Kentucky's Quarterback Situation

[JPFisher]

Barker started the season incredibly well. He was on fire the first half of SMU and then gave us a pretty good impersonation of Towles. He then subsequently broke his back over Bear Bryant's cursed knee. Metaphorically speaking.

Johnson stepped in and did a great job against NMSU but has since shown that he is really.... Really..... Okay? He offers an extra dimension but stays in collapsing pockets for too long and doesn't seem to know when to scramble. I think Hinshaw is working with him to correct these issues, but Johnson doesn't seem to have the vision or quick release that Barker did.

I have to wonder how much Barker's chronic back injury played into the equation of his worsened performance and if he could come back this season to spark an offensive rush. There were several throws in the Bama massacre that Johnson didn't make, didn't see, and didn't throw away that I think Barker would have. Barker can't scramble like Johnson, but he can be more decisive and get the ball out quicker. Maybe a healed back would help.

I'm not sold on Johnson. I think he does some good things, but I'll be incredibly interested to see Barker return and how teams (both ours and opponents) react. We're beginning to see defense turn things around and I think we go bowling if offense can do literally anything. We've seen the run game become a major factor, and that's something we didn't display as prominently when Drew was taking snaps.

 

[skcatfan]

Right now qb play is just killing the offense. I'm sure some of that has to do with O line not protecting that well but Johnson doesn't make quick decisions and doesn't look very good in the pocket. I think Gran would normally let him run more often but he's probably afraid of another injury and then having to burn a redshirt with Hoak.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Johnson scares me with the ball. It looks as if he' holding a hot potato. Very loose grip. This is the SEC dude, grip the thing.

 

[Deeeefense]

I don't see Barker being a factor the rest of this year considering the injury and surgery. If we need a second option at QB I think they have to look at Hoak. In fact it's probably just a matter of time before Johnson isn't able to go, I would start giving Hoak garbage time ASAP in preparation for that. We can't really worry about redshirts right now, we have more help on the way.

 

[BlueRunner11]

As of now...

Barker 0-3 (adding UL last year)
Johnson 2-1

And this is a serious question and no means trying to be insensitive ...what's the odds on us being 0-4 right now if Barker doesn't get hurt?

Johnson obviously isn't the long term answer but I get the feeling we are 0-4 or at least 1-3 with Barker at the helm.

 

[zcats]

UK's failure to recruit a QB for two years and a bad OC hire have crippled the offense. The offensive coaches we have now are very good but we don't have the talent we need.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

At least on my screen, Johnson looks to be about 6'2 and 154. Will be astonished if us not literally broken in half at some point in SEC season.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Curious, just when did Barker get hurt? Thought I heard/read he was aching in the summer? Just don't know how much of a factor he'll be moving forward.

Said earlier Johnson is without a doubt the weakest college football player I've ever seen. Word's out now...the guy has no strength, will be easy to strip. Adds up to a long year.

 

[sefus12]

Is there anything people on here won't ***** about? The guy went from playing JuCo last year to starting at Bama this year. It's not surprising he looked bad. Yes, he needs to protect the ball better but it's hard for any QB to throw well against Bama, especially when the pocket is constantly collapsing and you have defenders in your face after about 1.5 seconds.

He's 2-1 since getting significant playing time. Let's see how he does in the next three before declaring him a failure.

 

[Koaltil]

Is there anything people on here won't ***** about? The guy went from playing JuCo last year to starting at Bama this year. It's not surprising he looked bad. Yes, he needs to protect the ball better but it's hard for any QB to throw well against Bama, especially when the pocket is constantly collapsing and you have defenders in your face after about 1.5 seconds.

He's 2-1 since getting significant playing time. Let's see how he does in the next three before declaring him a failure.

Not saying he's a failure. He's just not very good. O line HAS played decent. He had opportunities in bama game. There is a reason he got beat out at gambling. And we don't know what Barker would've done. I'm not really impressed with Barker either just hope one of them gets better and steps up. Idc which one.

