Kentucky football offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan addressed the team’s tempo concerns during Media Day on August 2, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington. Coach Mark Stoops has expressed a desire for a faster offensive pace. However, the Wildcats are now facing a setback as they may be without their projected starting running back for the 2024 season opener. Ohio State transfer Chip Trayanum, expected to lead the running back committee, sustained a hand injury in a recent practice. The injury, which was confirmed by a UK spokeswoman, will keep Trayanum out for “the foreseeable future,” as initially reported by Kentucky Sports Radio.
Trayanum was brought in from the transfer portal to fill the void left by Ray Davis, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. The Akron, Ohio native has accumulated 1,157 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns over four seasons at Arizona State and Ohio State. Despite not having been a featured back in college, Trayanum is known for scoring the game-winning touchdown for Ohio State against Notre Dame last season.
With Trayanum sidelined, Kentucky’s running back duties for the August 31 opener against Southern Miss could be shared among senior Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, redshirt freshman Jamarion Wilcox, and freshman Jason Patterson. Sumo-Karngbaye, who split time between running back and slot receiver last season, has been focusing solely on running back since the hiring of Hamdan. Running backs coach Jay Boulware noted Sumo-Karngbaye’s improved focus and maturity. Last season, Sumo-Karngbaye rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown, and also contributed 14 catches for 69 yards and another touchdown.
Although Sumo-Karngbaye may now be the leading candidate for the starting role, Wilcox and Patterson are also vying for significant playing time. Patterson received praise from UK coaches during spring practice, and Wilcox stood out in the Wildcats’ first preseason scrimmage.
Boulware emphasized the group’s commitment to daily improvement, stating that they are focused on executing their roles effectively.
