The football offseason is everyone’s favorite time to talk about hypothetical situations. Topics like what MIGHT happen to the schedule, who Kentucky MIGHT sign in recruiting or which coaches MIGHT be coming or going. One of the most intriguing things to look at is who MIGHT switch positions between now and the start of the 2012 season in September. Of course, it’s all purely speculation at this point though. Here are my thoughts on guys that might switch positions for various reasons.
#2 – Alvin Dupree – SO
Currently: Outside Linebacker
New Position: Tight End
Why it Makes Sense: Kentucky’s lack of production from the tight end position has been a glaring hole in the offense for several seasons now. Dupree is a freakish athlete that was considered a better prospect at tight end as a high school player and has the type of athleticism that would allow the offense to do things it cannot with other players.
Why it Doesn’t: There’s no questioning Dupree’s promise on defense, as he was one of the most impressive young players this season. The Wildcats have seldom had a stud pass rusher, and Dupree could be that guy. On top of that, Kentucky already has Ronnie Shields at tight end and as a similar player to Dupree, he could eventually be the receiving threat that the offense needs. Dupree’s ability to block SEC defensive ends is also suspect.
Likelihood: Low
#4 – Ray Sanders – JR
Currently: Running back
New Position: Wide Receiver
Why it Makes Sense: It’s pretty rare that a team will look to move its starting running back, but Kentucky is in a unique situation. Both Josh Clemons and CoShik Williams proved more than capable as runners, and Jonathan George and Brandon Gainer both show tons of potential. Sanders has struggled to stay healthy as a ball carrier and a move to receiver would lessen the beating he takes each week. He has been lauded by the coaching staff for his hands, and anyone with a pair of eyes in their head can see that Kentucky could use more playmakers at receiver.
Why it Doesn’t: Sanders is still Kentucky’s most experienced and well rounded back, so it would take a lot for the staff to move him. Some of the younger players would have to surpass him on the depth chart, and he would have to prove capable of running routes and blocking on the perimeter.
Likelihood: Very Low
#5 – Ashely Lowery – SO
Currently: Safety
New Position: Outside Linebacker
Why it Makes Sense: I’ll preface this by clarifying that when I say outside linebacker, I’m talking about the hybrid role manned by Winston Guy this season. Now that that is out of the way, Lowery is a versatile athlete. He has the type of unique skill-set that made Guy so lethal at the new position and it would get him closer to the line of scrimmage.
Why it Doesn’t: Kentucky is already thin at safety and removing Lowery takes one of the few proven players out of the equation. He saw the field extensively this season as a true freshman and looks to be a star for Kentucky in the defensive backfield.
Likelihood: Low
#7 – Bookie Cobbins – FR
Currently: Quarterback
New Position: Wide Receiver
Why it Makes Sense: Kentucky should return senior Morgan Newton, sophomore Maxwell Smith and sophomore transfer Jacob Russell at QB this season. Added to that, incoming freshman Patrick Towles is getting rave reviews and is expected to compete for the stating job very early in his career. That’s a thick stack of players to man one position, and Bookie can do a lot of things that the others couldn’t at receiver. He’s athletic, fast, and knows how to move with the ball in his hands. If moved to receiver, Cobbins would likely be in the mix to play and play early. He could very well prove to be the type of player Kentucky needs to get the passing game going.
Why it Doesn’t: Cobbins has always played quarterback, and came to Kentucky to get a chance to do so. He may be unhappy about a move and leave the program altogether (See Deaunte Mason).
Likelihood: High
#8 – Josh Forrest – FR
Currently: Outside Linebacker
New Position: Tight End
Why it Makes Sense: Forrest was originally considered a tight end by most scouts and has the potential to be a good one. He began his career at Kentucky as a tight end, but moved to outside linebacker during camp. Unless Kentucky is planning on eventually making a switch to a more conventional 3-4 set (using two true outside linebackers and phasing out the safety/linebacker hybrid position), there is a logjam at the hybrid spot. With Ridge Wilson, Alvin Dupree, Justin Henderson, Trevaughn Paschal, Farrington Huguenin, Tim Patterson, Jabari Johnson, and Tyler Brause all being players with the size and athleticism to play the spot, there’s a logjam of bodies for one position. None of Kentucky’s current tight ends have stepped up to claim the position either, so playing time may be more abundant there for Forrest.
