Kentucky Wildcats
Overview: The pressure on Mark Stoops and his staff to produce at least a bowl bid has been turned up considerably in 2016. If Kentucky posts another losing record, Stoops will most likely be given his walking papers. Offensively, this is a team that should be able to do most things well, provided the quarterback situation settles out. Defensively, though, the Wildcats are rebuilding, and doing so around several players of questionable ability.
Projected record: 6-6 (UA, MSU, UF, UGA, UT, UL); 3-5 and 4th SEC East
Returning offensive starters: 9 (SE, FL, WR, RB, TE, LG, C, RG, RT)
Returning defensive starters: 4 (RDE, RCB, FS, SS)
Returning specialists: 1 (PK)
Unit ratings
QB: Fr DL: Pr
RB: Vg LB: Pr
WR: Vg DB: Vg
OL: Av ST: Av
Offensive breakdown: Stoops has ridden the no-huddle attack to its predictable end in the SEC, which was a place called Nowhere Fast. Now Eddie Gran has taken over the reins, and Kentucky will have one less receiver in the normal pattern, to say nothing of trying to save its young, thin defense from overexposure.
The primary issue on offense is the development of QB Drew Barker, who has plenty of natural talent but needs to get more consistent. Former Grambling player Stephen Johnson II looks to be the backup, but if Barker goes down, so will Kentucky’s hopes.
Kentucky, quietly, has put together one of the best skill packages in all of college football. Running backs Stanley “Boom” Williams and Jojo Kemp were solid and often dominant in 2015, with Williams averaging 7.1 yards per carry. Both have a chance at making an impact in the NFL.
The wide receiver group, which includes Dorian Baker, Jeff Badet, Garrett Johnson and Ryan Timmons, has played together for quite some time and can give most secondaries trouble. Kentucky is expecting big things from tight end C.J. Conrad, a tall target at nearly 6’6”.
The offensive line should be a strength if Kentucky can get left tackle under control. Jon Toth is one of the SEC’s best centers; Nick Haynes and Ramsey Meyers are quality guards. Kyle Meadows has plenty of experience at right tackle but struggled against bigger tackles and ends in 2015. Cole Mosier came out of spring leading the left tackle slot, with Tate Leavitt on his heels. George Asafo-Adjei continues to compete with Meyers for the right guard slot, while Mason Wolfe pushes Meadows at right tackle. Cutting down on sacks and QB pressures is a prime goal for this group in 2016.
Defensive breakdown: Kentucky was already going to have a tough time putting pressure on opposing offenses, and then defensive tackle Regie Meant left the team for what has only been described as “personal reasons.” Kentucky says Meant may return, but the Wildcats are preparing for it not to happen. Unfortunately, that leaves nosetackle Matt Elam under pressure to play far more snaps than he’s been able to play in the past due to conditioning issues.
Even in the best of cases, Elam will only be able to stay on the field about half the time, so Adrian Middleton and Jacob Hyde will have to be ready to contribute, as will JUCO transfer Naquez Pringle and Tymere Dubose. Courtney Miggins and Alvonte Bell will get the call at end, with Calvin Taylor and Kengera Daniel playing both in and out.
Denzil Ware will play both end and as a pass-rushing stand-up linebacker in a role similar to Alabama’s Jack position. The rest of the linebacker core is weak, though, and Kentucky is counting on Nebraska transfer Courtney Love to come through. If Love struggles, Kentucky won’t have much of a chance. Josh Allen and Jordan Jones are fast for outside linebackers, but inexperienced.
Freshmen Kash Daniel and Eli Brown made a big impact over the offseason and both will play, along with De’Niro Laster. The secondary should be a strength, though, even with safety Darius West out with a leg injury. Chris Westry and Derrick Baity are a quality cornerback duo, good enough to play anywhere. Westry, a genetic freak at 6’4”, is one of the SEC’s emerging stars. With West out, Mike Edwards, Marcus McWilson and Blake McClain will handle the safety duties. All have experience.
Austin MacGinnis is a weapon at the placekicking spot, but punting duties are still being fought over by Grant McKinniss and Bryan Kirshe. Kentucky showed some game-changing potential on kickoff returns last year, but punt returns need work.
Overall trend: Up. Or at least, it better be. Stoops is fast running out of leash in Lexington. The talent level is better and Kentucky has recruited more players with explosive potential, but sooner or later, that potential has to produce. With the defensive front seven in trouble and the offensive line in need of improvement, a 6-6 season might just be Kentucky’s best-case scenario.
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