Baxter, Skinner Get Redemption in Season Opener
Saturday’s season opener proved to be a game of redemption for a pair of Kentucky football players, but for different reasons.
Running back C.J. Baxter missed the entire 2024 season due to injury and missed four games while injured last season at Texas. While Baxter was limited on in Saturday’s win over Youngstown State, he did rush nine times for 48 yards and two touchdowns. He reached the end zone for the first time since 2023 and admitted that it felt great.
“It felt amazing. All the work I put in, I feel like it paid off,” Baxter said. “So, that was the best part of it. It was amazing.”
Baxter admitted that, after all he has battled through the last two seasons, it was emotional for him to get into the end zone.”
“It was great. A lot of emotions,” he said. “I blew my mom a kiss because I knew where she was. So, it was great.”
What made Saturday’s contest even better for Baxter was the atmosphere inside Kroger Field.
“The atmosphere was amazing,” Baxter said. “Seeing all the fans, my family was here. So, just getting back into that was super great.”
Tight end Mikkel Skinner’s redemption came in another form. As a freshman last season, Skinner played in four games and did not catch a pass. He admits that he was frustrated with the situation.
“I think I should have played last year, but I had a lot to learn,” Skinner said. “And, behind the veterans, I was behind (Josh) Kattus and Willie (Rodriguez), I learned a lot.”
On Saturday, Skinner was very much involved in UK’s offensive attack. He caught four passes for 61 yards and his first career touchdown, something he admitted felt great.
“I’m still young but I’ve got to grow up fast and make plays like I did,” Skinner said. “To score my first touchdown, that meant a lot and it felt great being out there.”
Skinner also had one carry for three yards. While he had not carried the ball in college, it’s a position that comes naturally to him.
“I played running back before I played receiver,” Skinner said. “I love going back to my old (position). The difference in my body feeling for running back is totally different, so that’s why I love being a receiver.”
Both Baxter and Skinner were able to get a bit of redemption on Saturday. Now, it’s on to the Southeastern Conference opener against Alabama this weekend.