Why it Doesn’t: Forrest started out on offense, but was moved to defense because of his versatile skill-set. If he had set the world on fire on offense, he would have likely stayed there. He is probably a little to light to play tight end at this point in time anyway.
Likelihood: Very low
#12 – Morgan Newton – SR
Currently: Quarterback
New Position: Tight End
Why it Makes Sense: Newton has seen his struggles at QB over the past three years and now looks to be behind Maxwell Smith heading into the offseason. He was probably never really a good fit for Kentucky’s offense anyway and has the type of body that could make him a great tight end. This would increase his playing time significantly. Also, Newton will be rehabbing his throwing shoulder this offseason after sitting out most of the last few games. If his shoulder doesn’t heal back to 100%, it really wont matter if he’s not playing quarterback.
Why it Doesn’t: Newton has always been a quarterback, and Kentucky recruited him as one. He’s been groomed for the starting job since he arrived on campus, and the struggles this season had as much to do with the offensive line and the wide receivers as they did Newton himself. With only a year of eligibility remaining, redshirting to recover from injury is an option, but he could also transfer or just give up football altogether.
Likelihood: Very Low
#15 – Martavius Neloms – SR
Currently: Safety
New Position: Cornerback
Why it Makes Sense: Neloms played corner for his first two years in Lexington and actually started most of his sophomore season there. He was moved to safety because of a need and a scheme change, but the graduation of both of Kentucky’s starting corners and the departure of both Jerrell Priester and Dale Trimble has left a hole needing to be filled. Neloms would immediately become the Wildcats’ top cover-man. The emergence of Lowery, Glenn Faulkner, and Eric Simmons gives the Cats depth at Safety if Neloms were to move.
Why it Doesn’t: While there may be a hole at corner, safety isn’t stocked much better. After the trio of freshmen, there really aren’t enough bodies at safety for comfort. Besides, Neloms was one of the few bright spots in Kentucky’s defensive backfield this season at safety, so it would e tough to justify switching him back to his old position for one last year.
Likelihood: Very low
#18 – Glenn Faulkner – SO
Currently: Safety
New Position: Cornerback
Why it Makes Sense: Again, a lack of depth at corner has snuck up on the Cats. Faulkner was unable to overtake fellow freshmen Ashely Lowery and Eric Dixon on the depth chart this season, and has the athletic tools to play on the perimeter anyway.
Why it Doesn’t: Faulkner was an Army All-American as a high school player at Safety. He has as much promise as anyone on the entire roster and could be an impact player for the Cats this coming year. It’s important to remember that Faulkner was cleared at the 11th hour by the NCAA, so ALL other freshmen had a leg up on him this past fall.
Likelihood: Very low
#19 – E. J. Fields – SR/JR
Currently: Wide Receiver
New Position: Safety or Cornerback
Why it Makes Sense: Outside of a great game against Louisville, Fields has never made an impact on offense. He has been unable to surpass other struggling players at receiver, but has been a standout on special teams. As a prep player, Fields was considered an ‘Athlete’ because of the promise he showed on defense as well as offense. A lack of depth in the defensive backfield coupled with an influx of talented young receivers could help the decision to make a move easier. Keep in mind, Fields would likely be approved for a sixth year of eligibility due to injury, which would give him two seasons as a DB.
Why it Doesn’t: Fields has been at receiver for three seasons so far and should be one of Kentucky’s most polished pass-catchers by now. With a lack of production from the wide receiving corps in 2011 and him finally showing his true abilities against Louisville this year, he should be in the mix for serious playing time on offense this coming season.
Likelihood: Low
#28 – Eric Dixon – SO
Currently: Safety
New Position: Cornerback
Why it Makes Sense: Dixon played extensively in Kentucky’s nickel package as a true freshman and actually played fairly well. He has the athleticism to play corner and has the size to match up with the bigger receivers in the SEC. A sudden lack of depth at cornerback would likely propel him into a starting role next season.
Why it Doesn’t: Dixon is probably a more natural fit at safety. He is not afraid to come up and make a big hit on the quarterback or a ball carrier and has the range to play from sideline to sideline. He was listed as high as the number two safety on the weekly depth charts this season.
