Great post by Freddie Maggard

[CoachR35]

I don't want to violate the rules and mention another site here, so I will try to include a link to a post made by the former UK quarterback who makes some very interesting comments.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/football-2/governors-cup-stayed-true-to-trend-a-second-half-disaster/

 

[Glenn Fohr]

Tells things like they are

 

[Formerly Imafan4evr_]

"At no point in 40 years of fandom have I witnessed a team worsen more so than the 2015 Wildcats."

How extremely telling this statement is - because it probably isn't an exaggeration. Regardless of the limitations of this particular team, this or that unit, or the program itself, one should expect improvement over the course of an individual season. Sure, the record may look worse at year's end, but we should be able to definitively say "that guy (or that position, or that unit, etc.) really made strides this season". It brings into question this staff's ability to actually bring out the best in their guys. We'll always have talent disparities, even after the best recruiting in our history, so we must be able to bring out every last bit of potential from our players. This staff simply cannot do that.

 

[JasonS.]

I really hope he's wrong about this.

"There were not enough battlers like Josh Forrest, Farrington Huguennin, Chris Westry, Jon Toth, Khalid Henderson and unnamed others that played their absolute guts out on every snap throughout the disappointing season regardless of score or situation."

But I worry he's right. Set aside "talent" and stars. This program under Stoops has been overly reliant on the holdover Joker's guys for character, hard work and leadership.

That's a pretty damning indictment on either/both A. the players Stoops' staff is recruiting or B. their (in)ability to develop them.

 

[TNCatfanforever]

I really hope he's wrong about this.

"There were not enough battlers like Josh Forrest, Farrington Huguennin, Chris Westry, Jon Toth, Khalid Henderson and unnamed others that played their absolute guts out on every snap throughout the disappointing season regardless of score or situation."

But I worry he's right. Set aside "talent" and stars. This program under Stoops has been overly reliant on the holdover Joker's guys for character, hard work and leadership.

That's a pretty damning indictment on either/both A. the players Stoops' staff is recruiting or B. their (in)ability to develop them.

I don't want to violate the rules and mention another site here, so I will try to include a link to a post made by the former UK quarterback who makes some very interesting comments.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/football-2/governors-cup-stayed-true-to-trend-a-second-half-disaster/

Article is dead on.

 

[Kai Slater]

Freddie tells the truth about UK Football and the train wreck of a season we've had.

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

He also says its the easiest schedule in decades and we almost lose every game but 1. In a thread I posted in where Rowland was defending the Elliott and the D I brought up how easy the schedule was as well. Prob the easiest it has been in decades. I also posted that the Brooks bowl teams would have dominated this year. Just imagine what our record would of been like if the 07 year team played this schedule.

 

[sambowieshin_rivals]

 

[krazykats]

He also says its the easiest schedule in decades and we almost lose every game but 1. In a thread I posted in where Rowland was defending the Elliott and the D I brought up how easy the schedule was as well. Prob the easiest it has been in decades. I also posted that the Brooks bowl teams would have dominated this year. Just imagine what our record would of been like if the 07 year team played this schedule.

You can compare all you want, but that Brooks team had a core of JR's/RS Soph's and this team has a core of Soph's.

Compare all you want but those guys about got Brooks ran out of here before 07 as FR and Sophs.

 

[LowCountryCat]

"At no point in 40 years of fandom have I witnessed a team worsen more so than the 2015 Wildcats."

That's true, the very first play of the season was a long touchdown run by Boom Williams.

Everything went downhill from there.

 

[Kats23]

I think the staff lets the history of the program seep in and take over. You can almost see the energy leave the team when Jackson scored that first TD yesterday.

Stoops admited after the UGA game the players knew they couldn't win. It's fine for the fans to admit defeat but for a staff to or use that as an excuse shows to me why the progress hasn't happened in 3 years.

 

[Mattcg]

Im telling you this entire staff sucks. Season ticket holder since 2002. Joker all over again.

 

[SeanCain]

I really hope he's wrong about this.

