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FPRC's 2014 Kentucky Wildcats Football Preview
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:35 pm
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:35 pm
The Football Power Rankings Committee presents to tRant:
2014 Kentucky Wildcats Football Preview
2013 Record: 2-10 (0-8)
On November 27, 2012, the University of Kentucky announced Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops as head coach. In Stoops' first season the Wildcats finished seventh in the East with a 0-8 conference record and 2-10 overall. Despite the record, there were improvements made on both sides of the ball, most notably on defense. Defensive ends Alvin "Bud" Dupree and Za'Darius Smith both finished the season with All-SEC honors. On offense the Cats, along with new offensive coordinator Neal Brown, managed to improve their offensive production from the 2012 season despite their youth, injuries, and installation of a new offensive scheme.
2014 Offensive Preview (7 returners)
The biggest change for the Wildcat offense in 2014 is who will be the new starting quarterback. With Jalen Whitlow’s transfer and Smith’s surgery, it’s likely we will see a new starter for UK in the fall. From all accounts the battle will come down to true freshman Drew Barker, sophomore Patrick Towles, and redshirt freshman Reese Phillips who all competed in the spring. Coach Stoops and offensive coordinator Neal Brown have been tight lipped regarding the QB battle, but the talk around the program is that either Towles or Phillips will start the season. Towles was featured as the top QB at UK’s spring game, was the most consistent of the bunch, and to our knowledge, is leading the battle. Phillips has good poise and accuracy but also the potential to make a move before the first game. Barker is very talented but raw, and would likely be better served to redshirt the season. Smith could still be a wild card if his strength continues to improve as he returns to fall practice due to his experience in the system and on the field. So far the coaches have given no definite timeline for naming a starter but would like to before the season opener.
Whoever wins the quarterback race will have talented corps at wide receiver and running back along with two experienced tight ends. The top returners at wide receiver are seniors Javess Blue, Demarco Robinson and sophomores Ryan Timmons and Jeff Badet. Blue, Timmons, and Badet all showed they had big playmaking potential in 2013 but will be pushed by incoming freshman and early enrollees Thaddeus Snodgrass and TV Williams who have a chance at breaking into the rotation early. The running back position will be the deepest and most talented position on the field for Kentucky next season with some notable returns, transfers, and freshman additions to add to the return of leading rusher, sophomore Jojo Kemp. Nebraska transfer and spring game standout junior Braylon Heard is now eligible to play. He rushed for 452 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his two years with the Huskers. Brown will also take a look at incoming freshman running backs Mikel Horton and Stanley “Boom” Williams to possibly contribute to the rotation. The most notable return is junior Josh Clemons who has been out since 2011 due to both a knee and an achilles tendon injury. In 2011 he rushed for 279 yards and looked as good in the spring as he has since before his injuries.
Coaches are also optimistic about the potential improvement across the offensive line. The line returns 4 starters including senior Darian Miller at left tackle, junior Zach West at left guard, Jordan Swindle at right tackle, and center Jon Toth. Backing them up will be four players with game time experience. Redshirt freshman Ramsey Meyers is likely to start at right guard after stepping up in spring practice and setting himself apart at the position. Multiple redshirt freshmen and incoming freshmen will also be competing for playing time as well.
2014 Defensive Preview (8 returners)
Wildcat fans and DC DJ Eliot were excited to hear at the end of the 2013 season that both ALL-SEC DEs Alvin “Bud” Dupree and Za’Darius Smith would forgo the NFL Draft and return to Kentucky for their senior seasons. The two seniors will be the anchors to Eliot’s 4-3 defense along with the assistance of junior Farrington Huguenin and sophomore Jason Hatcher. The Cats find themselves rebuilding at defensive tackle after the departures of Donte Rumph and Mister Cobble. Seniors Mike Douglas and Christian Coleman will provide veteran experience along with JUCO transfer CJ Johnson. In the 4-2-5, Blake McCain will step in as nickleback. Safety Eric Dixon and Marcus McWilson will also play at the nickel position. Junior Khalid Henderson is the top returner at LB with senior TraVaughn Pascal also providing experience at the position. Junior Josh Forrest made a strong push in the spring to secure a starting spot at MLB. Coaches have also been pleased with junior Daron Blaylock’s move from safety to linebacker in the spring.
