Kavosiey Smoke Children: Does Kavosiey Smoke Have Kids?

It’s not like Smoke is exactly a common last name either, but for a running back whose breakaway speed has already plagued opposing defenses in limited action, it seems more fitting.

Smoke blazed his way to a 37-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the 2018 Governor’s Cup rivalry game after Kentucky had cleared its bench to allow some of the players redshirting to take advantage of the NCAA’s new rule allowing up to four appearances without losing a year of eligibility.

That cameo was enough to excite Kentucky fans and coaches heading into an offseason in which the team would look to replace all-time leading rusher Benny Snell with a three-headed running back committee.

“That’s the nice thing about that rule change a year ago, with the four-game — you got to see him in games,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said after one preseason scrimmage. “That’s helpful. We have high hopes for him. He looks good.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Sports Illustrated

Smoke showed off his speed again in the 2019 spring game, totaling 132 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. One of his scores came on an 87-yard run.

Against Toledo, Smoke initially appeared on pace for an output more typically associated with a team’s No. 2 running back until he sprinted 40 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown to give Kentucky a 31-17 lead with 8:26 remaining.

There appears to be room for more growth as Smoke has yet to catch a pass even though offensive coordinator Eddie Gran called him the best route runner of the three running backs in preseason practice.
“He’s got unbelievable hands,” Gran said.