"There were not enough battlers like Josh Forrest, Farrington Huguennin, Chris Westry, Jon Toth, Khalid Henderson and unnamed others that played their absolute guts out on every snap throughout the disappointing season regardless of score or situation."

But I worry he's right. Set aside "talent" and stars. This program under Stoops has been overly reliant on the holdover Joker's guys for character, hard work and leadership.

That's a pretty damning indictment on either/both A. the players Stoops' staff is recruiting or B. their (in)ability to develop them.

Jason I agree with your take. I thought Joker's teams had discipline/attitude issues but looks like Stoops is absolutely horrible as a team leader. If you are worse than Joker, you are in bad shape. After reading Freddie's post, I don't think the team can be salvaged by this staff.

 

[ukcatsfan1]

With all that said Stoops was fighting a losing battle trying to find enough players that gave a crap!

Also why his statement about performing some much needed discipline in the upcoming season was made

 

[ukalumni00]

Biggest problem in this program are some players who have taken the program hostage with their egos, sense of entitlement, lack of leadership, and selfishness. Freddie says it in a more PC manner but that is the truth of the matter. A few need to either transfer or get their butts kicked all off season and grow up and start making the plays they were recruited to make. Coaching is a big problem but players still have to make plays and they left several on the field that could have made a real difference this season.

 

[ashleys handfull]

Guy writes decent enough, but is awful on the radio. Fits well with the program though.

 

[vhcat70]

Good article, but would have been better had he called out by name the "handful of counted-upon characters displayed appalling selfish actions" as he did the battlers.

 

[liveblue92]

Guy writes decent enough, but is awful on the radio. Fits well with the program though.

Hey buddy, leave Panther Maggard alone.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

That's a pretty damning indictment on either/both A. the players Stoops' staff is recruiting or B. their (in)ability to develop them.

It's a character issue, not a development issue IMO.

You know, Cal has things rolling to the point where he can "pick and choose." Many would assume that means he can get the most talented players. But it's more than that - it means he can be picky on character, too - he doesn't have to take a knucklehead. Most coaches aren't in that position, including Mark Stoops. If you're struggling and have a chance to swipe a highly rated kid, maybe you take the chance.....

 

[EastKYWildcat]

Character was a problem on the football team. Don't like it, but that became evident to everyone who watched a game this year.

 

[Blueaz]

He also says its the easiest schedule in decades and we almost lose every game but 1. In a thread I posted in where Rowland was defending the Elliott and the D I brought up how easy the schedule was as well. Prob the easiest it has been in decades. I also posted that the Brooks bowl teams would have dominated this year. Just imagine what our record would of been like if the 07 year team played this schedule.

Mmmmmm, ok. Here is an atta boy for you. Eat a snickers

 

[GridCats]

Biggest problem in this program are some players who have taken the program hostage with their egos, sense of entitlement, lack of leadership, and selfishness. Freddie says it in a more PC manner but that is the truth of the matter. A few need to either transfer or get their butts kicked all off season and grow up and start making the plays they were recruited to make. Coaching is a big problem but players still have to make plays and they left several on the field that could have made a real difference this season.

I agree totally. I think there's a few cancers on this team (and one continues to not catch passes) that need to go. Stoops needs to grow up, he's not momma's little boy now and earn his money.

My first time to get on a coach or player, but this has gone far enough.

 

[zannmann]

This team reminds me of Mummes last year. All the coaches were on different pages and there was fighting among the ranks.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Great. The new tubby wars. Coaching vs players

Some people dont get it and never will. Even if it's the players, it's still the coaching.

If the coaches earned respect, these player problems would be minimalized

 

[UK Cats Rock]

Biggest problem in this program are some players who have taken the program hostage with their egos, sense of entitlement, lack of leadership, and selfishness. Freddie says it in a more PC manner but that is the truth of the matter. A few need to either transfer or get their butts kicked all off season and grow up and start making the plays they were recruited to make. Coaching is a big problem but players still have to make plays and they left several on the field that could have made a real difference this season.

I actually think this is the main problem.

Two things I heard on the radio that kind of solidified this point to me.