Despite being arguably Kentucky’s thinnest position in 2013, the spring has shown there is some healthy competition at CB going into the 2014 season. Returning senior starters Nate Willis and Fred Tiller have received stout competition from junior Cody Quinn who, as a part-time starter last season, totaled 3 pass break ups. After a redshirt year, sophomore JD Harmon also returns to the team in the hopes of providing much needed depth at CB along with fellow sophomore Jaleel Hytchye. Senior starting safety Ashley Lowery will be joined by JUCO transfer AJ Stamps at the safety position. After breaking up nine passes with East Mississippi CC last season, Stamps had a great transition to the FBS level this spring.
2014 Kentucky Wildcats Football Preview
2013 Record: 2-10 (0-8)
On November 27, 2012, the University of Kentucky announced Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops as head coach. In Stoops' first season the Wildcats finished seventh in the East with a 0-8 conference record and 2-10 overall. Despite the record, there were improvements made on both sides of the ball, most notably on defense. Defensive ends Alvin "Bud" Dupree and Za'Darius Smith both finished the season with All-SEC honors. On offense the Cats, along with new offensive coordinator Neal Brown, managed to improve their offensive production from the 2012 season despite their youth, injuries, and installation of a new offensive scheme.
2014 Offensive Preview (7 returners)
The biggest change for the Wildcat offense in 2014 is who will be the new starting quarterback. With Jalen Whitlow’s transfer and Smith’s surgery, it’s likely we will see a new starter for UK in the fall. From all accounts the battle will come down to true freshman Drew Barker, sophomore Patrick Towles, and redshirt freshman Reese Phillips who all competed in the spring. Coach Stoops and offensive coordinator Neal Brown have been tight lipped regarding the QB battle, but the talk around the program is that either Towles or Phillips will start the season. Towles was featured as the top QB at UK’s spring game, was the most consistent of the bunch, and to our knowledge, is leading the battle. Phillips has good poise and accuracy but also the potential to make a move before the first game. Barker is very talented but raw, and would likely be better served to redshirt the season. Smith could still be a wild card if his strength continues to improve as he returns to fall practice due to his experience in the system and on the field. So far the coaches have given no definite timeline for naming a starter but would like to before the season opener.
Whoever wins the quarterback race will have talented corps at wide receiver and running back along with two experienced tight ends. The top returners at wide receiver are seniors Javess Blue, Demarco Robinson and sophomores Ryan Timmons and Jeff Badet. Blue, Timmons, and Badet all showed they had big playmaking potential in 2013 but will be pushed by incoming freshman and early enrollees Thaddeus Snodgrass and TV Williams who have a chance at breaking into the rotation early. The running back position will be the deepest and most talented position on the field for Kentucky next season with some notable returns, transfers, and freshman additions to add to the return of leading rusher, sophomore Jojo Kemp. Nebraska transfer and spring game standout junior Braylon Heard is now eligible to play. He rushed for 452 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his two years with the Huskers. Brown will also take a look at incoming freshman running backs Mikel Horton and Stanley “Boom” Williams to possibly contribute to the rotation. The most notable return is junior Josh Clemons who has been out since 2011 due to both a knee and an achilles tendon injury. In 2011 he rushed for 279 yards and looked as good in the spring as he has since before his injuries.
Coaches are also optimistic about the potential improvement across the offensive line. The line returns 4 starters including senior Darian Miller at left tackle, junior Zach West at left guard, Jordan Swindle at right tackle, and center Jon Toth. Backing them up will be four players with game time experience. Redshirt freshman Ramsey Meyers is likely to start at right guard after stepping up in spring practice and setting himself apart at the position. Multiple redshirt freshmen and incoming freshmen will also be competing for playing time as well.
2014 Defensive Preview (8 returners)
Wildcat fans and DC DJ Eliot were excited to hear at the end of the 2013 season that both ALL-SEC DEs Alvin “Bud” Dupree and Za’Darius Smith would forgo the NFL Draft and return to Kentucky for their senior seasons. The two seniors will be the anchors to Eliot’s 4-3 defense along with the assistance of junior Farrington Huguenin and sophomore Jason Hatcher. The Cats find themselves rebuilding at defensive tackle after the departures of Donte Rumph and Mister Cobble. Seniors Mike Douglas and Christian Coleman will provide veteran experience along with JUCO transfer CJ Johnson. In the 4-2-5, Blake McCain will step in as nickleback. Safety Eric Dixon and Marcus McWilson will also play at the nickel position. Junior Khalid Henderson is the top returner at LB with senior TraVaughn Pascal also providing experience at the position. Junior Josh Forrest made a strong push in the spring to secure a starting spot at MLB. Coaches have also been pleased with junior Daron Blaylock’s move from safety to linebacker in the spring.
