After spending four years as a star in Wetumpka, Kavosiey Smoke has taken his talents north to join the University of Kentucky football team. With the college season beginning soon, Smoke said the challenges of playing in the SEC have made the move more difficult.
“It’s a big transition,” Smoke said. “Everyone is bigger and faster. You have to be tough to be able to play in this conference.”
Smoke received All-State honors for his senior season with the Indians and was a big reason why the Indians advanced to the Class 6A state championship in 2017. He rushed for 1,508 yards and finished with 28 touchdowns last season. Now, Smoke returns to the bottom of the totem pole and will try to work his way back up in the nation’s toughest conference.
Smoke said the heavier workload was expected but there are still major differences in practices at the collegiate level. Smoke said he is rated on everything he does in practice, from blocking to ball security.
“The way you train is just different,” he said. “They grade you for missing assignments or not going full speed. They push you.”
After four years of working under Wetumpka coach Tim Perry, Smoke said he was well-prepared for the intensity.
During the offseason, Smoke suffered an injury to his meniscus that needed surgery. He said he stayed focused on the recovery and pushed back to practice in just two weeks. Shortly after his return, Smoke played in the team’s first fall scrimmage as one of the top three running backs.
Smoke currently sits fourth on the depth chart for the Wildcats. Star running back Benny Snell will see most of the rushing load for Kentucky, which could force Smoke into a limited role.
However, with the new NCAA rule, Smoke can play in up to four games this season while still being redshirted for his first year on campus. He said he has objectives he needs to meet at the college level but he already has bigger goals for the future.
“I definitely want to get my degree and build relationships with my teammates,” Smoke said. “I also want to play at the next level. Everybody wants to go to the NFL.”
Smoke and the Wildcats will begin their season Sept. 1 with a home game against Central Michigan.
