Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez returning to UK instead of entering NFL Draft
Chris Rodriguez will be the starting running back at Kentucky in 2022.
Rodriguez, a junior, announced Monday via a “public service announcement” from Kroger Field shared by UK Football’s Twitter account that he will return for his fourth year of college eligibility at Kentucky.
“BBN, let’s run it back,” Rodriguez said before a short highlight reel of his plays at Kentucky followed.
His decision means that UK will return its starting quarterback and leading rusher next season. Wildcats quarterback Will Levis announced prior to the Citrus Bowl that he would be returning for a second season at UK after transferring from Penn State over the summer.
Rodriguez in the 2021 season rushed for 1,345 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. If he puts together a similar campaign in 2022, he’ll have a chance to pass Benny Snell as the school’s all-time leading rusher; Snell, behind whom Rodriguez was a reserve in 2018, finished his career with 3,873 yards. Rodriguez sits at 2,738, meaning he’d need to rush for 1,134 yards next season to eclipse Snell.
“When I signed at UK, my goals were to re-write the record books and be the first in my family to graduate from college,” Rodriguez wrote in a social media post. “I’m so close to accomplishing both of those goals and because of that, I would like to announce that I will be coming back for another year!”
Ball security was a concern for Rodriguez throughout the season, but particularly early. He lost three of six fumbles, four of which occurred in two games (against Missouri and at South Carolina). He was the leading receiver among running backs and among the team leaders in receptions after reeling in 13 passes for 61 yards and three touchdowns.
Sophomores Torrance Davis and Travis Tisdale entered the NCAA transfer portal, but Kentucky should again be deep at running back next season if no other players depart. Kavosiey Smoke, who had 416 yards and four TDs on 81 carries this season, will also be a senior in 2022. JuTahn McClain showed promise as a true sophomore down the stretch, especially as a pass catcher. True freshman La’Vell Wright made the most of his light work, rushing for 118 yards and a TD on nine carries. Michael Drennen, listed on UK’s roster as an athlete, could continue working with the running backs depending on its needs elsewhere. UK did not sign any running backs as part of its 2022 class.
A former three-star prospect out of Georgia, Rodriguez could actually play up to two more years at Kentucky if he were to take advantage of the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver for the 2023 season.
This story was originally published January 10, 2022 at 4:35 PM.