Despite being arguably Kentucky’s thinnest position in 2013, the spring has shown there is some healthy competition at CB going into the 2014 season. Returning senior starters Nate Willis and Fred Tiller have received stout competition from junior Cody Quinn who, as a part-time starter last season, totaled 3 pass break ups. After a redshirt year, sophomore JD Harmon also returns to the team in the hopes of providing much needed depth at CB along with fellow sophomore Jaleel Hytchye. Senior starting safety Ashley Lowery will be joined by JUCO transfer AJ Stamps at the safety position. After breaking up nine passes with East Mississippi CC last season, Stamps had a great transition to the FBS level this spring.
1
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:36 pm to The Nino
Special Teams Preview
On Special Teams, Kentucky returns starters at all specialist positions except PK. Junior Landon Foster returns as punter after averaging 42 yards per punt the past two seasons. In 2013, wide receivers Javess Blue and Demarco Robinson handled return duties but the coaching staff is looking to add others into the rotation. Redshirt freshman Austin MacGinnis will take over kickoff, field goal, and PAT duties.
2014 Schedule
08/30/14 vs. UT Martin
09/06/14 vs. Ohio
09/13/14 @ Florida
09/20/14 BYE
09/27/14 vs. Vanderbilt
10/04/14 vs. South Carolina
10/11/14 vs. ULM
10/18/14 @ LSU
10/25/14 vs. Mississippi State
11/01/14 @ Missouri
11/08/14 vs. Georgia
11/15/14 @ Tennessee
11/22/14 BYE
11/29/14 @ Louisville
The Kentucky vs. Louisville game, which has traditionally been played within the first three games of the season, is now the finale of the regular season for both teams. The Tennessee game, which was traditionally played on the final weekend of the season, will now be played the week before the Louisville game. This season will be the first since 1953 that Vanderbilt and Kentucky have not faced off in the month of November.
Kentucky's BYE weeks are positioned favorably for the Cats since they come before critical games against Vanderbilt and Louisville. This also gives Kentucky an 8 game stretch without a break right in the thick of SEC play. The schedule is much more balanced than previous Kentucky schedules in terms of level of opponents as well as home and away stretches.
Keys to Success:
Consistent QB Play: Kentucky doesn't need a Johnny Manziel clone to be run OC Neal Brown's Air Raid offense with success. But they do need a QB who can consistently throw the ball downfield in order to open up the running game for a deep and talented running back corps.
Staying the Course: While Coach Stoops has gone a long way in bringing talent into the program, it's still a young and largely inexperienced team. There will undoubtedly be road bumps with a Top 10 strength of schedule, but the Cats will have to weather the storm in order to catch teams off-guard. As long as the Cats continue to work at improving the little things, wins will start to come.
Keys to Failure:
Injuries: At least three of Kentucky's WRs spent time in the training room this spring due to injury. As it stands, all are back and healthy, but Kentucky cannot afford any injuries at key positions. Especially on offense.
Overlooking Opponents Because of the Name on the Front of the Jersey: As Kentucky unfortunately saw in previous match-ups with Western Kentucky, just because you're an SEC team doesn't give you the auto-win over lower conference/division opponents. The Cats cannot afford to overlook teams such as Louisiana-Monroe, UT Martin, or Ohio if they want any shot at getting back to bowl eligibility by season's end.
Off-season Report
Kentucky had a productive offseason and spring signing the #22 recruiting class in the country (per 247.com), with 7 of those players coming in as early enrollees (QB Drew Barker, RB Mikel Horton, WR Thaddeus Snodgrass, WR TV Williams, ILB Dorian Hendrix, S AJ Stamps, and DT CJ Johnson) . It was a historic class for Kentucky with 6 of the players rated as 4 stars or higher at the time of signing and no player ranked lower than 3 stars. For the sake of comparison, Kentucky’s 2007 team that defeated #1 LSU and beat Florida State in the Music City Bowl contained four 4 star players total.
There was some significant movement at the QB position in the off-season with the departure of former starting QB Jalen Whitlow to Eastern Illinois. It has been rumored that change was due to the potential lack of playing time and a potential position change. QB Maxwell Smith also had a much needed shoulder surgery to address shoulder issues that plagued him throughout the 2013 season.
The only blight on the offseason was the arrest of sophomore DE Jason Hatcher for marijuana possession. Charges were dropped, but the lesson was learned that you never smoke weed with the enemy (in this case University of Louisville WR James Quick). Coach Stoops has stated that punishment will be handed internally.
Wrap-up
Stoop's first season may have been a bumpy ride but Kentucky fans have reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season. The Cats signed a Top 25 recruiting class (#22 on 247.com), and will have the great depth on both sides of the ball. While the Cats are still realistically a season away from returning to bowl eligibility, they look to at least double their 2013 win total and potentially break their winless in SEC play streak in 2014.