1. During a 3rd and long situation, Barker goes back to pass. It hits our WR in the hand and falls to the ground. Jeff Picoro said on the radio right after that, "Barker waited until the very last second to deliever that pass and (the WR) makes a very lackluster effort to catch the ball. You have to catch that. If I was Barker, I'd be ticked. If I'm standing there until the last second and getting drilled to get the ball to you, you had BETTER catch it." (Yes, obviously paraphrased.) What I got from that was that (the WR) couldn't care less whether he caught it or not by the way he "tried." JP made it pretty clear there wasn't much effort there.

2. In the post game show during the interview with Stoops, he talked about the off season and how he warned the younger players. He said something like, "I am SICK of the lack of toughness. Sick of the lack of mental toughness and I told the young players, 'When you get here, you had better be ready.' And if they don't like it, they can go find another place to play. I'm sick of it."

Translated - to me - that means there are players who are doing exactly what is quoted above. Sounds like Stoops has tried to be diplomatic about it and has tried to be patient because they are talented players. But ,of course, it hasn't worked in his favor. So, the "go play somewhere else" hit me pretty hard.

Tough situation for Stoops to be in when you're trying to build a program and some of your most talented players - on a team that currently doesn't have a ton of experienced talent - is acting like that.

I also took it he wasn't very happy with the offensive playcalling, either. But that's another story. ltogether.

Going to be an interesting off-season for sure.

 

[slick rick.ksr]

It's a character issue, not a development issue IMO.

You know, Cal has things rolling to the point where he can "pick and choose." Many would assume that means he can get the most talented players. But it's more than that - it means he can be picky on character, too - he doesn't have to take a knucklehead. Most coaches aren't in that position, including Mark Stoops. If you're struggling and have a chance to swipe a highly rated kid, maybe you take the chance.....

See: Walker, Chris

 

[Dallas-Wild]

I actually think this is the main problem.

Two things I heard on the radio that kind of solidified this point to me.

1. During a 3rd and long situation, Barker goes back to pass. It hits our WR in the hand and falls to the ground. Jeff Picoro said on the radio right after that, "Barker waited until the very last second to deliever that pass and (the WR) makes a very lackluster effort to catch the ball. You have to catch that. If I was Barker, I'd be ticked. If I'm standing there until the last second and getting drilled to get the ball to you, you had BETTER catch it." (Yes, obviously paraphrased.) What I got from that was that (the WR) couldn't care less whether he caught it or not by the way he "tried." JP made it pretty clear there wasn't much effort there.

2. In the post game show during the interview with Stoops, he talked about the off season and how he warned the younger players. He said something like, "I am SICK of the lack of toughness. Sick of the lack of mental toughness and I told the young players, 'When you get here, you had better be ready.' And if they don't like it, they can go find another place to play. I'm sick of it."

Translated - to me - that means there are players who are doing exactly what is quoted above. Sounds like Stoops has tried to be diplomatic about it and has tried to be patient because they are talented players. But ,of course, it hasn't worked in his favor. So, the "go play somewhere else" hit me pretty hard.

Tough situation for Stoops to be in when you're trying to build a program and some of your most talented players - on a team that currently doesn't have a ton of experienced talent - is acting like that.

I also took it he wasn't very happy with the offensive playcalling, either. But that's another story. ltogether.

Going to be an interesting off-season for sure.

Good read!

 

[JHB4UK]

Good article, but would have been better had he called out by name the "handful of counted-upon characters displayed appalling selfish actions" as he did the battlers.

Any novice fan who has never played or coached a down who watched just 3 or 4 of this teams 12 games can name some of the names

Hatcher, been suspended at least 2 or 3 times for failed piss tests (allegedly)
Stamps, alleged superstar and future high NFL draft pick safety has to be benched midway through the season for dogging it
Baker, Johnson, Badet sometimes try and play receiver, but only if the ball is perfectly placed in front of them at chest level. Forget them laying out, or giving extra effort for more YAC, or blocking for teammates downfield, or coming back to the ball for a scrambling QB in trouble.
Boom pouted & quit on the team for being pulled after poor play & then demoted to 2nd string, was coddled and babied to return
both placekicker & punter were headcases who regressed & hurt the team on multiple occasions, punter goes out of his way to finger point at head coach on social media at conclusion of the season

just a start of the list of shame

 

[richbrookstomato]

Coach Stoops put his trust into some of these younger players and they bit him in the rear end. He paid for not setting a standard from the get go with the results on the field this season. It's a shame when we are going into the 4th year of Coach Stoops tenure and are still waiting for leadership.