 

[K_TIME]

I'd argue that with how Barker looked vs. UL last year, SO Miss and UF...he isn't all that much better of a decision maker, quick to get ball out, etc.. but we know for sure he can't run like Johnson and he makes life a bit easier on Boom/Benny as teams have to respect his legs on read option.

If Barker were a better decision maker why is he at 5 TD vs. 7 Ints in 4 games?

A major issue with Stoops is the QB spot is still a mess adn that is after have 4* Towles, high 3* in Barker, Reece Phillips was a bust and I don't see a future really good QB on the roster (and none committed for 2017 w/o Mac Jones). Here is your future QB roster at UK...Drew Barker, Stephen Johnson, Gunner Hoak and Walker Wood....maybe Jaren Williams in 2018 if we hold him. That is just an awful job unless we can coach up these kids.

 

[Gabewcat]

I have seen enough of Barker that tells me he is not an SEC QB. Johson is learning but his lack of experience is a big factor in how the Cats do in their remaining games. I would like to see Hoak take a few snaps every game toget him some experience in case Johnson goes down.

 

[Play some D]

Gabe, you said it. I'm also worried about next year. Our schedule should be a little more favorable with winnable games at home. I worry about Barker being able to play without getting hurt. I really hate to see us start next year with a redshirt freshman or with Johnson, who I think will struggle throwing the football down field. I would like to see Hoak take some snaps.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Gabe, you said it. I'm also worried about next year. Our schedule should be a little more favorable with winnable games at home. I worry about Barker being able to play without getting hurt. I really hate to see us start next year with a redshirt freshman or with Johnson, who I think will struggle throwing the football down field. I would like to see Hoak take some snaps.

Next year's schedule has home games against Ole Miss, UT, FL and Missouri and UL. I'm not sure it is more favorable at all on paper.

I mean this year we get Vandy, SC, and MSU at home...hell throw in Southern Miss. Next year all 4 of those winnable games are on the road.

 

[Kats23]

Both QB's just aren't very good. Johnson could be the starter if he was even serviceable at throwing the ball but he isn't. Against good defenses, they will take advantage and force containment on the outside and dare him to beat them with his arm. Which he won't do.

Barker. He's a huge question mark. Underdeveloped bc of the talent or the lack of talent he faced in high school. Throw in a back injury and he may never become the QB so many thought he would be in high school. Sad thing is, UK hasn't had a good QB since Mike Hartline. Until we do, the offense will have its up and downs.

For a school like UK to succeed in the SEC, it's vital to have a QB that can put points on the board by stretching the field. Just going to face too many good offenses and solid run defenses throughout the year.

 

[know1]

Johnson has looked better than Barker has.

 

[JohnBlue]

Johnson has looked better than Barker has.

Without a doubt. He's not the answer but he is a better QB than Barker.

 

[vhcat70]

Not saying he's a failure. He's just not very good. O line HAS played decent. He had opportunities in bama game. There is a reason he got beat out at gambling. And we don't know what Barker would've done. I'm not really impressed with Barker either just hope one of them gets better and steps up. Idc which one.

At just how many positions is UK "very good"?

 

[Robcatt24]

At just how many positions is UK "very good"?

Long snapper.

Top 5 in the nation and the best in the SEC.

 

[megablue]

Johnson's strength is certainly an issue and that shows at how easy he was stripped of the ball. Hopefully, he will watch film and learn from that, although that's not going to make him any stronger.

Barker was established as a shotgun QB, whereas Johnson seems to be a little closer to the line in the pistol. His mobility is a plus, if used properly. I would like to see him used more in play-action, roll-out, than staying in the pocket. He can throw pretty well on the run, if receivers can get open. Combining play-action, roll-outs and misdirection might slow down the rush, it seems to me. I agree with those here who feel Johnson is a better QB than Barker.

