First Down Kentucky: Meet the New Transfers
Over the last week or so you’ve seen stories on the front page of KSR about the new Kentucky football transfers. Now is a good time to see and hear from the new guys as they prepare for their first spring in Lexington.
The most important issue at hand is in the passing game. The Wildcats have three new pass-catchers and a new quarterback. They’re all getting acquainted with one another by working on the timing of routes during passing sessions at Nutter Field House.
“A bunch of guys are just eager to get to work,” said QB Brock Vandagriff. “I haven’t had to beg anybody to come out there. Everybody’s been asking, ‘When are we throwing?’ Everyone’s looking to improve, whether that’s routes or in the weight room or off the field, eating, stuff like that. We’re eager to get going and it’s been awesome to get those guys out there and see what they can do.”
He added, “There’s some ballers in the wideout room.”
Finally, RB1 at Kentucky
Chip Trayanum has been forced into a secondary role throughout his career, often used as a power back in short-yardage situations. Without much tread on the tires, he is ready to prove he is much more than a between-the-tackles runner.
“It’s what I’ve been waiting for my whole career. It’s definitely something that I’ve dreamt about, it’s definitely a position that I’m blessed to be in and I’m just ready to make the most out of it.”
Working with Wolford
Kentucky is bringing in two new offensive linemen this spring, Gerald Mincey and Jalen Farmer. The former has plenty of experience already in the SEC, while the latter has experience with Kentucky’s new offensive line coach. Eric Wolford was recruiting Farmer to Lexington when he departed to Alabama in the spring of 2022. They finally get to join forces together at Kentucky.
“I feel like we had a great relationship throughout high school. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen,” said Farmer. “He’s really intense, really understands football, cares about football and his players.”
Kristian Story Returning to Kentucky
Cracking the rotation at Alabama isn’t easy. Kristian Story finally got his opportunity when an injury opened up a starting spot ahead of the road trip to Kentucky. He tallied four tackles in the 49-21 romp at Kroger Field.
“I feel like I played okay,” said Story. “Regardless, I could have two interceptions and I still feel like I could do better. I learned that this is something I really can do, regardless of what level it’s at. I’m a ball player. No matter what league it is, I’ll be ready.”
Story got a little positive momentum and turned that into an interception the following week. Even so, he was ready to find more consistent playing time this offseason in the transfer portal. He announced his move to Kentucky just a few hours before Nick Saban told his Alabama team that he is retiring. Story appreciates his time with the greatest coach in the history of college football, and will remember one big lesson he learned from Saban.
“Showing up to work everyday. No matter how you feel or what’s going on, you still have a job to do and everybody around is depending on you to do that job,” he said.
One More Kentucky Football Addition in 2024?
We received a late surprise on National Signing Day when Quintavion Norman committed to the Cats. There could be another option for UK at linebacker. Charlotte native Jaden Smith requested and received the release of his National Letter of Intent from Michigan. Kentucky was one of a handful of schools that came up just behind the Wolverines in his recruitment. He even took an official visit to Lexington. What are the chances something happens? I can’t say, but I can tell you there’s a chance.
Mike Edwards Celebrates a Super Bowl with Family
Mike Edwards tallied seven tackles Sunday night in Las Vegas in his second Super Bowl victory. The first former Kentucky Wildcat to accomplish the feat with two different franchises, this one was much more special. Covid limited capacity to his win in Tampa Bay. This time his family got to relish the life-chaning moment.
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