Jo Jo Kemp

[JC CATS]

Jo Jo kind of disappeared last season as the season wore on. He almost beat SC by himself running the Wildcat. I have always liked Kemp's style. He was behind Boom, Heard, and Horton last season. Will he contribute more this season with the addition of King or will he be the odd man out. Dawson has stated he like to work his # 1 back.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I think it will be a 3-headed monster with Boom, Kemp, and Horton. With the carry rankings in the same order. King will get a few carries here or there but not nearly as much as the first 3.

 

[Brock28]

Kemp got in the bad graces of the coaching staff last year. By all accounts he's came in with a better work ethic this year. He's out of the doghouse, and should see plenty action.

 

[gg4uk]

Kemp was also banged up last year. I forget the details but IIRC he had issues cutting.

 

[FtWorthCat]

The game he had against South Carolina was one of the best individual performances in UK history in my opinion.

 

[EKCAT4YRS]

I think Kemp is just as talented as Boom,, what the problem was last year idk but but I expect a big year from him this year!

 

[DaBossIsBack]

Kemp's ankles aren't what they used to be. He has had to change his running style because of this set back. He will get his chance this year. He is still valuable running down hill and north\south.

 

[hmt5000]

He's a 1 cut back and he tries to dance too much sometimes. Chad Scott has said that he's been working with him to make his cut and get up field instead of dancing in the hole.

 

[UKSanders]

He's a 1 cut back and he tries to dance too much sometimes. Chad Scott has said that he's been working with him to make his cut and get up field instead of dancing in the hole.

This is exactly what I've read from the coaches' comments. Even Kemp has stated he could see the player develop better from the wildcat. So, it appears his biggest problem has been vision/lack of confidence in his blockers. The good news is experience and work ethic may have overcome that.

 

[Poetax]

I think it will be a 3-headed monster with Boom, Kemp, and Horton. With the carry rankings in the same order. King will get a few carries here or there but not nearly as much as the first 3.

If we get through a season with only a 3 headed monster we would be very lucky. The SEC can be very hard on QBs, RBs, and Receivers.

 

[Chad Rock]

Jo Jo kind of disappeared last season as the season wore on. He almost beat SC by himself running the Wildcat. I have always liked Kemp's style. He was behind Boom, Heard, and Horton last season. Will he contribute more this season with the addition of King or will he be the odd man out. Dawson has stated he like to work his # 1 back.

While it's nice in theory to utilize first string for most plays, running back especially in the SEC is not one of them. All 4 will play this year, however, it appears Boom is 1. For those that recall the 2007 game at Arkansas, Little was hurt, Dixon was hurt, Smith turned an ankle and true freshman Locke came in and delivered some nice runs. He also took a few good shots helmet to helmet and at one point, I thought he'd be over on the sideline with the rest.

I think back on that game and wish things turned out better with Mobley and Heard for this year but alas, decisions were made and we have 4 really good options and walk on Mahone.

 

[irishcat1965]

I think King will be on the field more than many think. He is an outstanding talent.

 

[UKwannabe]

From my understanding, Kemp had some off the field issues last year that weren't publicized. Nothing major, but enough to let Heard, Boom, and Horton take his snaps.