 

[51stFan]

Have the QB's been really bad for so long or has UK coaches just failed to put them into a position to succeed? I find it hard to believe that you can go that many years and be so bad in that spot. Mumme could throw a junior high QB out there and make them functional.

 

[carolinacat]

Kind of makes you pine for Patrick Towles...at least he could take a hit and hang onto the football. Oh well...I think Johnson is quite adequate against mediocre competition. He doesn't have the upside to spring an upset against the better teams....I'd bet Barker is a little better if healthy, but he's still an unknown commodity. We're not in great shape at that position obviously.

 

[Bluetick2100]

O line HAS played decent

OMG please tell me how you think they have played decent?
They can't block a descent HS pass rushing defense.

 

[trueblujr]

Johnson was brought in at the last moment after two guys transferred out we didn't want to have to rely on a true freshman as our backup so we went and got a guy who at least had some maturity beyond high school. He wasn't brought here to be the starter even though they had to sort of sell that he would compete for it to get him here. I don't think he's been horrible, he hasn't set the world on fire, but he's been serviceable and played tough against some heavy odds yesterday. He made a few good throws that our receivers made good catches on. But we all knew going in to last nights game that it was going to be a tough night. I think he performs better next week against Vandy and will improve as the season goes on.

 

[CatsPaws270]

Stephen Johnson is an ideal backup QB to have on your roster. I do not think he drops your level of play and can give you a chance to win.

But, I do not think he has Barker's potential.

Some of those balls vs. Southern Miss Barker threw were perfect. The 2nd half play calling got way too conservative so I dont hold that against him. Florida was embarrassing and the NMSU game he was hurt.

Johnson can move with his legs, but I do not think he is very elusive enough to evade pressure and not strong enough with the ball. Johnson makes some easy throws, but not the ones you need to make to stretch a defense.

Barker has the arm to get Badet, Juice, Dorian, and others out in space and stretch the secondary. Barker may not be as fast as Stephen, but I do not think it is a huge difference. He also seems to know when to take off with the ball and run. Also, his body is strong enough to take hits, where Johnson gets manhandled by a D-Lineman's forearm.

Barker has more potential, Johnson is safer. Johnson has the advantage of being a year older than Drew and got to play two full seasons at juco as a starting QB.

 

[RACdad]

Johnson is not an SEC starting QB. He looks like he'll snap like a Kit Kat when he gets hit.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

As of now...

Barker 0-3 (adding UL last year)
Johnson 2-1

And this is a serious question and no means trying to be insensitive ...what's the odds on us being 0-4 right now if Barker doesn't get hurt?

Johnson obviously isn't the long term answer but I get the feeling we are 0-4 or at least 1-3 with Barker at the helm.

Most important question is when did Barker get hurt. He looked incredible, then awful. If he was injured and trying to play through it, that could explain some things.

Otherwise, he's not a long term solution.

 

[BlueRunner11]

Most important question is when did Barker get hurt. He looked incredible, then awful. If he was injured and trying to play through it, that could explain some things.

Otherwise, he's not a long term solution.

He's had a nagging injury since summer although it never got revealed what it is. My guess is back spasms. They can be on again off again and more on again if you can't get a certain degree of rest which I assume is what's happening now. It would explain the jekyll and Hyde performances.

 

[Anon1660081258]

Johnson seems pretty serviceable when we aren't playing a nuclear powered defense. I agree that Barker seems to have more upside, but also think Johnson won us a game (Carolina) Barker might have let slip. As noted, that conclusion can't be reached securely without better understanding of the injury timeline. How much can Barker's FLA game be attributed to injury???

 

[JPFisher]

Johnson seems pretty serviceable when we aren't playing a nuclear powered defense. I agree that Barker seems to have more upside, but also think Johnson won us a game (Carolina) Barker might have let slip. As noted, that conclusion can't be reached securely without better understanding of the injury timeline. How much can Barker's FLA game be attributed to injury???

Exactly. Part of the point of this thread was to see if anyone knew anything. Drew having surgery is news to me.

