Out goes Akron and in comes Florida. Here are five new names to know for the big game in the swamp.
#63 – Jake Lanefski – OG – 6’4 / 292 – JR – Mobile, AL
After the win over Akron, news surfaced that starting guard Stuart Hines had sustained an injury and is doubtful for Saturday’s game against Florida. The most likely candidate to replace Hines for the time being is junior offensive lineman Jake Lanefski. After moving from center to guard and back again, Lanefski is a rowdy veteran with the versatility to play any of the three interior line positions. He was narrowly beat out by Matt Smith for the starting center job in camp, and will offer the best blend of experience and ability. He brings a mean-streak to the unit and will hopefully fill in for Hines without missing a beat.
#37 – Greg Meisner – FB – 6’1 / 236 – JR – Greensburg, PA
It’s kind of easy to forget about Meisner. He was a relatively unheralded two-star recruit that managed to stay hurt for his first three years in Lexington before being buried on the depth chart as a defensive end. This spring it was announced that he would make the move to fullback to help fill the void left by the graduation of John Conner and backup AJ Nance. He managed to have a pretty solid spring and is now listed as second on the depth chart. Then Moncell Allen tweaked his hamstring against Akron and now Meisner finds himself atop the depth chart. It’s looking like it will be baptism by fire as he play his first SEC game at his new spot and he’ll be charged with opening holes for the running game and catching the occasional pass.
#89 – Tyler Robinson – TE – 6’3 / 243 – FR – Alcoa, TN
Who really thought Robinson would jump over Alex Smith and Anthony Kendrick to grab the number two tight end spot? Raise your hand. OK, everyone with their hand raised that’s name isn’t Tony or Debbie Robinson, you’re a liar. I did have high hopes for Robinson when he picked Kentucky last fall, but I’ll have to say that I’m still a little shocked he’s been this good this early in his career. With the loss of Allen, the offense is sure to use more two tight end sets and Robinson will likely be the direct beneficiary of this. He should see about twice as many snaps this week as he’s seen in previous games.
#15 – Martavius Neloms – CB – 6’1 / 184 – SO – Memphis, TN
I’m going to list a starting cornerback here because when I was at the Akron game, Neloms made a play and when the announcer said his name, two people beside me said, “Who is that?” Neloms is one of two starting cornerbacks for Kentucky, and is playing as a sophomore after seeing the field quite a bit as a true freshman last season. He actually had a rough game against Akron, but I have to believe that he’ll be coached up and fully ready for the speed Florida’s receivers bring to the table. Of course, if you want to make a name for yourself in college football, there are few stages bigger than the one that will be presented to Neloms in Gainesville on Saturday.
#46 – Ronnie Sneed – LB – 6’3 / 233 – JR – Tallahassee, FL
While Sneed is listed as the starting middle linebacker on Kentucky’s depth chart, substitution patterns, blow out victories, and the nickel/dime formation has limited Sneed’s time on the field this season. The defense stayed in their base 4-3 set frequently against Akron, moving a Safety up to cover the slot instead of substituting a defensive back in for a linebacker. This week the Wildcats should see predominantly three and four receiver sets from Florida’s spread offense, and keeping Sneed in the game will help the Cats protect themselves against the running game in the thinned out defense. He’ll have a big task ahead of him, but stopping the run will be paramount to Kentucky’s chances of winning.
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