Kentucky Offense Shows Promise in 2022 Spring Game

I intended to write an After Action Review for the Blue-White Game, but I failed to post a “Goals”-related article prior to Saturday’s scrimmage. So, let’s just talk about what went down on Kroger Field, shall we? 

Spring games can produce a myriad of reactions. Remember, it’s never as good or as bad as it seems. The best thing about Saturday’s practice is that it’s over and UK came out relatively healthy. There were players withheld from competition due to precaution and health concerns. Proven, star players participated in the early portion of the workout before being relegated to sideline supporters for the second and third teamers. Let’s take a deeper look.

First up is the offense. 

Will Levis Made Strides

I had the honor of guest hosting KSR on Thursday and Friday. The first topic we discussed surrounded the opinion that Will Levis could be a first-round draft pick this time next year.

Now I realize it was only a spring game. But, the Wildcat quarterback has taken an obvious leap forward in his mechanics, awareness, and fundamental responsibilities as an upper-echelon signal-caller. His arm strength was never a question. Nor was his competitive fire which was on display when he ran the football head-first into the end zone after 75 whistles were blown in order to protect the prize QB.

New coordinator and QB coach Rich Scangarello has been good for Levis. Scangarello is known as the “QB Whisperer.” Talk about walking into coordinator nirvana — Levis played one year under the tutelage of Liam Coen and now gets coached up by Rich Scangarello. He’s fortunate. 

Interior OL is Deep, Tackle Still a Work in Progress 

Many, including me, have dialed in on the tackle position as a concern going into the 2022 season. RT Jeremy Flax appears to have locked down a starting role. His body transformation was evident. Flax also played with confidence which was a missing trait in prior seasons. Deondre Buford, Kiyaunta Goodwin, and David Wohlabaugh Jr. rotated on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The trio had ups and downs, but coaches seem to be confident that a rotation will surface. 

Starting center Eli Cox did not participate (he was at his brother’s wedding, according to the broadcast). Quintin Wilson once again showed his value as an interior OL by working at center with the ones. UK is in good shape in the interior with guards Kenneth Horsey, Tayshawn Manning, Jager Burton, and John Young. Offensive line coach Zach Yenser’s intent is to develop an 8-9 player rotation on game day. That Big Blue Wall tradition was not present a year ago. It should resume in 2022. Protecting Will Levis is goal number one in the offseason. 

More Options at Receiver

Kentucky pass-catchers looked different in relation to depth and potential. Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson was shifty after the catch and flashed as the Cats’ go-to wide receiver. Dane Key was frequently mentioned as a true freshman that has a chance to contribute in year one. Key backed up springtime talk with flashes of a riser at the position. DeMarcus Harris also impressed. Again, Saturday was just a spring game. But, it was noticeable that Mark Stoops is pleased with the depth and direction of his receiver room. Competition will abound in the offseason. 

Deep Group of Running Backs 

Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. didn’t have a great deal to prove on Saturday. 2022 could be a magical season for the star rusher. There is depth and versatility at the position. Michael Drennen II showed ball skills and a burst. While uncertain if the junior from Dublin, Ohio has been a consistent performer throughout the spring, Donut jumped on Saturday.

Senior Kavosiey Smoke is a proven entity. La’Vell Wright has garnered excitement but didn’t play in the scrimmage. Kentucky has many options in the backfield. This is a good problem to have. Scangarello also showed glimpses of just how JuTahn McClain will be deployed in the fall. McClain could be the “X” factor that plays multiple roles. Justice Dingle has reopened UK’s dive into the fullback position. This new wrinkle is fun. I like fullbacks. 

Upshaw’s Return 

The return of Keaton Upshaw boosts an already deep group of tight ends. Spring talk emphasized Scangarello’s usage of multiple TEs. We didn’t see a ton of formation variations, but the position projects to be a strength for the ’22 season. Brenden Bates had a nice, contested catch. Jordan Dingle had been talked about quite about in March and April. He should make a jump from year one to year two. Izayah Cummings was a scratch and still recovering from injury. The best aspect of the position is that there are options with each TE providing unique skill sets. 

What Does All This Mean? 

We need to start talking more about the fact that Kentucky has a star quarterback in Will Levis. The signal caller’s jump from year one to year two will be a driving force in just how far this team can go. Levis has been more specific this spring in relation to the technique and fundamentals required for the position. He will be helped by more pass-catching options.

2021 saw the Kentucky offense have an overabundance of targets in the direction of Wan’Dale Robinson. Robinson produced a historical season, but the football needs to be dispersed towards a more diverse group of pass-catchers. Tayvion Robinson, Dane Key, and DeMarcus Harris appear to have solidified their spot in the rotation. Rahsaan Lewis will also contribute. Freshman Barion Brown and Alabama transfer Javon Baker will soon join the squad. Competition for catches is healthy. 

Kentucky is happy with its running backs and tight ends. This also magnifies the weapons that surround Levis. Coordinator Rich Scangarello barely cracked the playbook on Saturday. The first deep dive into his play sheet won’t be on public display until the Cats travel to the Swamp for an early-season, SEC East showdown. 

Springtime storylines have focused on the rebuilding of the Big Blue Wall. New line coach Zach Yenser has multiple interior pieces to move around. Questions surround the tackles. Jeremy Flax looks different. The unknown is at left tackle. Kiyaunta Goodwin, Deondre Buford, and David Wohlabaugh Jr. are in the mix but lack experience. Will Mark Stoops dip into the transfer portal? We’ll see. 

Season projection based on a spring game is a foolish proposition. The simplicity of play calls failed to produce a true evaluation of the overall scheme. But, Will Levis is a star and that’s exciting. Protecting him will be priority one in the long offseason leading up to Kentucky’s matchup against Miami in the opener this September.