Kentucky may finally have all of the pieces in place

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

Stoops has hired a proven OC and QB coach as well as a solid WR and DB coach. Recruiting should improve as well with these hires. He has also hired 3 QC coaches, which UK has never had. The most important one might be the ST QC coach. He also has hired an assistant S&C coach that ran his own programs at other D-1 schools.

We have a proven OC and QB coach that will hopefully get the most out of our QBs and skill guys. All of the new coaches should be good or very good recruiters.

QC coaches should bring extra technical and scouting support and game planning.. Something UK has never had. The ST QC coach was a kicker/punter in college which will help our kickers. He also has been a ST coach.

The new hire for assistant S&C is a homerun hire. Every year we hear bigger, stronger, faster. This year it might actually be true.

I'm not saying this will translate into extra wins this year, but it's definitely several steps in the right direction. UK has finally started to pay increased salaries and opened new positions to help compete moving forward. UK is finally "all in" with the football program.

 

[DACats86]

Fingers crossed...

 

[greginky1957]

The coaching moves this offseason have me feeling extremely hopeful. We may still be another year or 2 away from reaching our potential, but we are moving forward. I am thinking that we are one recruiting class away, but it must have some solid defensive linemen in it, as well as our local kid Jedrick Wills and maybe Cole Bentley from Belfry too. We need to hang on to Hudson and Jones as well. To me the real key for us to be successful from this point forward will be player development, not just from the position coaches but from our improved S&C program as well.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

Progress is being made, I really like the changes taking place for our Football program.

The results will follow!

 

[Mr Schwump]

Too early to tell. Major questions on the D's front 7. Little depth at NT/DT and of the early projected 2-deep at LB, 5 of 8 have yet to play a down of SEC football. And that's not taking into consideration the huge question marks on O. Strides are being made but lots of work left to do.

 

[Bluetick2100]

Enough of the progress talk.
It's about winning on the field.

Stoops's players, coaches, improvement all around the program come with expectations.

 

[hmt5000]

im in the show me line myself. i really like the moves that were made but i want to see spring practice before i even make a prediction about "improvement". i really want to see us after week 6 to see how we close out the season before i start getting giddy again.

 

[3kidsandme]

Too early to tell. Major questions on the D's front 7. Little depth at NT/DT and of the early projected 2-deep at LB, 5 of 8 have yet to play a down of SEC football. And that's not taking into consideration the huge question marks on O. Strides are being made but lots of work left to do.

I agree with you to an extent. In saying that Laster and Love have both played P5 ball as very young players. We return Meant Elam Miggins Middleton Ware Allen Jones who played a bunch of snaps. We add a redshirted Bell who is a grown man to the dline rotation. We add JUCO Pringle who is sec strong squatting 700 pounds. The front 7 returns some very talented albeit young players. We have size in Elam Pringle Elam Middleton Dubose. The unit as a whole could be better than last year in many aspects. Laster Love and Kash are physical specimens at mike.

 

[3kidsandme]

I agree with you to an extent. In saying that Laster and Love have both played P5 ball as very young players. We return Meant Elam Miggins Middleton Ware Allen Jones who played a bunch of snaps. We add a redshirted Bell who is a grown man to the dline rotation. We add JUCO Pringle who is sec strong squatting 700 pounds. The front 7 returns some very talented albeit young players. We have size in Elam Pringle Elam Middleton Dubose. The unit as a whole could be better than last year in many aspects. Laster Love and Kash are physical specimens at mike.

Laster at Will unless he moves to sam.

 

[The_Oak]

On paper I really like all the hires that have been made this off season, but I'm ready to start seeing results on the field. I have always thought this was going to be a longer build then most people were thinking. From the start I thought it would take 4 to 5 years to get things going in the right direction. Well it's now year 4 and it's time to start showing we can compete and win in every game.

 

[Deeeefense]

The coaching staff most definitely got an upgrade, and once again we've added more talented players to the roster, bringing it even closer to parity with most of our opponents. It's hard to see how all of this doesn't equate to significant improvement on the field or maybe even a breakout season in the near future.

 

[WildCard]

im in the show me line myself. i really like the moves that were made but i want to see spring practice before i even make a prediction about "improvement". i really want to see us after week 6 to see how we close out the season before i start getting giddy again.

