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PrintLEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) -- Ohio State transfer Chip Trayanum's debut with Kentucky could be later than coach Mark Stoops and his staff originally anticipated.
According to Kentucky Sports Radio and Matt Jones, Trayanum has reportedly suffered a broken hand that could possibly force the senior running back to miss the next 3-4 weeks, including the team's season opener against Southern Mississippi on Aug. 31 and the first game of the Southeastern Conference slate the following week on Sept. 7. Both games are at Kroger Field.
"With the league games coming up so quick, you'd better be a little bit conscientious of how you're handling camp, what you're doing, where you're prioritizing your time, and making sure you're prepared to play some big games very early," Stoops said at SEC Media Days last month.
Stoops added that he likes the league schedule blends with the non-conference contests.
"The last year we had the opportunity to play some non-conference games and build into it, and then, I'll be honest, it was pretty difficult to go seven or eight straight SEC games," he said. "That's a brutal stretch and takes its toll on you mentally and physically. This year it's mixed in a little bit better. And of course we always end the season with Louisville, and they had such a tremendous season, such a good program. They were very good last year. We were fortunate to go up on the road and beat them to cap the season. But that's tough after a tough SEC gauntlet."
The injury to Trayanum leaves the Wildcats thin on experience at running back. Freshman Tovani Mizell has been limited while nursing a knee injury in fall camp. Demi Sumo-Karnbaye, a North Carolina State transfer, will likely take the top slot until Trayanum returns from his hand injury. Jamarion Wilcox and Jason Patterson also are in the mix.
During a preseason scrimmage last week, Wilcox drew the attention of offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan.
"Jamarion Wilcox did a really nice job at running back and some of those other young running backs really got some opportunities to do some good things," Hamdan said. " ... "There's always been a level of toughness with him and there's always been, of all the backs, he's got that explosive play potential. Now, it just comes down to the scheme, knowing what to do on every play, not just some of those plays and just playing a little bit more consistent."
Although the backfield is full of question marks, Kentucky does have depth on the offensive line, which gives Hamdan confidence as he deals with preseason injuries.
"We've got good depth, certainly there is the comfort feelings about Eli Cox at center and the amount of games that he has played in," Hamdan said. "I certainly feel good about those guys, but we have a long way to go."
