July 15, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Additional evaluation has confirmed that Kentucky sophomore running back Josh Clemons has incurred an Achilles tendon injury. He will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the 2013 season.

“We are extremely disappointed for Josh because he has worked so hard and come so far,” Coach Mark Stoops said. “He ran well during the spring and was eager to contribute this season. We are hopeful for a full recovery and look forward to his return to the field.”

Clemons played in the first six games of the 2011 season and was leading the team in rushing when he had a knee injury that ended that season. He rushed for 279 yards and two touchdowns that year, with both TDs marking game-winning scores. He opened the season with a 14-yard touchdown run that was the go-ahead score in the win over WKU.  His top game came against Central Michigan, when he rushed for 126 yards, including an 87-yard dash that put the Wildcats ahead for good. The 87-yard TD run was the longest by a Wildcat since 1970, the fourth-longest in UK history, the longest ever by a UK freshman and the longest in Commonwealth Stadium history. He was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week for that performance.

The necessity of rehabilitation from the knee injury kept him on the sidelines during the 2012 season. He was able to return for 2013 spring practice and looked much like the form he showed during his freshman year.  He rushed 10 times for 56 yards and caught two passes during the Blue/White Game.