Well said. I don't know how old you are but I think most of the fans my age are in that "show me" line as well.

Peace

 

[Blue Decade]

The coaching moves this offseason have me feeling extremely hopeful. We may still be another year or 2 away from reaching our potential, but we are moving forward. I am thinking that we are one recruiting class away, but it must have some solid defensive linemen in it, as well as our local kid Jedrick Wills and maybe Cole Bentley from Belfry too. We need to hang on to Hudson and Jones as well. To me the real key for us to be successful from this point forward will be player development, not just from the position coaches but from our improved S&C program as well.

In that sense, almost all college football programs are always that 1 class away. As long as strong classes are signed every year, the program's momentum should be positive. But if weak classes creep into the mix, the program's momentum stalls. Player development takes several years. Stoops' 2013 class doesn't count in his calculation because he arrived here 2 months before the 2013 signing date. His 2014 class is better than people think, but most of them haven't played significant roles yet because they just got here 19 months ago. Despite some defections from his 2015 class, Conrad, GAA, Westry, Baity became immediate starters. Several redshirts from the 2015 class look like important players too. In that way, our 2015 class may have been underrated. Stoops' 2016 class appears to be his best yet, and certainly addresses weaknesses on our offensive line. With regard to the new coaches, Coach Hinshaw's arrival is critical for 2 reasons. Hinshaw will improve development of our current quarterbacks, and he will facilitate recruitment of new quarterbacks too. Coach Gran should improve Stoops' recruiting traction in Cincinnati and southern Ohio. Coach Thomas is believed to be an influential recruiter in south Florida. Whether Coach Thomas and Coach Clinkscale can provide a recruiting boost remains to be seen. It's normal for fans to be hopeful that new coaches will bring improvement. The truth is that losing Coach Ansley and Coach Scott probably negates recruiting advantage brought by the new coaches. However, there is enough talent in our program now so that solid development of players who are already here should lead to better performances on the field. Coach Eliot has taken a lot of criticism here, but he reminds me of the story of the tortoise and the hare. Every year, Coach Eliot adds a couple more SEC quality starters and key reserves to our defense. I believe Eliot will put a solid SEC defense on the field by 2017. In my mind, the key question has always been whether Stoops can put a real SEC offense on the field. Neal Brown couldn't do it, but he gets a pass because the roster was still under construction and our receivers were awful. Shannon Dawson couldn't do it, and I did not find Dawson's management style or decision process reassuring. Dawson needed to go. I don't know yet whether or not Gran can do it, but this is the crossroad that will tell us if Stoops can be successful here.

 

[Shydog]

im in the show me line myself. i really like the moves that were made but i want to see spring practice before i even make a prediction about "improvement". i really want to see us after week 6 to see how we close out the season before i start getting giddy again.

I am in the same line,, well said!

 

[jauk11]

Well said. I don't know how old you are but I think most of the fans my age are in that "show me" line as well.

Peace

Nice post, BD.

This is, no doubt in my mind, a different program than we had during Joker's reign------and the MAIN difference is in the support from UK, NOT the coaches, although spending the money has made a huge difference there also, before we would have lost a VITAL part to more money, Marrow-------just one example.

So, I have to wonder why it has never been brought up before that other SEC staffs had THREE more coaches than we did------and they weren't even cheating to do it. Just another indication of how badly UK football has been treated in the past.

The next step HAS to be to "reevaluate" (cheat) on the COA numbers-------like transfer U, Thug U, Auburn, and even Bama have done, I saw where Bama's football program CLEARED about $60,000,000 last year (with a coaching staff that was paid about FIFTEEN million) so anyone with a brain should be able to see that FOOTBALL is a good investment, especially in the SEC.

But then anyone with a brain should have been able to see that before the penny wise pound foolish policies of UK's athletic department ran football into the ground------below ground really.

The COA is the obvious next step, it has to be worth the money, some of our biggest competition giving TWICE as much money to their players (legally, quite a switch) is ridiculous, I wonder how long that will take?

