Between the Tackles: Developing Kentucky Backs to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're heading to the offensive side of the ball to highlight a group of talented backs who are having good seasons and could be names to watch as we head into the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1274303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ace8afd36045"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Ladd is a 2-way player who I like more on the offensive side of the ball. He's got elite twitch and agility with a quick burst and acceleration. He has an extra gear with the ball in his hands and can make guys miss in space. He had 2 rushing TDs last week and should continue to find ways to make plays. I would do my best to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. He's definitely someone worth watching the highlights on, and the explosiveness speaks for itself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2066932"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ace8afd360b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Kennedy is a versatile back with good speed and vision. He's a patient runner who does a good job seeing lanes develop and finding ways to get upfield. He's also got good hands and can be a receiving threat out of the backfield. He put up over 1,700 yards and 23 TDs in year 2 and is continuing to build on that in year 3. He's coming off another 150-yard game, and I like the versatility he brings and the way he's continued to produce. He also added a 54-yard pick-six on the defensive side. He's a fast-rising back in the class who is starting to put together an impressive body of work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1023199"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ace8afd36102"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Thomas continues to develop and be hyper-productive week after week. He's a threat to score anytime he touches the ball and has good vision and acceleration. He put up 1,600 yards and 25 TDs last year and is on pace to blow those numbers out of the water in year 2. He rushed for 168 yards and 3 TDs on Friday, then added a kickoff return for a TD. I like the way he continues to find ways to make plays and impact the game in all three phases. He's a stud playmaker who should be getting more respect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1665991"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ace8afd36154"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Barber is a dynamic back who has flashed this year. He's got good speed and can bounce it to the outside when he sees a crease. He's shifty in short areas and has the ability to make guys miss in space. He had a TD on the ground and then returned a kick for a TD on Friday. I like the playmaking ability he brings, and he's starting to show what he can do with the ball in his hands, which is right on track with what you hope for with a 2nd-year player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2211921"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ace8afd3619d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Bailey is a talented young back who runs hard and plays with good pad level. He's got the ability to break tackles and does a good job fighting through contact. He's having a good freshman year, rotating in and getting work while continuing to flash almost every week. He added 2 TDs last week and is starting to gain more reps and confidence. I like what I'm seeing from him early on, and he's a young back who could take another step as his role continues to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->