On Special Teams, Kentucky returns starters at all specialist positions except PK. Junior Landon Foster returns as punter after averaging 42 yards per punt the past two seasons. In 2013, wide receivers Javess Blue and Demarco Robinson handled return duties but the coaching staff is looking to add others into the rotation. Redshirt freshman Austin MacGinnis will take over kickoff, field goal, and PAT duties.
2014 Schedule
08/30/14 vs. UT Martin
09/06/14 vs. Ohio
09/13/14 @ Florida
09/20/14 BYE
09/27/14 vs. Vanderbilt
10/04/14 vs. South Carolina
10/11/14 vs. ULM
10/18/14 @ LSU
10/25/14 vs. Mississippi State
11/01/14 @ Missouri
11/08/14 vs. Georgia
11/15/14 @ Tennessee
11/22/14 BYE
11/29/14 @ Louisville
The Kentucky vs. Louisville game, which has traditionally been played within the first three games of the season, is now the finale of the regular season for both teams. The Tennessee game, which was traditionally played on the final weekend of the season, will now be played the week before the Louisville game. This season will be the first since 1953 that Vanderbilt and Kentucky have not faced off in the month of November.
Kentucky's BYE weeks are positioned favorably for the Cats since they come before critical games against Vanderbilt and Louisville. This also gives Kentucky an 8 game stretch without a break right in the thick of SEC play. The schedule is much more balanced than previous Kentucky schedules in terms of level of opponents as well as home and away stretches.
Keys to Success:
Consistent QB Play: Kentucky doesn't need a Johnny Manziel clone to be run OC Neal Brown's Air Raid offense with success. But they do need a QB who can consistently throw the ball downfield in order to open up the running game for a deep and talented running back corps.
Staying the Course: While Coach Stoops has gone a long way in bringing talent into the program, it's still a young and largely inexperienced team. There will undoubtedly be road bumps with a Top 10 strength of schedule, but the Cats will have to weather the storm in order to catch teams off-guard. As long as the Cats continue to work at improving the little things, wins will start to come.
Keys to Failure:
Injuries: At least three of Kentucky's WRs spent time in the training room this spring due to injury. As it stands, all are back and healthy, but Kentucky cannot afford any injuries at key positions. Especially on offense.
Overlooking Opponents Because of the Name on the Front of the Jersey: As Kentucky unfortunately saw in previous match-ups with Western Kentucky, just because you're an SEC team doesn't give you the auto-win over lower conference/division opponents. The Cats cannot afford to overlook teams such as Louisiana-Monroe, UT Martin, or Ohio if they want any shot at getting back to bowl eligibility by season's end.
Off-season Report
Kentucky had a productive offseason and spring signing the #22 recruiting class in the country (per 247.com), with 7 of those players coming in as early enrollees (QB Drew Barker, RB Mikel Horton, WR Thaddeus Snodgrass, WR TV Williams, ILB Dorian Hendrix, S AJ Stamps, and DT CJ Johnson) . It was a historic class for Kentucky with 6 of the players rated as 4 stars or higher at the time of signing and no player ranked lower than 3 stars. For the sake of comparison, Kentucky’s 2007 team that defeated #1 LSU and beat Florida State in the Music City Bowl contained four 4 star players total.
There was some significant movement at the QB position in the off-season with the departure of former starting QB Jalen Whitlow to Eastern Illinois. It has been rumored that change was due to the potential lack of playing time and a potential position change. QB Maxwell Smith also had a much needed shoulder surgery to address shoulder issues that plagued him throughout the 2013 season.
The only blight on the offseason was the arrest of sophomore DE Jason Hatcher for marijuana possession. Charges were dropped, but the lesson was learned that you never smoke weed with the enemy (in this case University of Louisville WR James Quick). Coach Stoops has stated that punishment will be handed internally.
Wrap-up
Stoop's first season may have been a bumpy ride but Kentucky fans have reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season. The Cats signed a Top 25 recruiting class (#22 on 247.com), and will have the great depth on both sides of the ball. While the Cats are still realistically a season away from returning to bowl eligibility, they look to at least double their 2013 win total and potentially break their winless in SEC play streak in 2014.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:37 pm to The Nino
quote:Best name in the SEC.
WR Thaddeus Snodgrass
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:38 pm to joeyb147
quote:Straight up
Thaddeus Snodgrass
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:40 pm to joeyb147
Chantel, the best coaches wife stripper name.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:48 pm to DoUrden
I could see Kentucky beating Vandy and Miss St this year in Lexington.