It sure didn't take Bama long to just about double theirs to match Auburn's, and it is stupid that UK has done nothing in that regard yet. When I graduated from UK with my BSEE I starved my way through my last semester, losing 18 pounds to end up FORTY pounds lighter than I am now (and I'm not in bad shape at all now------at least appearance wise, LOL) you can bet when GE offered me the chance at a job where I would have to study and learn or the chance to have a PAID scheduled 60 hour week at the space program in Huntsville I jumped on the money-----probably the wrong move in the long run for my career, but sure a lot of fun.

Didn't anyone notice the FORTY FIVE million raised from DONATIONS for FOOTBALL for the FOOTBALL center when UK FINALLY started trying to catch up with the competition? Of course now the AD can say we "ONLY" have 60,000 seats to fill, falling behind a CITY COLLEGE and ahead of only woeful Vandy in the SEC.

GREAT improvement, still a ways to go.

 

[optimus-blue]

It's funny UK was behind in every aspect in SEC football, from facilities to coaching numbers and people wonder why UK struggles on the field,

 

[jauk11]

It's funny UK was behind in every aspect in SEC football, from facilities to coaching numbers and people wonder why UK struggles on the field,

Sorry, not funny at all. And lots of fans still insist on making excuses for why we fell so far behind.

I think Brooks did a fairly good job of walking on water, Joker began sinking right away and not only sank to the bottom, but got buried in the mud there------along with the team, and I think one reason is that he and mitch were friends.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

As always, cautiously optimistic.

 

[Robcatt24]

Got to make a bowl. Have to make a bowl.

Can't go 4 years with the insane amount of bowl games and not get to one.

Time for Stoops to show he can win a game or 2 where he is an underdog.

I think he will.

 

[optimus-blue]

Sorry, not funny at all. And lots of fans still insist on making excuses for why we fell so far behind.

I think Brooks did a fairly good job of walking on water, Joker began sinking right away and not only sank to the bottom, but got buried in the mud there------along with the team, and I think one reason is that he and mitch were friends.

It's funny bececause people bought the line UK was doing everything it could to be winner ,the UK controlled local media never called anything into question and people went a along with it for 50 years.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

Enough of the progress talk.
It's about winning on the field.

Stoops's players, coaches, improvement all around the program come with expectations.

Agreed. It's year 4. That's enough time in the modern age. If he can't deliver at least a minor bowl this year, then we are in big trouble.

 

[Brock28]

Defensive line an QB scare the hell out of me.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

Haven't checked in for awhile, and was pleased to see this thread at the top. I sure hope so. I know the schedule is harder this year, but if we see the team (and coaching) improve, and they play to their best ability then the losses will be a lot easier to take.

In the end though it's all about those W's. We need at least 6 this year.

 

[greginky1957]

Agreed. It's year 4. That's enough time in the modern age. If he can't deliver at least a minor bowl this year, then we are in big trouble.

I am not sure that the statement I highlighted is 100% accurate. My feeling is that if we continue to improve then we can still make a step forward without a bowl bid, just because our schedule is tougher. We need to eliminate/decrease being blown out by anyone other than maybe Alabama and I think we will be okay. But, like everyone else on here I sure would love to see us get into a bowl this year.

 

[screwduke]

Defensive line an QB scare the hell out of me.

It shouldn't. Both will absolutely be better.

 

[dvillecatfan]

imma say it again....2017 is the breakout year...this year will set the table.

 

[zcats]

Hiring a strong complete staff is what has been missing for decades. We have made such significant upgrades at almost every spot and hopefully broke even at that one. I am expecting big things. Facilities are nice but coaches win games and draw players.

 

[Brock28]

imma say it again....2017 is the breakout year...this year will set the table.

Agree 100%

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

Agree 100%

I agree. 2015 was there for the taking especially Florida, Auburn, Vanderbilt and UofL. This coming season is more difficult from a scheduling point of view. We are also much better in terms of experience and depth. Yet, until the great talent on hand has to find a way to win more games.

 

[Dan71268_rivals210055]

I truely believe that we are a year away but I also think we get that 6th win this year. After reading this post I know we all want a winning program and that's what we have to keep pushing for. Support will only help the cause.
This team looks built to score points, we just need a good enough defense, not a great defense.Im hoping the coaching changes infuse
energy and mold this team into something we all want.