Likelihood: Very high
#30 – Marcus Caffey – FR
Currently: Running back
New position: Cornerback
Why it Makes Sense: There is actually a ton of depth at running back on the roster right now and Kentucky will not graduate a single player from the position this year. With Williams set to be a senior, Sanders and George to be juniors, and Clemons and Gainer coming back as sophomores, Caffey will have a ton of competition to even see the field. On top of that, the staff has told recruits that they plan on signing two running backs in the 2012 class, adding two more bodies to the mix. As mentioned above, a lack of depth at cornerback will allow for faster playing time, and Caffey has the type of skills to excel at the position early.
Why it Doesn’t: Due to the nature of the position, Running backs get injured a lot. With smaller backs than other schools, Kentucky’s runners are more susceptible to injury. Caffey was a very highly regarded running back prospect coming out of high school and could still make an impact for the Cats on offense.
Likelihood: Very high
#32 – Miles Simpson – SO
Currently: Outside Linebacker
New Position: Safety
Why it Makes Sense: IF (and it’s a big IF) Kentucky were to move away from the 4-3/3-4 hybrid defense and transition to a traditional 3-4 scheme, the safety/linebacker hybrid position would be eliminated. If the position goes the way of the dinosaurs, the most obvious place to stick Miles Simpson would be back at Safety, where the Cats need bodies desperately.
Why it Doesn’t: Winston Guy was one of Kentucky’s best players this season and his play was pivotal in Kentucky winning the games that they did. Simpson looked promising in limited time filling in for Guy and could potentially bring the same versatility to this year’s defense.
Likelihood: It depends on too much at this point
#44 – Tim Patterson – FR
Currently: Inside Linebacker
New Position: Outside Linebacker or Defensive End
Why it Makes Sense: Patterson was thought to be a ‘tweener’ coming out of high school with the potential to play defensive end or outside linebacker. Kentucky’s switch to the new scheme fits this type of player very well, but at the linebacker/end hybrid position. Patterson is currently providing depth at weak-side linebacker (played by Danny Trevathan this season) and is probably not in the best position for his natural abilities. A move to a true 3-4 scheme would make this move make even more sense.
Why it Doesn’t: Kentucky isn’t in DIRE straights at the inside linebacker positions, but removing Patterson makes the unit that much thinner. He has been working out at linebacker since he arrived on campus and throughout his rehab (knee), so he is probably finally getting comfortable there too.
Likelihood: High
#56 – Sam Simpson – JR
Currently: Center
New Position: Guard
Why it Makes Sense: Simpson was considered a top-10 prospect at center nationally as a high school player. The emergence of Matt Smith has relegated him to a backup role at this time though, and it’s tough to see a talented player sit on the bench as a victim of circumstance. Moving Simpson to guard would allow him the chance to compete for a starting position. If he doesn’t beat out the competition, he can always go back to backup center. He has been cross-trained at guard throughout his career as well.
Why it Doesn’t: Simpson was considered a top-10 CENTER nationally, not a guard. He has played center throughout his life and, as a coach’s son, has the type of smarts you look for in the guy calling the protections.
Likelihood: Medium
#58 – Shaq Love – FR
Currently: Guard
New Position: Tackle or Defensive Tackle
Why it Makes Sense: The current recruiting class is stocked at guard and the roster has several talented young players along the offensive line’s interior. Love came in to Lexington and was placed on the offensive line almost immediately. A move to tackle would give him a better opportunity to play early in his career (considering the relatively low amount of depth at the position), or a move back to defensive tackle would put him in the position that most scouts felt he was best suited to play as a prospect.
Why it Doesn’t: Love was put on the offensive line for a reason. He either didn’t show the staff enough to keep him at defensive tackle, or depth concerns moved him to offense shortly after he arrived here. Whatever the reason, Kentucky is restocking both lines with the current recruiting class and Love moving positions back and forth could end up putting him behind younger players. Several of the incoming offensive line recruits show potential at tackle and Kentucky has at least three defensive tackles (possibly four depending on how big Daniel Ross gets). Moving to another spot will likely put him behind some of the incoming freshmen, and that’s never a recipe for playing time.
