Mark Stoops has always embraced a power-focused style of football, and his most successful Kentucky teams have been built around a dominant running game, a tough offensive line, and a quarterback who can contribute with his legs. This season, that blueprint is back and stronger than ever.
With three talented running backs ready to share the workload and a mobile quarterback leading the offense, Kentucky’s roster is shaping up to be the most “Stoops-like” it’s been in years.
Backfield By Committee: Three Backs, One Goal
Stoops is clear about his approach to the running game: it will be a team effort.
“It’s definitely going to be by committee,” Stoops said. “As you know, running backs take a lot of hits. It’s a physical game. We have some guys who are better suited for certain situations, and we’ll need all of them.”
This isn’t just talk; Kentucky’s three-headed backfield offers a dynamic blend of power, speed, and versatility, making it tough for defenses to defend.
Dante Dowdell: The Power Back
Height: 6-foot-1, 215 pounds | Transfer: Nebraska
Dowdell, one of the most coveted running backs in the transfer portal, is known for his toughness and downhill running style, ideal for short-yardage and goal-line situations. Last year at Nebraska, he showed flashes of brilliance despite being caught in tampering rumors.
2024 Stats:
143 carries, 614 yards (4.3 YPC), 12 TDs
7 receptions, 21 yards
Dowdell’s physicality fits perfectly with Stoops’ style and will be a major asset in the SEC.
Dante Dowdell
Jason Patterson: The Rising Star
Height: 5-foot-11, 205 pounds | Redshirt Freshman
Stoops has been highly impressed by Patterson’s growth, especially in the past few weeks of spring practice.
“He’s made significant progress, especially in the last few practices,” Stoops said. “He can be an every-down back, and it’s good to see him healthy.”
Patterson played in three games last season to preserve his redshirt but showed promise when he did get on the field.
2024 Stats:
20 carries, 111 yards (5.6 YPC)
1 reception, 15 yards
If his spring performance is any indication, Patterson could earn a bigger role this season.
Jamarion Wilcox: The Big-Play Threat
Height: 5-foot-10, 195 pounds | Sophomore
Wilcox was Kentucky’s leading rusher last season, but he didn’t always get the workload many expected. Despite rumors of a transfer, he decided to stay in Lexington, which could be a huge win for the Wildcats. Wilcox’s speed and playmaking ability make him a serious threat every time he touches the ball, and he leads the team in yards per carry.
2024 Stats:
92 carries, 590 yards (6.4 YPC), 2 TDs
7 receptions, 24 yards
With his explosive playmaking ability, Wilcox will likely see an expanded role in the offense this year.
A Mobile Quarterback to Complete the Attack
While Stoops has traditionally favored pro-style passers like Brock Vandagriff and Devin Leary, the team is shifting toward a more mobile, balanced offense this season. Zach Calzada offers more mobility than Cutter Boley, which is why he is expected to be the starting quarterback. His ability to keep defenses honest with RPOs, designed runs, and scrambles will make the running backs even more dangerous.
Final Thoughts: Kentucky Football’s Recipe for Success in the SEC
This season’s Kentucky offense resembles the hard-nosed, physical teams that brought the most success under Mark Stoops—an offense built on a powerful running game and a quarterback who can extend plays. While fans may not see blowouts, this style of play suits Stoops well.
With Dowdell’s power, Patterson’s versatility, and Wilcox’s explosiveness, Kentucky’s ground game has the potential to wear down defenses and control the tempo. If the offensive line holds up and the quarterback can provide a complementary rushing threat, this could be one of the most effective rushing attacks Kentucky has had in years.
Kentucky football is returning to its roots, and in the SEC, that could be the key to success.
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