Legit two deep next year

[seccats04]

Next year will the first year where Stoops has a legit two deep at every position. And experience galore with 19 returning starters and a ton of Sr's on offense.

LT- Cole Mosier Sr / Landon Young So
LG-Nick Haynes Sr / Logan Stenberg So
C- Bunchy Stallings Jr / Drake Jackson Fr
RG- Tate Leavitt Jr / Luke Fortner Fr
RT- Kyle Meadows Sr / George Asafo Adjei Jr
TE- CJ Conrad Jr / Greg Hart Sr
QB- Stephen Johnson Sr / Drew Barker Jr
RB- Boom Williams Sr / Benny Snell So
WR- Jeff Badet Sr / Blake Bone Sr / Kayuane Ross Jr
WR- ZyAire Hughes Fr / Jabari Greenwood So
WR- Garrett Johnson Sr / Charles Walker Sr
WR- Dorian Baker Sr / Tavin Richardson So

DE- Phil Hoskins Jr / Alvonte Bell Sr / Kengera Daniel Jr
NG- Naquez Pringle Sr / Matt Elam Sr
DT- Adrian Middleton Jr / Tymere Dubose Jr
Jack- Denzil Ware Jr / DeNiro Laster Sr
LB- Josh Allen Jr / Kobie Walker Jr / Jordan Bonner Jr
LB- Courtney Love Sr / Kash Daniel So
LB- Jordan Jones Jr / Eli Brown So
NB- Kendall Randolph Sr / Kei Beckham So
CB- Derrick Baity Jr / Jordan Griffin So
SS- Mike Edwards Jr / Tobias Gilliam Fr
FS- Darius West Jr / Marcus Walker So
CB- Chris Westry Jr / Davonte Robinson Fr

PK- Austin MacGinnis Sr
P- Grant McKinniss So

This doesn't even take in effect the true freshmen who are sure to make a few changes, possibly at Slot WR (Lynn Bowden, JaVonte Richardson or Clevan Thomas), QB (if Barker doesn't come back, Clark could push to be the backup), RB if Boom goes pro (Koback will play probably 3rd string behind Rose) and maybe SS if Edwards goes pro. This is possibly a Top 25 lineup.

 

[Beatle Bum]

Hoskins and Hughes jump to starting positions. Interesting.

 

[Blue Decade]

Hoskins and Hughes jump to starting positions. Interesting.

Won't happen.

 

[seccats04]

Hoskins and Hughes jump to starting positions. Interesting.

Well Hughes is a pure Slot WR is why I have him replacing Timmons although if we get Bowden I think he starts. I have Hoskins starting because he will be here for spring ball although Daniel may step up and start. Bell did better than I thought he would this year.

 

[Blue Decade]

I think it would be a good idea to wait until spring practice. The returning starters will likely start again in 2017. Asafo-Adjei should start at right guard. There are some players whose positions and roles are unpredictable until the coaches do their evals in March. Hoskins is 1 of those. He could be a tackle or an end, and he is unlikely to start right away. There is no way Hughes will start when we have Juice, Badet, Baker, Richardson, Greenwood, Bone, Walker coming back. I want to see if Darius West is healthy before speculating about his role. Kendall Randolph could fetch the open safety job, or it could be a juco. But most of your predictions are probably going to be right.

 

[seccats04]

I think it would be a good idea to wait until spring practice. The returning starters will likely start again in 2017. Asafo-Adjei should start at right guard. There are some players whose positions and roles are unpredictable until the coaches do their evals in March. Hoskins is 1 of those. He could be a tackle or an end, and he is unlikely to start right away. There is no way Hughes will start when we have Juice, Badet, Baker, Richardson, Greenwood, Bone, Walker coming back. I want to see if Darius West is healthy before speculating about his role. Kendall Randolph could fetch the open safety job, or it could be a juco. But most of your predictions are probably going to be right.

I think Hughes is down the pecking order of WRs but he is the only true Slot WR on the team that I see besides the signees. I would like to see Daniel step into a starting role next year if Hoskins isn't ready.

 

[Saguaro Cat]

I feel like Alvonte Bell has done well these past few weeks and will be starting next year. Like most Jucos, seems we usually get 15 good games from them.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Looks like a team that could beat Florida, UT and UL in the same season.

 

[tntuk]

Next year will the first year where Stoops has a legit two deep at every position. And experience galore with 19 returning starters and a ton of Sr's on offense.