Likelihood: Low
#75 – Zach West – FR
Currently: Guard
New Position: Center or Tackle
Why it Makes Sense: West is one of the most intelligent players on the team, and the type of guy you want setting up your offensive line. He’s as big and strong as a tackle, but has enough athleticism to allow Kentucky to pull the center on outside run plays and screens. As a returning redshirt freshman, He could learn behind starter Matt Smith for a season, and be ready to take over the position as a sophomore. If moved to Tackle, West would likely be in contention for playing time from day one. He has the size and length necessary to play on the edge and could help the Cats’ offense slow down speed rushers with his size/strength combination.
Why it Doesn’t: Kentucky loses Stuart Hines and Jake Lanefski to graduation for sure, and may lose Larry Warford to graduation. Keeping West at guard would allow him to continue working at the position he was practicing in all season (and worked his way up to #2 on the depth chart at) while he continues to adjust to the college game.
Likelihood: Very high
#76 – Teven Eatmon-Nared – SO
Currently: Tackle
New Position: Guard
Why it Makes Sense: There were high hopes for Eatmon-Nared when he initially came to Kentucky. As a converted tight end, he possessed a huge body, but with great athleticism as well. He has put on over 30 pounds since arriving in Lexington though and has lost some of the athleticism that made him such a promising prospect. A move to guard would lessen his need for lateral mobility and increase the need for brute strength and size, where Eatmon-Nared is doing just fine. With the potential loss of Larry Warford to the NFL added to the departures of Hines and Lanefski to graduation and JUCO recruit Darone Bailey’s uncertain status after a knee injury, Eatmon-Nared could see the field sooner on the interior.
Why it Doesn’t: Eatmon-Nared has the type of length and reach that can be hard to come by in a tackle. Standing at 6’7, his huge frame will allow him to stretch out and stop the speed-rushers in the SEC. The Cats also lost Billy Joe Murphy and Chandler Burden at tackle, so there should be plenty of opportunity for Eatmon-Nared to compete for a starting job at tackle.
Likelihood: Medium
#87 – Brain Adams – JR
Currently: Wide Receiver
New Position: Tight End
Why it Makes Sense: Adams has been unable to break into the rotation at receiver despite the players ahead of him struggling this past season. A move to tight end would give the Cats a freakishly athletic option to throw to and could give the position its first true breath of life since Jacob Tamme graduated. Adams already has the size necessary at 6’4 and 230+ pounds, so he would only really need to learn how to block on the interior portion of the field instead of the perimeter. Adams also spent time working out at tight end early in his career.
Why it Doesn’t: Adams already spent some time at tight end and the move obviously didn’t stick. With Kentucky’s pro-style set, the tight end has to be a willing and capable blocker on running plays, and has to be able to block defensive ends and linebackers regularly. With only two years of eligibility left, is it worth the move? He also is a standout baseball player, and the added strength and weight he would likely put on could affect his abilities on the baseball diamond.
Likelihood: Low
#95 – Patrick Ligon – JR
Currently: Defensive End
New Position: Defensive Tackle
Why it Makes Sense: Of all the scholarship players on the roster, Ligon might be the one most fans have forgotten about. He came to Kentucky out of Memphis and has had little impact since his arrival despite him being a great fit for the 3-4 defense at end. At this point, Ligon is probably behind too many young players to have a realistic chance of contending for starting time at defensive end. Defensive tackle is another matter though. The heavier tackles wear down faster and need breathers a little more than the smaller ends. Ligon could conceivably work his way into the rotation sooner on the interior of the defensive line.
Why it Doesn’t: While the defensive tackles tend to wear down a little faster, Kentucky is still already stocked with promising young talent. Mister Cobble and Donte Rumph are both slated to be juniors next season, Christian Coleman returns as a sophomore, The Cats are adding several talented defensive linemen to the roster in the 2012 recruiting class, and Nermin Delic may return and could come back as a tackle. That’s a lot of bodies even if Kentucky uses a very liberal rotation of defensive tackles. Besides, Ligon would be an ideal fit at defensive end if Kentucky were to ever make the transition to a standard 3-4 (and away from their current hybrid).
Likelihood: Medium
Now, keep in mind that this is all 100% speculation on my part and based on nothing more than my own opinion. There will almost certainly be a player or two that switches position this offseason, but they may not even be on the list at all.