Kentucky Running Back Ramon Jefferson Granted Seventh Year of Eligibility

The Wildcats will welcome back another established veteran to the RB room in 2023.

Kentucky football is welcoming back a veteran bruiser to the running back position for the 2023 season. 

Sam Houston State transfer Ramon Jefferson has been granted a seventh season of eligibility and will be back for his second season at UK. The news was first reported by Kentucky Sports Radio. 

After accumulating 1,155 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Bearkats in 2021, Jefferson took the next step for what was thought to be his last year of collegiate football. He transferred to Lexington in what was considered a home run addition to the RB room. 

Jefferson was expected to play a big role in UK's running game, especially early, as starter Chris Rodriguez Jr was unavailable to play in the team's first four games.

Longtime Wildcat Kavosiey Smoke was named the starter for the week one matchup against Miami (OH), but many saw Jefferson as the eventual No. 2 upon Rodriguez's return. 

Plans were quickly derailed, as on Jefferson's second carry of the season, he went down with a torn ACL in hid right knee, ending his 2022 season in the blink of an eye. There was no update for some time on whether or not a medical year would be given to the Bronx, N.Y. native, but things began pointing towards the right direction at the end of the year. 

Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello was relieved of his duties after one season as the Wildcats' play-caller. In his place, head coach Mark Stoops lured former OC Liam Coen back to the Bluegrass. 

When speaking with reporters at his re-introductory press conference on Jan. 12, Coen mentioned his established relationship with Jefferson, as he recruited the RB to come play at Maine back in 2017, when he was still the OC.  

The addition of Jefferson to UK's running back room is more than welcomed, as he'll likely tandem with Vanderbilt transfer Ray Davis, who's projected to earn the "RB1" opportunity after rushing for 1,042 yards for the Commodores last season.

Also returning is senior JuTahn McClain, who emerged as Rodriguez's backup down the stretch of the 2022 season, garnering 278 yards. Redshirt sophomore La'Vell Wright is also back after seeing sparse carries throughout last year. 

Everything’s a go 💫 pic.twitter.com/CdnSKoiuXo

— Ramon Jefferson (@Jefferson1Ramon) February 14, 2023

Spring ball is right around the corner as Jefferson continues to rehab his season-ending injury. 

Projecting every SEC team's starting QB in 2023.

Kentucky landed a 4-star defensive lineman on National Signing Day. More HERE.

WATCH: Kentucky football's transfer portal signees speak to the media

Devin Leary discusses his decision to transfer to Kentucky HERE.

Ray Davis isn't following former Kentucky RB's footsteps. More HERE.

Kentucky's transfer portal tracker can be found HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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