 

[ZenCatFan73]

I'm in the "show me" camp, but with a strong optimistic lean. It's definitely Stoops' best coaching staff. I'm hoping their experience will eliminate the silly mistakes.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

I am not sure that the statement I highlighted is 100% accurate. My feeling is that if we continue to improve then we can still make a step forward without a bowl bid, just because our schedule is tougher. We need to eliminate/decrease being blown out by anyone other than maybe Alabama and I think we will be okay. But, like everyone else on here I sure would love to see us get into a bowl this year.

Why not? Almost 70% of FBS teams go to a bowl. A bowl is not some huge lofty goal any longer. Going .500 is not going to the sugar bowl. All UK has to do to make a bowl every year is to beat 3 stiffs, beat an overrated UL team, beat Vandy, and beat one other SEC team. That's it. Demand more.

 

[3kidsandme]

Why not? Almost 70% of FBS teams go to a bowl. A bowl is not some huge lofty goal any longer. Going .500 is not going to the sugar bowl. All UK has to do to make a bowl every year is to beat 3 stiffs, beat an overrated UL team, beat Vandy, and beat one other SEC team. That's it. Demand more.

70 percent seems like a high number of teams that get into a bowl? I guess maybe in the power 5 conferences.

 

[BigBlueTuckian]

I will definitely agree that the pieces seem to be in place. 2016 however will once again be growing pains. This will be Barker's 3rd OC in 3 years. Everyone on offense must learn new terminology and schemes. Things take time. Unfortunately the defense cannot pick up the slack for them; new starters everywhere.

 

[CatDaddy4daWin]

If two things happen, Cats can exceed expectations. Barker lives up to his billing and becomes the QB we all believe he can be, and the defensive line plays above expectations. You could put oline in there as well but believe the oline will be sufficient to allow the offense to put up big numbers.

 

[kyblue22]

Too early to tell. Major questions on the D's front 7. Little depth at NT/DT and of the early projected 2-deep at LB, 5 of 8 have yet to play a down of SEC football. And that's not taking into consideration the huge question marks on O. Strides are being made but lots of work left to do.

Very true, time will tell.

 

[Blue Decade]

Got to make a bowl. Have to make a bowl.

Can't go 4 years with the insane amount of bowl games and not get to one.

Time for Stoops to show he can win a game or 2 where he is an underdog.

I think he will.

Kentucky has little chance to make a bowl in 2016. We are a much better football team overall, but we will have trouble scoring points because several positions on our offense including quarterback are still problems. More importantly, our 2016 schedule is brutal. When the losses pile up in the fall, we will see which of our fans are knowledgeable about the improving roster and player development, and which are just repetitive complainers. Smart fans will see improvements this year, especially on our defense. Those who aren't as smart will just keep bellyaching.

 

[Shydog]

Kentucky has little chance to make a bowl in 2016. We are a much better football team overall, but we will have trouble scoring points because several positions on our offense including quarterback are still problems. More importantly, our 2016 schedule is brutal. When the losses pile up in the fall, we will see which of our fans are knowledgeable about the improving roster and player development, and which are just repetitive complainers. Smart fans will see improvements this year, especially on our defense. Those who aren't as smart will just keep bellyaching.

smart fans might wait to watch a few games before anointing the defense improved!

 

[Deeeefense]

Kentucky has little chance to make a bowl in 2016.

While it' impossible to predict season w/l records with any accuracy due to so many unknowns, especially this far in advance, to say we have little chance of making a bowl in 2016 is beyond ridiculous.

It's totally within reason to believe we can achieve 6 wins against the following:

Southern Miss - a non P5 team (yes I know they were pretty good last year)
USCe - a team we have beaten the last two seasons
Missouri - a team we beat last season
New Mexico - one of the worst teams in the FBS
Austin Peay - an FCS team
Vanderbilt - a team we should beat most years

I'm not "predicting" anything, just saying most people can see 6 wins here assuming we lose to the other 6 teams including Louisville which is a huge assumption in itself and probably not correct.

 

[catntn_rivals304431]

You can hire Bill Parcells, Vince Lombardi and Knute Rockne but if you don't have talent is doesn't matter. Recruiting is the name of the game. It seems like we have coached up 2 and 3 star guys going against 4 and 5 star guys and getting their asses whipped on each play. This has been our achilles heel for a long time. We've had some great, great individual players but the supporting cast has to be better. GO CATS!!