Colorado’s backfield could be doing some serious damage to defensive fronts this fall.

Dylan Edwards, Alton McCaskill, Anthony Hankerson, Sy'veon Wilkerson and Kavosiey Smoke each have skill sets that could qualify them as a starting back. The underclassmen — Hankerson, McCaskill, Edwards and walk-on Charlie Offerdahl — are still developing, but the room overall possesses speed and power providing the Buffs’ offense with multiple options on the ground.

From an experience standpoint, it’s easy to point to Smoke and say he will be the starter. After six years in college (redshirted his freshman year at Kentucky), Smoke has picked up a move or two for breaking tackles, blocking blitzes and finding his way into the end zone.

Smoke stayed active in Kentucky’s rotation, but his most productive year came in 2019 when he rushed for 616 yards and 6 touchdowns. Last year he averaged 23.08 yards per game with a total 277 rushing yards on 58 attempts and 1 touchdown. He also had 3 receptions for 30 yards showing his ability to capitalize through the air as well.

Fellow Wildcats running back, Chris Rodriguez Jr. served as Kentucky’s primary back for the last three years. While Smoke was still getting carries, his compact build and low center of gravity came in at fullback.

McCaskill is a player who hasn’t even reached his full potential yet, and he already ran close to 1,000 yards in one season at the collegiate level.