 

[merrimanm]

I'd argue that with how Barker looked vs. UL last year, SO Miss and UF...he isn't all that much better of a decision maker, quick to get ball out, etc.. but we know for sure he can't run like Johnson and he makes life a bit easier on Boom/Benny as teams have to respect his legs on read option.

If Barker were a better decision maker why is he at 5 TD vs. 7 Ints in 4 games?

A major issue with Stoops is the QB spot is still a mess adn that is after have 4* Towles, high 3* in Barker, Reece Phillips was a bust and I don't see a future really good QB on the roster (and none committed for 2017 w/o Mac Jones). Here is your future QB roster at UK...Drew Barker, Stephen Johnson, Gunner Hoak and Walker Wood....maybe Jaren Williams in 2018 if we hold him. That is just an awful job unless we can coach up these kids.

Towles and Philips were here before Stoops. Barker and Hoak are his only QB recruits. And then last minute Johnson.

 

[docholiday51]

If Barker had been the QB for all 5 games we would probably be 1-4 now,maybe 0-5.Johnson gives us the best chance to win games with the team we have,he is not a top flight SEC QB but I am glad he is here,he is the best we have right now.We have all seen Barker play the same number of games,some here say they see more potential in him than Johnson.He has a stronger arm,but he is no more accurate,he is slow and his decision making is questionable

Gran brought Johnson in for a reason,he saw Barker's limitations and knew we had to have a plan B

 

[murpack]

It was just a few years ago Cats could boast of three four star QB's in Barker, Towles, and Phillips. I still have trouble understanding why none of the three developed and why we are depending on a JUCO transfer with a true freshman backup.

 

[TotesMcGotes]

It was just a few years ago Cats could boast of three four star QB's in Barker, Towles, and Phillips. I still have trouble understanding why none of the three developed and why we are depending on a JUCO transfer with a true freshman backup.

You know the answer to this. We all do. Up until this season there was no one on staff who was capable of developing quarterbacks. You need a good qb coach and paired with some in game experience. Cant cheat either one

 

[Glenn Fohr]

Kind of makes you pine for Patrick Towles...at least he could take a hit and hang onto the football. Oh well...I think Johnson is quite adequate against mediocre competition. He doesn't have the upside to spring an upset against the better teams....I'd bet Barker is a little better if healthy, but he's still an unknown commodity. We're not in great shape at that position obviously.

Yeah, might have been nice to have a 5th year senior back, especially with Gran.:football:

 

[Mr Schwump]

Re Reese Phillips....he has played in one game(out of four) and has thrown one pass. He's apparently third team at Montana.

 

[WildcatofNati]

It was just a few years ago Cats could boast of three four star QB's in Barker, Towles, and Phillips. I still have trouble understanding why none of the three developed and why we are depending on a JUCO transfer with a true freshman backup.

Phillips was a lightly recruited low 3 star. That said, one would have hoped from more from Towles and Barker, to the extent he has played.

 

[Gabewcat]

How much does UK and Stoops regret running off Patrick Towles?

 

[RealCat41]

How much does UK and Stoops regret running off Patrick Towles?

I'm not sure if he does or doesn't, but I bet he's watching this Friday night at 7:30 when Towles faces off against Clemson.

 

[UKCatNnc]

Both QB's just aren't very good. Johnson could be the starter if he was even serviceable at throwing the ball but he isn't. Against good defenses, they will take advantage and force containment on the outside and dare him to beat them with his arm. Which he won't do.

Barker. He's a huge question mark. Underdeveloped bc of the talent or the lack of talent he faced in high school. Throw in a back injury and he may never become the QB so many thought he would be in high school. Sad thing is, UK hasn't had a good QB since Mike Hartline. Until we do, the offense will have its up and downs.

For a school like UK to succeed in the SEC, it's vital to have a QB that can put points on the board by stretching the field. Just going to face too many good offenses and solid run defenses throughout the year.

Hartline didn't start out as a very good QB.