Three backs, one ball

[WildcatRick]

With Little, Dixon first two options, talented Smith trying to find room to run

By Chip Cosby

Alfonso Smith hears it all the time.

Smith is Kentucky's third-string tailback. Yet friends, family members and teammates constantly are telling him that he is good enough to be a starter. It's a point that's hard to argue.

As far as pure speed, you're not going to find many backs faster than Smith. He ran a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash on Pro Day last spring.

He also produces. Last year, when starter Rafael Little and backup Tony Dixon were out with injuries, Smith ran for a team-high 92 yards and caught two passes for 57 yards in UK's 34-31 win at Mississippi State. The victory sparked a Wildcat turnaround down the stretch that resulted in a Music City Bowl trophy.

Yet these days Smith goes into every game not knowing for sure how many carries he will get -- if he gets any at all.

http://www.kentucky.com/295/story/176315.html

[gerntz]

I really like how we've been using our RB assets. After a PR, Dixon relieves RL for a few downs & then AS comes in as another change of pace usually in 2nd H. If any falter, we do have the added options.

[Bogey1964]

Just my opinion. As good as Little and Dixon are, which is pretty awesome, I think Alphonso Smith will be better than both when he gets the full time job next year. Also, have you seen how he sells out on the kick off and punt teams? He is always the first around the ball. He just does his job to help UK become better and doesnt complain!! This in no means is a smack to Little and Dixon. I just love the brutal power, speed, and heart this kid plays with.

[MudCat]

I really like Smith's attitude about the situation. He knows his time will come, and he competes very hard when he does get opportunities.

Also, he's putting a lot of effort into special teams. They mentioned it in the article, but watch him on kickoff coverage. He's always one of the first (if not the first) down to try and make a play on the return man.