1/11/2023 football Edit

Colorado adds veteran Kentucky transfer running back Kavosiey Smoke

Matt Moreno • CUSportsReport

Recruiting Analyst

Matt began his career at Rivals in 2011 as recruiting editor and then publisher for Arizona affiliate, GOAZCATS.com. In 2022, he moved into an expanded role covering Pac-12 recruiting for Rivals.

Colorado added its sixth top-200 transfer of the offseason Wednesday after Kentucky running back Kavosiey Smoke announced his decision with a video posted to social media. The senior from Wetumpka, Alabama spent five seasons with the Wildcats rushing for 1,583 yards and 13 touchdowns during that time.

In all, the high three-star transfer played in 46 games while in Lexington and made five starts in that span, including four starts during the 2022 season.

Smoke wrapped up the season with 277 yards rushing on 59 carries to go with a rushing touchdown.

The 5-foot-9 senior averaged over 5 yards per carry while at UK.

Smoke visited Troy prior to taking a visit to Boulder over the weekend leading to his decision Wednesday.

His addition helps strengthen a running back group at CU that already received a boost earlier in the offseason when Rivals250 recruit Dylan Edwards joined the program as one of the top new commits.

Smoke has one season of eligibility left after redshirting as a freshman in 2018.

Colorado now holds commitments or has signed six of the top-200 transfer players in the Rivals rankings. The group is led by receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (No. 1/Jackson State) and includes safety Myles Slusher (No. 33/Arkansas) quarterback Shedeur Sanders (No. 99/Jackson State), linebacker LaVonta Bentley (No. 178/Clemson) and receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (No. 189/South Florida) in addition to Smoke, who checks in at No. 146 on the list.