Kentucky Football: The 4 Headed Beast

Enough of all the QB talk. We all know that it's going to be a down year at that spot. On to the next position, the HB spot.

That is a spot where you scratch your head and say "where do I start?". Now I know that Rafael Little has graduated and moved on to the NFL, however it will not be a down year with four could be starters.

I'll start with Tony Dixon. Dixon was not able to play much the last month of the 2007 season because of multiple injuries including anke, hip, and shoulder injuries. He was able to rush for 411 yards on 72 attempts. In his 2006 season, Dixon rushed for 303 yards on 87 attempts. He also had a hamstring strain in 2006. In 2005 he missed the whole year because of a broken bone in his leg. In 2004, he rushed for 244 yards on 54 attempts.  

The next in the stable is Alfonso Smith. Smith played in all but 3 games last year due to ankle injury. Smith rushed for 152 yards on 21 attempt in 2007. In 2006, Smith rushed 60 times for 250 yards. Smith red shirted his freshman year. He is one of the fastest players in the SEC clocking in at a 4.24 40 yard dash.

Running right behind them is Moncell Allen. Allen was not only at the HB spot but also the FB and on Special Teams. He played the first part of the year in a cast due to a broken thumb in August camp. Allen rushed for 45 yards on 11 attempts.

Last but not least is Derrick Locke. Locke is not only a football player but a very good track runner also. On his first year wearing the UK blue and white, Locke played a huge role in upsetting LSU and helping guide them to victory over Arkansas and Vandy.  Unofficially clocked racing a team-mate in the 40, Locke sit a very impressive time, clocking in a 4.21 in the 40 yard dash. Locke rushed for 536 yards on 94 attempts in 2007. Derrick Locke is a 2007 Most Outstanding First-Year Player by Uk coaches. A 2008 NCAA Indoor Field and Track All- American. A 2008 All-SEC Indoor Freshman Athlete of the Year and SEC All-Freshman team for outdoor track and field.

This is going to be a very impressive HB rotation. Probably the most talented of the 4 will be Derrick Locke. He should have a huge year, and all the coaches and fans hope the same.