LT- Cole Mosier Sr / Landon Young So
LG-Nick Haynes Sr / Logan Stenberg So
C- Bunchy Stallings Jr / Drake Jackson Fr
RG- Tate Leavitt Jr / Luke Fortner Fr
RT- Kyle Meadows Sr / George Asafo Adjei Jr
TE- CJ Conrad Jr / Greg Hart Sr
QB- Stephen Johnson Sr / Drew Barker Jr
RB- Boom Williams Sr / Benny Snell So
WR- Jeff Badet Sr / Blake Bone Sr / Kayuane Ross Jr
WR- ZyAire Hughes Fr / Jabari Greenwood So
WR- Garrett Johnson Sr / Charles Walker Sr
WR- Dorian Baker Sr / Tavin Richardson So

DE- Phil Hoskins Jr / Alvonte Bell Sr / Kengera Daniel Jr
NG- Naquez Pringle Sr / Matt Elam Sr
DT- Adrian Middleton Jr / Tymere Dubose Jr
Jack- Denzil Ware Jr / DeNiro Laster Sr
LB- Josh Allen Jr / Kobie Walker Jr / Jordan Bonner Jr
LB- Courtney Love Sr / Kash Daniel So
LB- Jordan Jones Jr / Eli Brown So
NB- Kendall Randolph Sr / Kei Beckham So
CB- Derrick Baity Jr / Jordan Griffin So
SS- Mike Edwards Jr / Tobias Gilliam Fr
FS- Darius West Jr / Marcus Walker So
CB- Chris Westry Jr / Davonte Robinson Fr

PK- Austin MacGinnis Sr
P- Grant McKinniss So

This doesn't even take in effect the true freshmen who are sure to make a few changes, possibly at Slot WR (Lynn Bowden, JaVonte Richardson or Clevan Thomas), QB (if Barker doesn't come back, Clark could push to be the backup), RB if Boom goes pro (Koback will play probably 3rd string behind Rose) and maybe SS if Edwards goes pro. This is possibly a Top 25 lineup.

My guess for OG is that Stenberg and Haynes start with GAA (or possibly Haynes and GAA start with Stenberg as the 3rd OG) and Fortner/Leavitt as backups, or in the rotation at Guard.

Either way - we have players in the two deep with tons of experience that could be interchangeable with the starter with no noticeable drop off. That's the quality depth needed to compete in the SEC. We're in for one fun season next fall if you ask me.

Also think Gunnar Hoak (not Clark) would be the QB to push for backup spot. If Barker doesn't come back to the level he was (I hope he does), I fully think Hoak is the backup. Really think he is going to be a good one.

 

[Comebakatz3]

RG and Center are going to be pretty interesting. Stallings started to play extremely well and was a starter at guard. Meyers was backing him up. You also have the Leavitt angle. Does he move inside or can he handle SEC ends? I think in fall practice we always heard that he was fine in terms of ability, but was a bit slow in getting the playbook down. So, he could still be a tackle. If so, then that could move George AA back inside. They could also move Stenberg to the right side to start and then have some younger players back up the more experienced players.

 

[Raptureme]

You think Boom comes back?

 

[Beatle Bum]

Boom said he is excited for the bowl, but will sit down and assess his next move after the bowl.

 

[3kidsandme]

Imo stallings was all sec caliber at guard. I hate moving a kid who is excelling at a spot. Imo if Drake is ready he is a better fit at center than guard. Leave Stalling at rg and surround Drake with experienced lineman.

 

[jauk11]

I thought Leavitt was supposed to be the prototypical tackle, and now he is switched to OG, which I thought was one of our strong points. He wasn't just a four star, he was a 5.9 four star, players rated that high usually have all the tools.

 

[cardkilla_rivals379685]

When you see it on paper, you realize that we have a pretty good SEC team going into next year. How good remains to be seen. But there's no reason to think they won't give SEC teams all they want next season. We have the potential to be the best UK team since the 70s. Will be fun to see how it all comes together.

 

[mtn cat1]

Looks like a team that could beat Florida, UT and UL in the same season.

I think that this is a real possibility!!!

 

[mtn cat1]

Next year will the first year where Stoops has a legit two deep at every position. And experience galore with 19 returning starters and a ton of Sr's on offense.

