Baker and Johnson

[merrimanm]

Watching the games from last year. I know I seemto be in the minority here, but I love Baker and Johnson. They had some drops, but man, when they get the ball they run extremely hard. They are hard to bring down. We haven't seen that sense Cobb IMO. And no, I am not saying they are as goodas Cobb. But I am really excited to see them this year.

Also, I know I am stating the obvious, but Dawson was REALLY bad calling plays in the red zone. The AU and Vandy games were just unbelievably horrible.

 

[ulismyman]

Yes if you like Baker you are in minority..love Juice tho

 

[kyrivals]

Dawson was a bad coach period. Was a bad fit from the get go. I question his work ethic as a coach.

 

[merrimanm]

Yes if you like Baker you are in minority..love Juice tho

I have a feeling people will change their tune after this year on Baker.

 

[Teetim]

Baker is physically gifted. I rewatched some of the games from last year and he made some inexplicable drops. Also made a handful of great plays. Without him, we lose that EKU game. But I can understand why some people are cool on him. If Coach Thomas gets his head right, he will explode! And Juice is awesome! Our WR Corps as a whole, has a chance to be the deepest in the league.

 

[ulismyman]

Its a new year..start fresh with him i guess

 

[K_TIME]

Yes if you like Baker you are in minority..love Juice tho

Totally agree...Juice is tremendous. I really enjoy watching him play.

Baker...not really. Drops a ton of balls and isn't very fast with the ball. We threw him a ton of quick screens and he just isn't fast or elusive. Big dude for sure...but isn't eye opening on the outside to me. Sort of like Larod King of years gone past.

 

[ThwKentuckyKid]

I agree on both.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Johnson has nice potential although lacking elite speed. Baker's just not dependable, hopefully a newcomer or 2 can move past him. Could be detrimental if they can't.

 

[CatsFanGG24]

Baker gets hammered and I don't really understand it...guess there is always someone that will get people frustrated. Huge plays vs EKU and Mizzou to keep us out of the L column...tries to carry defenders, peel back blocks etc.

Two underthrown balls will be the ones most point to as the reason that they dislike Baker (UF/AUB).

55 receptions for 600+ yards with poor QB play. Not bad.

 

[rudd1]

-the "underthrown" balls hit him right in the freaking chest/hands.

-like the kid...love his blocking. Really want to see him reach his potential. Has to be more consistent...great catches are cool but consistency is paramount.

 

[3kidsandme]

Baker gets hammered and I don't really understand it...guess there is always someone that will get people frustrated. Huge plays vs EKU and Mizzou to keep us out of the L column...tries to carry defenders, peel back blocks etc.

Two underthrown balls will be the ones most point to as the reason that they dislike Baker (UF/AUB).

55 receptions for 600+ yards with poor QB play. Not bad.

As a true sophomore no doubt. Baker is not being passed by anybody. The staff thinks he is a high draft pick. Are fans expectations are rediculus. 55 catches with not a very accurate qb is great. One of the top returning wr in the sec and are fans want him benched lol.

 

[DaBossIsBack]

I was as hard on baker as anyone last year, but it's a new year with a new position coach. The potential is there for baker. If he figures it out and puts in the work the kid could be a difference maker.

 

[RackOps]

Juice got blown up all year long on crossing routes, I don't think I have ever felt so sorry for a WR.

I can't blame Baker for quiting, as much as I hate to say it.

If the lightbulb comes on in Barker's head....watch out.

 

[CatsFanGG24]

-the "underthrown" balls hit him right in the freaking chest/hands.

-like the kid...love his blocking. Really want to see him reach his potential. Has to be more consistent...great catches are cool but consistency is paramount.

Underthrow vs Hargreaves was terrible - should have been a PI, and Towles should've thrown better.

Underthrew vs Auburn Baker did a good job adjusting to get it to his hands...pros make that catch, college stars make that catch...he isn't either yet.

 

[rudd1]

-nope

 

[Nittany Cat]

Hopefully having Barker at QB full-time will help as well. I was at the vandy game and on that first Barker series the receivers looked to be playing with a little more fire than when Towles was in.

On a related note, the offensive play calling in that vandy game was by far the worst I've ever seen at UK, and the 80 year old former UK player (played under Collier) sitting next to me thought the same thing. Vandy had a good defense, but the complete ineptness in the red zone was embarrassing

 

[School boy]

I like Baker and he needs more passes thrown his way. But Johnson is the guy that can make this offense look great. 2 play makers.

 

[BlueRattie_rivals]

• Juice can be very effective, as long as he's put in situations where his ability can shine. Dawson really misused him as an outside receiver when he should be making his living in the slot.
• Baker is the most physically talented receiver on the roster. He has the full package: speed, strength, dexterity, explosion, and leaping ability. However, he is wildly inconsistent in his effort and concentration.
• Baker's hands, which have been much bemoaned, are another matter. How can a guy make some incredible catches and them blow such routine ones? I believe that is a matter of maturity and confidence. It's easy to lose focus and get down on yourself when the offensive side of the ball is a train wreck. Last year, there was internal conflict over who should be the QB, the play-calling was a wreck, and the offensive line was an experiment in gross incompetence. With Gran's steady hand at the wheel, I think that Baker will find his rhythm and explode this year.