Stoops praises redshirt sophomore’s quiet growth and standout production
Mark Stoops continues to praise the steady rise of redshirt sophomore running back Jamarion Wilcox with not just for his physical development, but his growth in maturity since last season.
“Well, I think we all saw the talent when he was running the football,” Stoops said during his Monday press conference. “I think we all understand competition and depth drives a lot of things, right? And he hasn’t flinched. He’s kind of just gone through the process. And that’s all you can ask of any young man.”
Wilcox had a strong 2024 season, leading Kentucky in rushing with 590 yards on 92 carries (6.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. He played in all 12 games and started four, adding seven receptions for 24 yards. He finished with back-to-back 100-yard games against Tennessee and Murray State, a feat not accomplished by a freshman since Benny Snell Jr. in 2016.
It didn’t always come easy for Wilcox, as in October of 2024, Stoops publicly addressed Wilcox’s lack of playing time with a bit of tough love:
“Here’s a simple thing, tie your shoes,” Stoops said. “He doesn’t tie his shoes, so he runs it, but his shoe falls off, so he’s got to come out. That would help.”
Since then, Wilcox seems to have taken that message to heart. He’s added muscle, now weighing nearly 200 pounds, and has become more focused in all aspects of the game. After being projected as the No. 2 back in the spring, he’s battling for even more carries this fall with something to prove.