5-7 is possible this year for the Cats!
Good write up and an informative read!
5-7 is possible this year for the Cats!
Good write up and an informative read!
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:52 pm to The Nino
Good stuff. If you had to guess what true freshmen will play, who would they be and at what position?
Posted on 8/6/14 at 2:58 pm to joeyb147
That guy was recruited straight from Hogwarts
Idea: if he's actually good he earns the nickname "the Wizard"
Idea: if he's actually good he earns the nickname "the Wizard"
Posted on 8/6/14 at 3:03 pm to Ericvol2096
quote:
I could see Kentucky beating Vandy and Miss St this year in Lexington.
wouldn't surprise me. Kentucky usually plays us pretty close. I'm going to punch a kitten if it happens though.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 3:14 pm to MasCervezas
Y'all get them after a bye so y'all should be well rested
Posted on 8/6/14 at 3:35 pm to reedus23
quote:
Good stuff. If you had to guess what true freshmen will play, who would they be and at what position?
As a guess:
Near Locks
WR Dorian Baker - At 6'3 205, with good athleticism and great hands, Baker will almost certainly be in the rotation. He provides size that is lacking from UK's starting three (6'0, 6'0, 5'11).
DT Matt Elam - Everyone has seen the pictures. How much he contributes will depend on his conditioning but it's a foregone conclusion that he will play at least situationally.
Probable Contributors
WR TV Williams - He's maybe 5'7 and 155 lbs, but he's got elite quickness and burst. He can be a weapon in the slot if he doesn't get murdered.
WR Blake Bone - Sensing a pattern? UK held spring practice in '13 with a grand total of 4 scholarship WRs. 1 of those 4 was academically ineligible for the '13 season. Bone is 6'5 and wiry. Likely a big slot receiver and a red-zone threat.
Maybe, maybe
RB Stanley Williams - He's 5'8 200 lbs and at the deepest position on the team. He's got an extra gear that none of the current backs have. Could see time in the slot or as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
RB Mikel Horton - A 6'1 233 power back with great hands, his playing time likely depends on whether or not Josh Clemons stays healthy. I think the staff would like a power kid to get inside carries and act as a hybrid h-back in two-back sets, but Clemons is a pretty good bet in that role unless he's injured for the third year in a row.
WR Thaddeus Snodgrass - At 6'1 180, he's pretty similar to the starters in front of him. Of course, WR depth sucks, so he could end up fitting in somewhere. Last year Kentucky started a walk-on for two games, so anything could happen.
So very slight
QB Drew Barker - I guess there's a chance he plays. Pretty doubtful though. Would take some serious injury problems. I think he gets a redshirt.
OT Josh Krok - Another great name and at 6'8 303, he's got the size. Kentucky is short an extra tackle and Krok may get the traveling redshirt in case of injury.
LB Dorian Hendrix - The 6'0 230 MLB enrolled early, so he has a leg up in learning the defense. LB is a ridiculously thin/bad position for UK. If everything happened just right (wrong) I could see Hendrix getting some time.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 3:38 pm to JDHLaw
Solid contribution JDHLaw 
Posted on 8/6/14 at 3:46 pm to JDHLaw
Thanks Law. I kind of figured on Elam. After that it sounds like some guys will get some real opportunities at WR. Was just curious how much that recruiting class might contribute right away.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 3:46 pm to joeyb147
quote:
WR Thaddeus Snodgrass
Posted on 8/6/14 at 4:41 pm to JDHLaw
Nice write up and contributions! Sounds like Kentucky may have a little it what Mizzou had last year with great DEs and meh tackles. Worked out pretty well for us though!
Posted on 8/6/14 at 4:53 pm to joeyb147
quote:
WR Thaddeus Snodgrass Best name in the SEC.
The struggle will be real for Verne.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 5:03 pm to reedus23
quote:
Good stuff. If you had to guess what true freshmen will play, who would they be and at what position?
JDH pretty well nailed it.
Unfortunately S Darius West would've possibly been on that list but he broke his leg in practice yesterday. They suspect it's from a HS injury that didn't heal correctly/all the way.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 5:12 pm to The Nino
I've heard some really good stuff about Krok and (a) his potential to play immediately, and (b) his ceiling being higher than just about anyone on the team's.
Posted on 8/6/14 at 5:13 pm to BluegrassBelle
Also, I tried to get access to the UK board but no dice so far. Belle, can you help me out?
Posted on 8/6/14 at 5:15 pm to LegendOfCobb
Have you tried posting on it? I approved you awhile back.
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