Former Kentucky running back Raymond Sanders is loving the magical ride that the Wildcats have been on lately. Stoops’ Troops are flying high after disposing of Penn State in the Citrus Bowl to pick up their 10th win of the season. It marked the first time that the program has secured 10 wins since 1977. But the turn around didn’t happen overnight.
“We knew we were going to sacrifice to see this day,” Sanders recalls. “Nobody will say this, but our group was the one asking for the nutrition and facilities, because we knew they were behind. Not in a disrespectful manner. Just asking and they listened. We knew it took time and we wouldn’t be able to reap those things.”
Sanders, who came to Lexington from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, GA, played most of his college career under coach Joker Phillips. Mark Stoops was brought in to run the team prior to his senior year.
“I respect Joker and we never talk bad about him,” he explains. “I felt like we just didn’t have the facilities and things to compete. I think us losing hurt a lot. But it all happened for a reason.”
Sanders, along with the other returning players, accepted the new staff and their plans to build for the future.
“So the new coaches came and were cool. You can see the vision. We were bought in and helping with recruiting, etc. We wanted to do our part to change the culture.”
Part of changing the culture was doing something that hadn’t been done in 26 years. Something that Sanders considers to be his most memorable moment from his time at Kentucky.
“My favorite memory has to be when we beat Tennessee without a QB,” he remembers for many reasons. “That was the year I tore my meniscus in both knees and was able to play towards the end of the year. We wanted to make sure they didn’t go to a bowl game and we made it happen.”
“It was special because it was the start of the barriers being broken now. So it felt great to be a part of history. The rivalry made it even more sweet.”
When it comes to the current state of Wildcat football and it’s fan base, Sanders had one final message for the Big Blue Nation.
“Stay encouraged and stay believing. This year, we had people upset during the season. “Let’s stay encouraged and cheer on more history. We have the best fans in the world. Continue to show that. Go CATS!”
