Kentucky Wildcat Football: Spring update

With the basketball season wrapped up, our attention turns back to the gridiron and Zach and I will begin to ramp up our coverage of the offseason activities and recruiting. Today, I’ve compiled a list of notes to bring everyone back up to speed with the recent happenings of the football team.

Spring Practice –

The biggest story of the spring thus far is probably the transformation the defensive unit is currently undergoing since the addition of defensive coordinator Rick Minter. Earlier this year, quotes by the staff seemed to indicate that the team would begin to transition to a 3-4 defensive scheme, but it now appears the team will utilize a more versatile approach. It appears the base defense will remain a 4-3 alignment, but with personnel that are able to transform the look into a 3-4 or 4-2-5 without substitutions. The defense as a whole is still a work in progress, but things should begin to iron themselves out as the spring and summer months progress.

Offensively, the story is Morgan Newton. After starting several games as a true freshman, he was used far less in his sophomore year and is now the default starter for the Cats. His progression will be a key to what the offensive strategy is this fall and early reports have been positive. Of the limited practices I’ve been able to view, he has looked better than he did as a freshman and in Kentucky’s bowl game.

The positives

Freshman greyshirt Maxwell Smith has been impressive thus far and seems to have the “it” factor you look for in a quarterback. While he is a raw specimen, he’s showing flashes of something really special and could be the future of the Kentucky offense. It will be difficult to unseat Newton as the starter, but if everything clicks for Smith, he certainly has the tools.

Jonathan George has been the biggest surprise so far on offense. He’s a big, powerful back that can move the pile for Kentucky and he could give the offense the power attack it’s been lacking since losing Artose Pinner.

The tight ends are beginning to look like the strongest position group on the team. Jordan Aumiller and Tyler Robinson did a good job as freshmen in 2010, but Anthony Kendrick, Ronnie Shields, and Alex Smith are looking to provide some depth and will push the incumbents for playing time

The offensive line has looked great against the number one defense thus far and should be one of the best units Kentucky has had in some time. Senior Jake Lanefski has been starting at left tackle while Chandler Burden sits out with an injury and he is looking to be a key cog in the rotation along the line with his ability to play all five positions. Teven Eatmon and Kevin Mitchell are massive people and if they’re not the first two off the bus, something needs to be changed.

The defensive line looks more explosive and in better shape than they did during the spring sessions last year. I’m not sure how accurate the weights in the spring guide are, but Mister Cobble, Donte Rumph, and Brice Laughlin all look to be very fit for guys their size. Rumph specifically looks like he’s lost some bad weight.

The negatives

The quarterbacks have been throwing pretty well, but it could be better. After losing Hartline, Cobb, Matthews, and Locke, the offense is going to need someone to run it effectively.

There really hasn’t been a specific running back that has jumped out to me yet. CoShik Williams, Jonathan George, Raymond Sanders, and Brandon Gainer have all had their moments, but I would prefer one to stand out and claim the job of the primary ball carrier.

The receivers are dropping way too many passes. The quarterbacks are putting the ball where it needs to be and the receivers just can’t come through with the catch. This is going to have to change if the offense hopes to keep a balanced attack.

The first unit along the defensive line hasn’t done very well against the first unit on the offensive line. Maybe it’s just that the O-line is just that good, but the starters need to be able to collapse the pocket and clog running lanes better than they have. They do look good in the drills though and a lot of the young guys have put on some really good weight. Michael Douglas and Alvin Davis come to mind.

Recruiting –

Kentucky has grabbed their quarterback for the 2012 class in Ft. Thomas Highlands’ Patrick Towles. Towles is a member of the ESPN 150 watch list and is widely considered one of the top two quarterbacks in the state of Kentucky for 2012.

Miscellaneous –

Some of the position changes that I expected to happen haven’t quite come to fruition yet. The defense is looking to use a couple guys in “tweener” roles like Ridge Wilson playing a OLB/DE hybrid, Winston Guy playing a SS/OLB hybrid, and Martavous Neloms playing a CB/FS hybrid role. There are multiple guys that could see themselves switch from one spot to another.

Maxwell Smith has changed jersey numbers from #17 to #11.

That’s it for now. I’ll continue the offseason updates as I’m able to attend the practices and talk to other folks that did.

Keep following www.http://wildcatbluenation.com for the best in Kentucky basketball and football news, rumors, and opinions. By Kentucky fans for Kentucky fans