LT- Cole Mosier Sr / Landon Young So
LG-Nick Haynes Sr / Logan Stenberg So
C- Bunchy Stallings Jr / Drake Jackson Fr
RG- Tate Leavitt Jr / Luke Fortner Fr
RT- Kyle Meadows Sr / George Asafo Adjei Jr
TE- CJ Conrad Jr / Greg Hart Sr
QB- Stephen Johnson Sr / Drew Barker Jr
RB- Boom Williams Sr / Benny Snell So
WR- Jeff Badet Sr / Blake Bone Sr / Kayuane Ross Jr
WR- ZyAire Hughes Fr / Jabari Greenwood So
WR- Garrett Johnson Sr / Charles Walker Sr
WR- Dorian Baker Sr / Tavin Richardson So

DE- Phil Hoskins Jr / Alvonte Bell Sr / Kengera Daniel Jr
NG- Naquez Pringle Sr / Matt Elam Sr
DT- Adrian Middleton Jr / Tymere Dubose Jr
Jack- Denzil Ware Jr / DeNiro Laster Sr
LB- Josh Allen Jr / Kobie Walker Jr / Jordan Bonner Jr
LB- Courtney Love Sr / Kash Daniel So
LB- Jordan Jones Jr / Eli Brown So
NB- Kendall Randolph Sr / Kei Beckham So
CB- Derrick Baity Jr / Jordan Griffin So
SS- Mike Edwards Jr / Tobias Gilliam Fr
FS- Darius West Jr / Marcus Walker So
CB- Chris Westry Jr / Davonte Robinson Fr

PK- Austin MacGinnis Sr
P- Grant McKinniss So

This doesn't even take in effect the true freshmen who are sure to make a few changes, possibly at Slot WR (Lynn Bowden, JaVonte Richardson or Clevan Thomas), QB (if Barker doesn't come back, Clark could push to be the backup), RB if Boom goes pro (Koback will play probably 3rd string behind Rose) and maybe SS if Edwards goes pro. This is possibly a Top 25 lineup.

What a blessing, after all these years of waiting!!!!!

 

[Beatle Bum]

I think that this is a real possibility!!!

For that to happen, the sophs on defense will have to become bigger better juniors and our DLine will have to be more formidable than it currently is. Both are possible. Both are not, necessarily, guaranteed. We won some close games this year with last second victories (lost some too). The offense seems to be improving. Johnson seems likely to be a QB who can manage a team and have good moments in any league. The defense is the key. If it does not improve, we will be, at best, a barely eligible bowl team, IMO.

 

[seccats04]

Next year's schedule is tricky though. Most of our "winnable" SEC games are on the road (Mizzou, USCe, Vandy, MSU) while most of the teams we usually lose to (UF, UT, UGa) are at home. Sets up for an interesting year.

 

[jpbky2]

I think what it shows and we actually saw a little of it this year, is that one or two injuries will not make this team implode. Jordan Jones being out in the Tennessee game was really the only injury that I thought we were not able to overcome this year. I've always said, I want a team that when I go to the stadium (home or away) I want to have a realistic chance to win. We aren't quite there with the Alabama's of the world (But then again, who is?), but we are gaining ground. The cupboard definitely is a lot fuller with nicer things in it, that is for sure.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Next year will the first year where Stoops has a legit two deep at every position. And experience galore with 19 returning starters and a ton of Sr's on offense.

LT- Cole Mosier Sr / Landon Young So
LG-Nick Haynes Sr / Logan Stenberg So
C- Bunchy Stallings Jr / Drake Jackson Fr
RG- Tate Leavitt Jr / Luke Fortner Fr
RT- Kyle Meadows Sr / George Asafo Adjei Jr
TE- CJ Conrad Jr / Greg Hart Sr
QB- Stephen Johnson Sr / Drew Barker Jr
RB- Boom Williams Sr / Benny Snell So
WR- Jeff Badet Sr / Blake Bone Sr / Kayuane Ross Jr
WR- ZyAire Hughes Fr / Jabari Greenwood So
WR- Garrett Johnson Sr / Charles Walker Sr
WR- Dorian Baker Sr / Tavin Richardson So

DE- Phil Hoskins Jr / Alvonte Bell Sr / Kengera Daniel Jr
NG- Naquez Pringle Sr / Matt Elam Sr
DT- Adrian Middleton Jr / Tymere Dubose Jr
Jack- Denzil Ware Jr / DeNiro Laster Sr
LB- Josh Allen Jr / Kobie Walker Jr / Jordan Bonner Jr
LB- Courtney Love Sr / Kash Daniel So
LB- Jordan Jones Jr / Eli Brown So
NB- Kendall Randolph Sr / Kei Beckham So
CB- Derrick Baity Jr / Jordan Griffin So
SS- Mike Edwards Jr / Tobias Gilliam Fr
FS- Darius West Jr / Marcus Walker So
CB- Chris Westry Jr / Davonte Robinson Fr

PK- Austin MacGinnis Sr
P- Grant McKinniss So

This doesn't even take in effect the true freshmen who are sure to make a few changes, possibly at Slot WR (Lynn Bowden, JaVonte Richardson or Clevan Thomas), QB (if Barker doesn't come back, Clark could push to be the backup), RB if Boom goes pro (Koback will play probably 3rd string behind Rose) and maybe SS if Edwards goes pro. This is possibly a Top 25 lineup.

