First Down Kentucky: Cornerback Dabo Swinney?

Hello friends. How are we? Filled with holiday cheer? I hope so. I’m filled with Transfer Portal. My brain has tapped into college football’s waiver wire. Singularity has finally been achieved, thanks to Kentucky football.

This achievement comes at a cost. The synapses in my brain aren’t firing at all cylinders. That is why today’s edition of First Down Kentucky is kicking off with a friendly quip between coaches.

The Gator Bowl hosted a Zoom press conference Thursday afternoon. It made me grateful that pandemic lockdowns are long gone. The awkwardness, the vertical camera shots, the connection lapses — it all created an awkward 25-minute conversation between Mark Stoops and Dabo Swinney, save for one moment.

This was Swinney’s first speaking engagement since Clemson concluded the season with a 16-7 win over South Carolina. Some of the Tigers’ brightest stars have either entered the transfer portal or declared for the NFL Draft. When asked about the state of the Clemson roster, Swinney dodged specifics, putting them off until after they host a team meeting on Sunday. Although, he did share one moment of levity.

“I might have to play corner in this game,” said Swinney.

Stoops quickly responded, “You could. I’ve seen the way you run out on that field.”

Got him.

The Most Exciting 25 Seconds in College Football

…following Coach Swinney pic.twitter.com/roQB6Fh2c2
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 18, 2021

Kentucky RB Ray Davis Still Uncertain on Gator Bowl

It did not take long for Ray Davis to determine that this year would be his one and only season at Kentucky. After playing five years of college football, he’s ready to take a shot at the NFL while there’s still some tread on the tires.

Initially, we were led to believe his draft declaration was also a bowl game opt-out. When Kentucky drew Clemson in the Gator Bowl, it forced the running back to reconsider. Mark Stoops said the running back is still mulling it over before the team begins bowl practice.

“I think he’s kind of going back and forth,” said Stoops. “He’s gonna go pro and trying to decide if it’s best for him to play in this game or not.”

Willie Rodriguez Continues to Add Offers

The tight end from Covington Catholic remains “locked in” with his commitment to Kentucky, but that isn’t slowing down other schools. Some might be skeptical of that phrasing from Willie Rodriguez, but I am not. He’s enjoying the last month of recruiting before he becomes a Cat. Tennessee and Auburn are kicking the tires, but ultimately those wheels will spin to Lexington.

I’d also add that I don’t think the timing of all of this is a coincidence. This string of announced offers for a future tight end is being rolled out as a starting tight end announces he’s entering the transfer portal. Jordan Dingle’s departure was surprising, but I believe Kentucky is confident that Willie Rodriguez will contribute sooner rather than later.

Blessed to receive an offer from Auburn! @B_Aigamaua @CoachHughFreeze @G_miller11 @AuburnMade @AuburnFootball pic.twitter.com/xjVrLKueYZ
— Willie Rodriguez (@w_rodriguez10) December 7, 2023

When will Brock Vandagriff Make it to Campus?

The Kentucky quarterback is not expected to be in town for this weekend’s round of official visits. Brock Vandagriff is nearing the end of his undergraduate degree. Following commencement, he’s tentatively planning to make a trip up to Central Kentucky next weekend. You can learn more about the Cats’ new QB in this Q&A on KSBoard with his father, Greg Vandagriff. Not a member? Sign up for KSR+ right now and try it out for a month. You won’t be disappointed.

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One Kentucky Wildcat is SEC All-Freshman

And it’s a player you probably haven’t heard of, Walker Himebauch. That just means he’s been doing his job well.

Kentucky’s long snapper earned SEC All-Freshman Honors from the league’s coaches after the Colorado Springs native stepped in for the injured Ronald Gaines and played without error. A year ago Kentucky couldn’t kick a field goal. This fall Alex Raynor was 10-of-11 on FGs and 43-of-44 on PATs. Himebauch deserves credit for improving that special teams operation and he’s getting it from the SEC coaches.

Duke Found a Head Football Coach

Mike Elko’s replacement has been named. Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is returning to the ACC after he spent three years leading the Miami Hurricanes. Diaz is going back to his old stomping grounds in 2024 to take on the Canes.

Why is Diaz’s move significant to this audience? Jon Sumrall was reportedly a finalist for the vacancy. It looks like the former Wildcat will remain in the Deep South for another year.

Sick Brag, Satterfield

The Cincinnati social media employee tried to say something nice about the Bearcats’ head coach. Their audience wasn’t having it.

Take your time scrolling through the replies and you will find at least one good laugh or two. My personal favorite: “That is certainly something to be proud of. Too often sports fans get caught up in trivial things, like wins and losses.” Cincinnati was 3-9 this fall, only 1-8 in their first season of Big 12 football.