Kentucky Wildcats Football: Spring Practice Notes

Sept 15, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Alvin Dupree (2) tackles Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Kadeem Jones (32) at Commonwealth Stadium. Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

In case you missed it, Kentucky football started spring practices last Friday.

It’s understandable given the basketball team’s magical run in the NCAA tournament that some of the gridiron news may have fallen by the wayside. Well, no longer. There have only been two practices so far but there are already plenty of little nuggets waiting for you hardcore football fans. So strap yourself in.

• By all accounts, the team looked much smoother than last year after most of them already know the system. The first practice was reportedly a little sloppy but you expect such things in the beginning of Spring ball.
• Some early surprises include former starting running back Josh Clemons and JUCO transfer AJ Stamps. Clemons return from multiple lower-leg injuries has been well documented and most have written him off but offensive coordinator Neal Brown has been really impressed so far. The plan is to limit Clemons’ reps through the Spring to keep him healthy. It makes you wonder what could have been. All of the defensive coaches came out of the first practice talking about Stamps. Despite being a two-star, he held an Ohio State offer, and he is expected to contribute immediately. Listed as a cornerback when he signed, he has also been seeing some reps at safety.
• The quarterback battle is of course on everyone’s minds. It’s still way too early for anyone to emerge, the only thing for sure is that Maxwell Smith won’t be winning the job out of Spring ball.  Jalen Whitlow may have a slight leg up as the incumbent, but any advantage is slight. Redshirt freshman Reese Phillips almost started at the end of last season and Patrick Towles has a pro skill-set. And then there is Drew Barker. Barker may have the highest ceiling of the bunch, but he attending his high school prom last weekend. Despite getting to enroll early, there will be some growing pains.
• Senior wide receiver Javess Blue will miss all of the Spring after shoulder surgery last weekend. Coach Stoops said that Blue suffered the injury during off-season workouts and they wanted to get the surgery done as soon as possible. He is expected to be ready for the Fall.
• When Kentucky signed Texas wideout TV Williams, the only knock on him was his slight stature. According to the roster that UK released, Williams has gained 15 pounds in three short months. It’s a safe bet that it’s good weight under high performance coach Eric Korem.
• The entire roster has once again changed their bodies in the strength and conditioning program. Several players have added weight to their frames. Defensive tackle Jacob Hyde was a big boy when he signed last season. Well, he’s still big, but he’s a more muscular one now. Fellow redshirt frosh Regie Meant added a whopping 35 pounds and looks to be solidly in the rotation. Bud Dupree looks poised to take his game to another level.
• A quick update on two academic casualties from last season. Defensive back JD Harmon led the team in interceptions as a true freshman walk-on, now he is trying to work his way back into the rotation at cornerback. Harmon has all the physical tools and the size that Mark Stoops has traditionally coveted in his corners. Don’t be surprised if Harmon makes an impact of the field this fall. Redshirt junior wide receiver Rashad Cunningham also sat last season at a position that the team sorely needed depth, and he is back to competing. Good to see those guys still on the team, too often that situation doesn’t work out.
• New safeties coach and special teams coordinator Craig Naivar seems to fitting in well with the staff. Coach Stoops praised his energy during practice. Defensive coordinator DJ Eliot talked about it being a bit strange having his former boss working under him. They coached together at Rice.
• According to the Herald Leader’s Jen Smith, the early depth chart on the defensive line appears to be Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith at end. Defensive tackle features Regie Meat and Mike Douglas. That’s interesting as most expected JUCO transfer Cory Johnson to start and it may happen, it’s far too early to tell.
• On offense Ronnie Shields appears to have realized his opportunity with little competition for the starting tight end job. He has always had size, but blocking was an issue. He is fighting Steven Borden and two walk-ons until Darryl Long shows up this Summer.
• On the defensive side of things, Marcus McWilson is said to be progressing nicely. The former four-star was late arriving to campus and it really stunted his growth as a freshman. He is also still listed as a safety after some speculation that he could move to outside linebacker.
• Tight ends coach Vince Marrow will be coaching the fullbacks as well this year since the two positions are basically interchangeable in the offense.
• In the quest to replace Avery Williamson defensive coordinator DJ Eliot told the Courier Journal’s Kyle Tucker that the plan is to find the best three linebackers and start them, then figure out positions later. Eliot specifically named Khalid Henderson and Josh Forrest as players that they are looking at. JUCO signee Ryan Flannigan is also expected to contribute right away.