by LARRY VAUGHT
He became the first freshman to lead Kentucky in rushing since 2000 with 100 carries for 482 yards in 2013 that included 80 yards on five carries in a loss to Louisville. His most memorable game at UK came in his sophomore season when he had 17 carries for 131 yards and three touchdowns mainly out of the Wildcat formation in an upset win over South Carolina.
Count Kemp, who will have a youth football camp in Lexington on June 13th at Tates Creek High School, as a fan of new UK coach Will Stein.
“What I really like about him is that he has allowed former guys (players) to be part of the program. He has kept the doors open to us,” Kemp said. “I was worried about that at the beginning. I didn’t know what to expect but everything has been on the up and up. He has made us (former players) feel welcome.”
Kemp came to Kentucky as coach Mark Stoops was starting his rebuilding job and helped Kentucky get to the TaxSlayer Bowl in 2016.
“The mission and the goal are the same now. Just elevated it more. The expectations are a lot greater now than when we came in,” Kemp said. “When we came in, it was all about getting to a bowl game and having a winning season.
“The culture has changed and the goal now is way beyond just a winning season. We are not trying to just go bowling but hopefully contend for a playoff spot.”
Players also were not paid when Kemp played but he’s happy players now do get money and endorsements.
“It’s a different time. I wish we had NIL but today is far better for the players and I like that,” Kemp said.