Good take but a few things: Think I'd expect to see GAA at RG with Leavitt backing him. Fortner backing Meadows at RT. I'm really not counting on Barker. Back injuries are just so serious and iffy. Look for Hoak as SJ's back up with Clark running 3d.

On D I think Bell starts over Hoskins at DE, at least early. Both will play a lot. TJ Carter figures here too. Kengera may be an OLB. Bonner backs Allen and will push him for PT. Kobie may be the odd man out, partly because of injuries and partly because others have moved past him. Don't forget Calvin Taylor at DT. He's played sparingly this year as a RS fr but has a big up side. We tend to forget him because he was signed late, comes from a tiny Ga HS and has played little football. But the guy has some plusses...certainly size at 6'9" 295 but watch his film, he's athletic and can run. Maybe in '17 but certainly in '18 he should push for PT. Hopefully UK signs either/or Cole or Lonnie Johnson as Edwards running mate.

Spring practice should be spirited to say the least!

 

[seccats04]

Good take but a few things: Think I'd expect to see GAA at RG with Leavitt backing him. Fortner backing Meadows at RT. I'm really not counting on Barker. Back injuries are just so serious and iffy. Look for Hoak as SJ's back up with Clark running 3d.

On D I think Bell starts over Hoskins at DE, at least early. Both will play a lot. TJ Carter figures here too. Kengera may be an OLB. Bonner backs Allen and will push him for PT. Kobie may be the odd man out, partly because of injuries and partly because others have moved past him. Don't forget Calvin Taylor at DT. He's played sparingly this year as a RS fr but has a big up side. We tend to forget him because he was signed late, comes from a tiny Ga HS and has played little football. But the guy has some plusses...certainly size at 6'9" 295 but watch his film, he's athletic and can run. Maybe in '17 but certainly in '18 he should push for PT. Hopefully UK signs either/or Cole or Lonnie Johnson as Edwards running mate.

Spring practice should be spirited to say the least!

I don't ever see Taylor playing much at DT. His legs are way too skinny to hold up in the trenches.

 

[Blue Decade]

I think Hughes is down the pecking order of WRs but he is the only true Slot WR on the team that I see besides the signees.

Depending on schemes, this team has plenty of slot receivers. Some have been used differently because we run the football 65% of the time now. Dorian Baker and Jabari Greenwood are the only true split receivers on our current team. We have a bunch of guys, Richardson, Bone, Ross, who could play outside or in the slot. In a true prostyle passing offense, Badet and Juice would be slot receivers, working slants and crosses in the middle of the field. But Johnson doesn't throw very accurately over the middle. As long as we are running the football most of the time, they are split out wide so they can work the deep part of the field against an isolated corner when Johnson reads the safeties moving up into the box. If we get a real passing offense next year, receivers' roles will change. Zy'Aire Hughes was a quarterback in high school, still being evaluated. There won't be a big role for Hughes in 2017 with so many experienced receivers coming back as seniors. Hughes may have a bright future after our 2017 seniors graduate, but I don't know if he will play in the slot. If Danny Clark becomes our quarterback in 2018, Hughes might be split out wide. All of this will get worked out when the time comes.

 

[Blue Decade]

I don't ever see Taylor playing much at DT. His legs are way too skinny to hold up in the trenches.

Taylor was worked at defensive tackle this year because there was a roster need. He isn't a natural defensive lineman.

 

[Deeeefense]

I thought Leavitt was supposed to be the prototypical tackle, and now he is switched to OG, which I thought was one of our strong points. He wasn't just a four star, he was a 5.9 four star, players rated that high usually have all the tools.

Unless you know something I don't, no decision has been made yet on where Leavitt will play. From what I have heard he still works out both inside and outside.

 

[Blue Decade]

Unless you know something I don't, no decision has been made yet on where Leavitt will play. From what I have heard he still works out both inside and outside.

