Kentucky Wildcats Football: The impact of UK’s scheme changes
By Kyle
Photo credit: Darren Durham WBN
Needing Work
1. D.J. Warren – FB – Jr
Despite being one of the most talented and consistent offensive of players for the team last season, Warren is going to have to find a new role this year. The spread really doesn’t utilize the fullback much and it’s unlikely that one will be lining up in the I formation again at Kentucky. Instead, Warren will need to become an H–back type of player, become Kentucky short yardage back, or look at a position change. Warren is a talented player though, so he should be fine.
2. Tyler Robinson – TE – Sr
You could really put any of the tight ends here as the position was largely ignored under Brown at Texas Tech. The problem Robinson faces that he isn’t an overly athletic guy and isn’t a candidate to split out wide. He will likely be relegated to go line or short yardage sets unless he can make a switch to another position. He might not be a bad option as a defensive end (where the Cats could use some bodies) or as an athletic lineman that would fit well into Brown’s pass happy scheme.
3. Miles Simpson – LB/S – Jr
The strange 3-4 set that Minter implemented while at UK required Simpson to bulk up to a size that is a little bigger and less athletic than a traditional safety, but smaller and more athletic than traditional linebacker. The problem is that this change put Simpson into a position that no longer exists and he really isn’t a good fit for any of the other spots in the 4-3 defense. He should probably continue to be bulked up and developed as a linebacker but a lack of depth could see the staff try to slim him down and switch him back to safety. Either way, getting on the field is going to be tough for Simpson.
4. Mister Cobble – NG – Sr
The previous staff utilized to 3-4 scheme that needed a strong noseguard to eat up space and blockers at the center of the line of scrimmage. Cobble is a beast of a man and was a solid option at the nose with a short and stout frame. Now, the defense will need to be for the tackles to be more athletic and capable of providing pressure from the interior the defensive line, which isn’t exactly Cobble’s specialty. He should be able to trim down enough to be effective, but losing about 25 to 30 pound isn’t going to be easy.
5. Dyshawn Mobley – RB – So
As mentioned above, running backs in the spread offense need to be versatile and good at making plays in space as well as blocking and receiving. Mobley was brought to Kentucky to be a power back of sorts and move the pile when Kentucky needed the tough yards. If anyone can adjust to the new scheme, an athletic, freshman running back can, but Mobley will have to quickly refine his overall game. Just being a strong runner won’t get him on the field anymore and he has quite a bit of competition in what instantly became an overcrowded backfield.