Smith Wants UK Running Backs to Be 'Heartbeat of the Offense'

Kentucky running backs coach Kolby Smith knows what he expects from his players. And he knows what he wants them to produce.

Smith met with the UK media for the first time on Tuesday and he made no bones about what he’s expecting from the Cats’ backfield this, and every year.

“I want to be the heartbeat of the offense,” Smith said. “I want the offense to center around us. I want us to be effective, to average four to five yards per carry. I want to be able to have 80 percent or better in short yardage situations. I want to be able to score red zone touchdowns and be effective. I want the defenses that we face every year to know that they’ve got to game plan for our running game.”

The running back room got a big boost when UK added Texas transfer CJ Baxter and Oklahoma transfer Jovantae Barnes. However, both of those players are seeing limited action in the spring. How can Smith and the Kentucky staff help Baxter and Barnes if they aren’t participating in every practice?

“We’re doing a great job of training their eyes and their mind in the meeting room,” Smith said. “Making sure they know all the signals. Then, understanding where they need to be, where they fit in the passing game and understanding how we’re building angles for them in the running game. They’re not out there on the field, but their leadership shows up in the meeting room and it’s great for the other guys.”

Kentucky also returns Jason Patterson, who has 77 carries and 336 yards in two seasons at UK. Smith likes what he has seen from Patterson this spring, but believes there’s even more that the redshirt sophomore can bring.

“He’s smart. He knows all the signals,” Smith said. “He can get lined up on his own. But he has to work on his strain. I’m harping on him about that. I’ve got to see more. He has to push himself in order for him to get better. He doesn’t know how good he can be unless he gets right there to the edge and then go past the edge.”

The new UK staff has also been working with Martels Carter Jr. at the running back position, after Carter played exclusively as a defensive back last season. What did Smith see that made him want to try Carter in the offensive backfield?

“Just his skillset,” Smith said. “When we watched him catch punts, his movement skills were like, man, he could play running back. So, with (Baxter and Barnes) not on the practice field, this is a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills. And he’s a playmaker.”

Smith likes his group and he believes that they can be a key part of the UK offense this fall. He’s going to continue to develop each player in the room to make sure that the running game is the heartbeat of the offense.