I am not an insider, but I sure know how redshirt years work. LOL! It is a safe bet that Tate Leavitt has seen many snaps at all 5 offensive line positions in practice this fall. That's what redshirts are for. Leavitt is following a common path for juco transfers. Leavitt had offers from Alabama and Auburn because he has elite size and decent athleticism. Like many jucos, he had no idea what is required to compete in the SEC. He had never experienced major college conditioning, so he came to Kentucky in unsatisfactory physical condition. All this happened at the same time Cole Mosier was rapidly improving and Landon Young was arriving. So Leavitt fell behind those 2 guys and drew a redshirt. In the end, I think the question will be whether Leavitt is a left tackle or right tackle. Is he a nimble, agile blocker or a powerful drive blocker? Does he have quick feet and good balance? Does he have strong, active hands and arms? If our coaches think Leavitt can play on the left, then they can start Young at left tackle and move Mosier over to right tackle. But if Leavitt is a right tackle, then he can compete with Meadows for the 2017 starting job while GAA moves inside. Or they can move Leavitt to right guard, where he could back up GAA. I'm sure they prefer for him to succeed as a tackle, which is a more premium position on the offense. By April, we should know most of the answers.

 

[Mr Schwump]

I don't ever see Taylor playing much at DT. His legs are way too skinny to hold up in the trenches.

Could be right, probably are...I'm just saying a guy that big wh carun a little has a chance to play at some point. May not be untl his RS jr year but it could happen.

 

[Blue Decade]

Based on build, frame, long arms, Taylor's best position would be left offensive tackle. But we already have lots of those (Mosier, Young, Leavitt), so Taylor would never see the field. Coach's job is to fit players onto a roster and produce wins. I think Taylor will likely get lost in the shuffle, but I would like to see him move back to defensive end and just see if he can work hard and improve.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Based on build, frame, long arms, Taylor's best position would be left offensive tackle. But we already have lots of those (Mosier, Young, Leavitt), so Taylor would never see the field. Coach's job is to fit players onto a roster and produce wins. I think Taylor will likely get lost in the shuffle, but I would like to see him move back to defensive end and just see if he can work hard and improve.

Agree, DE probably gives him his best shot to play. When I first heard about him two words entered my mind...Ted Hendricks. I can dream can't I?

 

[ukalum1988]

Next year's schedule is tricky though. Most of our "winnable" SEC games are on the road (Mizzou, USCe, Vandy, MSU) while most of the teams we usually lose to (UF, UT, UGa) are at home. Sets up for an interesting year.

We will play Mizzou at home and UGA on the road next season. We also get Ole Miss at home. I look for USC to be improved but it's still a winnable game. I think we have a good shot of going at least 4-4 in conference play next season.

 

[catscratchfever3215]

Agree, DE probably gives him his best shot to play. When I first heard about him two words entered my mind...Ted Hendricks. I can dream can't I?

When I first heard about him I immediately thought of Ed too tall Jones.

 

[Mr Schwump]

When I first heard about him I immediately thought of Ed too tall Jones.

I think we're in the same ballpark! Like I said, we can dream right?!

 

[bigbluejon]

I thought Leavitt was supposed to be the prototypical tackle, and now he is switched to OG, which I thought was one of our strong points. He wasn't just a four star, he was a 5.9 four star, players rated that high usually have all the tools.

 

[bigbluejon]

Seems like you'd have realized by now that stars don't matter. Although it seems like that's all you post about

 

[mtn cat1]

For that to happen, the sophs on defense will have to become bigger better juniors and our DLine will have to be more formidable than it currently is. Both are possible. Both are not, necessarily, guaranteed. We won some close games this year with last second victories (lost some too). The offense seems to be improving. Johnson seems likely to be a QB who can manage a team and have good moments in any league. The defense is the key. If it does not improve, we will be, at best, a barely eligible bowl team, IMO.

"The glass is half full", Caveman Catfan!!!

 

[CakeEater_rivals341679]

Our OL is going to beat up a lot of opponents next year. If he stays, Boom and Bennie will have a special season - how many games could they both go for 100 yds?

 

[RV]

You think Boom comes back?

no

BTW - nice job on the OP, seccats04.

 

[catscratchfever3215]

I think we're in the same ballpark! Like I said, we can dream right?!

Yes I would take him being a clone of either one of those in a heartbeat. Our defense would significantly improve with the addition of a hall of fame talent.

 

[seccats04]

We will play Mizzou at home and UGA on the road next season. We also get Ole Miss at home. I look for USC to be improved but it's still a winnable game. I think we have a good shot of going at least 4-4 in conference play next season.

Yes that's my error. I don't know how I got those two confused. We don't know how Ole Miss will turn out but I will happily play them vs playing Bama again. The schedule is quite interesting next year. Sets up quite well if we take care of business and I will venture to say we could actually be favored against UF at home as they lose a lot on defense and still don't have a QB or much of an offense.

 

[CakeEater_rivals341679]

Based on the current group of recruits, we could redshirt the entire class, and even the JC recruits if they have 3 to play 2. But I think they are expecting Hoskins and Lonnie Johnson to play even if they have 3 to play 2