Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams (18) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Papa John
Kentucky was a much improved offensive football team in 2014, particularly in the first half of the season, which was a big reason the Wildcats improved from 2-10 in 2013 to 5-7. However, the Cats still struggled to run the football consistently and averaged just 153.3 yards per game last year, which ranked 11th in the SEC and 79th in the nation.
Stanley “Boom” Williams led the Wildcats last season with 486 yards and five touchdown runs. The true freshman had three 100-yard games despite only once receiving more than 12 carries in a game. “Boom” showed the explosive playmaking ability that earned him the nickname with runs of 43, 53, 56 and 58 yards. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, Williams certainly isn’t huge, but he’s big enough to carry the load if needed.
Second leading rusher and Nebraska transfer Braylon Heard left early for the NFL, but Jojo Kemp (who had 131 yards and three touchdowns in the 45-38 win over South Carolina last year) and 6-foot-1, 230-pound rising sophomore Mikel Horton also return to give Kentucky solid depth at the position.
Expect the Wildcats to improve on their rushing performance in 2015 as they take aim at ending the SEC’s longest bowl drought.
Next: 10. Missouri