan Levine
Published:
The Kentucky Wildcats continued their spring practice schedule on Saturday by opening up the weekend practice to fans wishing to attend and watch their Cats workout in person.
And despite 30 degree temperatures and Kentucky’s date in the Elite 8 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament this evening, about 100 fans were in attendance at the Nutter Training Facility on UK’s campus, as estimated by Lexington Herald-Leader beat writer Jen Smith, who was in attendance.
But neither the weather nor the fans were the story of Saturday’s practice. Instead it was the tailbacks who made the most noise on Saturday during drills and a scrimmage to close practice.
Jojo Kemp, remembered best for his performance as UK’s Wildcat quarterback during a come-from-behind win over South Carolina last season, reportedly had a huge day on Saturday including three touchdowns, two of which came from more than 30 yards out. He apparently celebrated his final touchdown by running up the sideline and high-riving every fan in attendance.
Rising sophomore Boom Williams, perhaps the most explosive tailback returning from last season, also made plays during the scrimmage as both a runner and pass-catcher, but he reportedly sat out the latter portion of the scrimmage with a hip pointer. However, the injury does not appear to be severe, which is great news for Kentucky and its fans.
Boom Williams looks OK, by the way.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) March 28, 2015
Third tailback Mikel Horton, also a rising sophomore, reportedly dropped close to 20 pounds from the end of last season, something quarterback Patrick Towles says has enhanced his running during spring ball.
“He’s a lot more cut and he’s running a lot better,” Towles told Smith after practice. “He was kind of that big, lumbering guy last year, but he’s going to surprise a lot of people this year with his speed, that’s for sure.”
All three backs — Kemp, Williams and Horton — were among UK’s top four rushers last season. The fourth, Braylon Heard, has since departed for the NFL. Heard was second on the team with 368 yards at 5 yards per carry to go along with 4 touchdowns; Williams led the team in 2014 with 486 yards at 6.6 yards per carry to go along with five touchdowns.
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
