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KSR Today: Kentucky steps into the SEC Media Days spotlight

On3 imageby:Tyler Thompson•07/20/22•

MrsTylerKSR

After two days of watching other schools preen in the SEC Media Days spotlight, it’s finally Kentucky’s turn. Well, almost. Mark Stoops, Will Levis, Kenneth Horsey, and DeAndre Square will start making the rounds at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta this afternoon, the final team of the day.

First up: a session with the local media. Around lunch, Stoops and the players will chat with some familiar faces, including Nick Roush and Freddie Maggard. After that, they’ll begin their media tour. Stoops will take the main stage at 2:25 p.m. ET, with an allotted 30 minutes to speak. You can watch live on SEC Network+ or the ESPN app. Stoops will also appear on The Paul Finebaum Show at 4 p.m. Levis almost certainly will as well at some point.

Whether on the grounds in Atlanta or behind our computers at home, the KSR crew is locked in to bring you every highlight. It shouldn’t be long before we get our first peek at their suits and the private jet. Let’s hope no one rips their pants this time.

It’s going to be a long day, with Arkansas, defending national champs Georgia, and Florida all taking the stage before the Cats. Here’s the schedule (all times Eastern):

  • 9:05 a.m.: ARKANSAS (Sam Pittman, Jalen Catalon, KJ Jefferson, Bumper Pool)
  • 10:30 a.m.: GEORGIA (Kirby Smart, Stetson Bennet, Nolan Smith, Sedrick Van Pran)
  • 1:00 p.m.: FLORIDA (Anthony Richardson, Richard Gouraige, Ventrell Miller)
  • 2:25 p.m.: KENTUCKY (Mark Stoops, Will Levis, Kenneth Horsey, DeAndre Square)
    • 1:40-1:50: Levis on Sirius XM 89
    • 2:25-2:55: Stoops on the Main Stage (SEC Network)
    • 2:25-2:34: Horsey on Sirius XM 89
    • 3:00-3:10: Square on Sirius XM 89
    • 3:30-3:40: Stoops on Sirius XM 89
    • 4:00-4:15: Stoops on Finebaum

Here are a few of the storylines we’re looking for today…

Will there be any news on Chris Rodriguez?

A noticeable absence in Atlanta is the SEC’s top returning rusher Chris Rodriguez. Kentucky’s star running back has settled the matters regarding his April DUI, but his availability for this season remains uncertain for a separate off-the-field matter. Kentucky has yet to release a statement regarding Rodriguez, but if you listened to KSR on Monday, you heard Ryan Lemond share that he’s hearing he may only miss a game or two. That’s very good news.

Mark Stoops will be asked about C-Rod today, likely in the local media session around lunch. We’ll bring you his comments as soon as they happen.

Will Levis Swagger

With Stetson Bennett and Anthony Richardson also taking the stage today, it might as well be Quarterback Day in Atlanta; however, neither has generated offseason buzz like Levis. So far, Levis has one believer in Tim Tebow, who put him No. 2 in his SEC Quarterback Rankings. Most other media members are skeptical. It’ll be fun to 1) see Levis make the rounds — he’s born for this stuff — and 2) see the media’s reaction. Even after Stoops’ success, SEC media can still be slow to jump on the Kentucky train, so we’ll see if Levis’ star power is enough to lure them on board.

If you missed it last night, Kentucky released “QB1: The Will Levis Story” ahead of his SEC Media Days debut:

Will the media buy into Kentucky as a contender?

As mentioned, while Kentucky has (gradually) garnered respect under Stoops, few media members believe the Cats are ready to take the next step, which is beating Georgia for a spot in the SEC Championship game. The Bulldogs take the stage late this morning, undeniably the star of the day for most reporters and fans. Will Kentucky’s vow to upset the Dawgs be taken seriously a few hours later? Probably not, but that’s exactly how Stoops and company like it.

Before we pivot to the other big event of the week, the Peach Jam, here’s a rundown of our SEC Media Days coverage thus far, made possible by Morgan & Morgan. We’re particularly proud of our new video content, which will be rolling out on our YouTube channel (smash that subscribe button, as the kids would say).

Freddie Maggard’s Team Previews

Depth Chart Podcast

Other Newsy/Fun Stuff

KSR at SEC Media Day Check-Ins

The Peach Jam rolls on

Jack Pilgrim joined Zack Geoghegan in North Augusta yesterday and caught up with Kentucky commit Rob Dillingham last night. The five-star guard had plenty of great stuff to say about his future home in Lexington, but what will get you most excited are his comments about who he wants to bring with him.

“The Dream Team would definitely be DJ (Wagner), Justin (Edwards), Aaron (Bradshaw), maybe a few more people. We already know Reed (Sheppard) is there,” Dillingham told KSR. “Honestly not a super team, but a team that can win a national championship because Kentucky hasn’t won it in a minute. That’s what I hope to bring there, that’s my goal.”

Speaking of Edwards, we found out yesterday he will announce his decision at 7 p.m. ET Monday night on CBS Sports HQ. The Cats are trending as the leader over the Tennessee Vols. Monday night party?

Here’s today’s schedule at the Peach Jam. You can watch all games on the Nike EYBL live stream. Stay tuned to KSR as Jack and Zack continue their coverage:

  • 6:30 PM | Mokan Elite (John Bol) vs. Team WhyNot
  • 6:30 PM | NJ Scholars (Aaron Bradshaw, DJ Wagner) vs. PSA Cardinals
  • 6:30 PM | LivOn-Fleur De Lis vs. Team CP3 (Rob Dillingham)
  • 6:30 PM | NY Rens (Naasir Cunningham) vs. Team Durant (KJ Evans, Trentyn Flowers)
  • 8:00 PM | NH Lightning (Elliot Cadeau, Pettiford) vs. Indy Heat
  • 8:00 PM | Team Griffin (Tre Johnson) vs. Team Melo/Brad Beal Elite winner
  • 8:00 PM | Expressions Elite (Buzelis) vs. Houston Hoops (Amier Ali)
  • 8:00 PM | Team Final (Justin Edwards) vs. Oakland Soldiers
Ugonna Kingsley / (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Ugonna Kingsley begins his official visit

In other big recruiting news, five-star center Ugonna Kingsley begins his official visit to Kentucky today. There are rumblings the 2023 star may reclassify and join this year’s squad, a very exciting prospect. How seriously is Kentucky taking it? The coaches are sacrificing a day at the Peach Jam to host Kingsley, who is ranked No. 5 overall and No. 1 among centers in the latest On3 rankings. Jack Pilgrim will be by in a bit with a preview.

Sydney McLaughlin runs in the 400m hurdles semifinals

Last night, two of Kentucky track’s biggest stars moved forward at the World Championships. Abby Steiner qualified for the finals of the 200 meters with a time of 22.15 seconds. The 200m finals are tomorrow night at 10:35 p.m. ET. Steiner will run in lane eight.

Sydney McLaughlin cruised into the semifinals of the 400m hurdles, which are tonight at 9:15 p.m. ET on Peacock. Seriously, she makes this look so easy.

The ESPYS are tonight

The ESPYS, ESPN’s annual awards show, is tonight starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, and honestly, the only reason I may watch is to see Dick Vitale accept the Jimmy V Award. Vitale’s doctor cleared him to speak at the awards show last week, and his speech tonight is guaranteed to bring the house down.

Another reminder to don’t give up. Don’t ever give up!

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2024-05-24