The University of Kentucky has had some very impressive running backs over the years. However, Alfred Rawls’ journey to UK and his time while there is inspiring, and a reminder that life doesn’t always go how you plan, but it can still be rewarding and joyful.
Alfred Rawls had a promising high school career. He grew up in Georgia and had offers from multiple big-name schools, impressing them with his speed and skill. Rawls broke Herschel Walker’s record in the 100-yard dash during his time in high school. Rawls overall goal though was to play for Georgia.
Unfortunately for Rawls, Georgia did not feel as though he was quite ready to play for them. They proposed that Rawls spend his first two years of college at a JUCO to gain some more experience and get stronger, before coming to their program. So, Rawls headed to Northeast Oklahoma Junior College. After spending two years playing for their program, he was ready to head to Georgia, and live out his dream. However, Georgia did not need him. Rawls recalls how they explained to him that they were comfortable with their current team and no longer need him. That sent Rawls looking for a different school, and UK came into the picture.
When Rawls was first deciding where to go to college after high school, UK was not even in his top five, which was Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, Florida, and Texas. But once he had his JUCO experience and needed a new program to play for, he found UK. Rawls recalls watching film of the UK team while on his visit there and saying that he could beat out the other running backs to play. So, he decided to go to UK, despite his hatred of the cold weather.
Rawls enjoyed his time at UK, finding his place there and finding a new family. He says that the people around him really made Kentucky feel like home. He even got to play Georgia, the school that turned him down, and showed them what they missed out on, by rushing more than 100 years that game, and scoring the 48-yard game winning touchdown. Rawls says that that was one of the greatest moments in his athletic career.
Rawls would go on to be the 26th all time UK rushing leader but ranks number one for players who only played two seasons.
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