A friend of mine who was a Head Coach at a highly successful lower level college program told me once that your best players must be your team leaders to reach the highest level of success. I am afraid that's the main factor in where we are today with this program.

 

[kyjohn]

Any novice fan who has never played or coached a down who watched just 3 or 4 of this teams 12 games can name some of the names

Hatcher, been suspended at least 2 or 3 times for failed piss tests (allegedly)
Stamps, alleged superstar and future high NFL draft pick safety has to be benched midway through the season for dogging it
Baker, Johnson, Badet sometimes try and play receiver, but only if the ball is perfectly placed in front of them at chest level. Forget them laying out, or giving extra effort for more YAC, or blocking for teammates downfield, or coming back to the ball for a scrambling QB in trouble.
Boom pouted & quit on the team for being pulled after poor play & then demoted to 2nd string, was coddled and babied to return
both placekicker & punter were headcases who regressed & hurt the team on multiple occasions, punter goes out of his way to finger point at head coach on social media at conclusion of the season

just a start of the list of shame

Playing football is all about attitude,and if what you are implying is true there is the problem with this team.You would think kids who have a chance to play in the SEC would have dreams of making it to the big league(NFL)and do every thing possible to live that dream.But it seems that is not the case for many who chose to play football at UK.

 

[UK Cats Rock]

Any novice fan who has never played or coached a down who watched just 3 or 4 of this teams 12 games can name some of the names

Hatcher, been suspended at least 2 or 3 times for failed piss tests (allegedly)
Stamps, alleged superstar and future high NFL draft pick safety has to be benched midway through the season for dogging it
Baker, Johnson, Badet sometimes try and play receiver, but only if the ball is perfectly placed in front of them at chest level. Forget them laying out, or giving extra effort for more YAC, or blocking for teammates downfield, or coming back to the ball for a scrambling QB in trouble.
Boom pouted & quit on the team for being pulled after poor play & then demoted to 2nd string, was coddled and babied to return
both placekicker & punter were headcases who regressed & hurt the team on multiple occasions, punter goes out of his way to finger point at head coach on social media at conclusion of the season

just a start of the list of shame

A couple of things with this post (not a bad post... just somewhat disagree with a little portion of it and wanted to add some perspective on other parts):

1. Regarding Stamps: at least responded like one should. He even admitted in the post game interview on the radio that he became complacent because there wasn't much of a push from the underclassmen. (If I remember what he said correctly.) He found out quickly that the guys behind him were very talented and he re-focused. Yeah, he should have given it his all the entire time, but at LEAST he responded positively.

2. Hatcher - let his teammates down in the beginning of the season for sure. But we also heard after the Vanderbilt game that he was really "upset" (or down) after the loss. I can't remember, but over all, it sounded like he really, really cared and that's why he reacted so strongly to that loss. I hope the beginning of the season mistakes caused him to respond positively as well. That is what mistakes should do; cause you to learn and not repeat them.

3. I don't know that I agree with adding Badet and Johnson in that group. I know Badet got hurt from diving for a catch. I believe it was the long pass from Barker in the Vanderbilt game. Seems like he made another acrobatic catch in the end zone in another game, but can't remember for sure.

Johnson had been pretty clutch all season and made some big catches (our best WR, IMO).

However, I am not disagreeing with you that some of that may have happened. Just not sure those two guys specifically are one's I'd be too concerned with.

Now, regarding Landon Foster: I hadn't heard about this. Can you give more specifics? If he called out the head coach after the season and we end up playing in one of those 5-7 bowls, he wouldn't be on the trip.