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Headlines: Harrison Twins Finally Separating?

By Ethan Conger

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Jon Hale from 247Sports wrote his edition of a red shirt analysis, looking over all the guys coming off of a red shirt last season and predicting their role on the young football team next season.

"Probable redshirt freshman starters: OLB Denzil Ware (6-2, 249) Probable redshirt freshman key backups: QB Drew Barker (6-3, 221), S Mike Edwards (6-0, 186), ILB Nico Firios(6-2, 231), TE Darryl Long (6-4, 244), DT Adrian Middleton (6-3, 294), WR Thaddeus Snodgrass (6-1, 188), OLBKobie Walker (6-3, 200), S Darius West (6-0, 206) Work to do: OG David Baumer (6-5, 307), WR David Bouvier (5-9, 161), OLB/LS Logan Blue (6-4, 246), K Miles Butler (5-9, 169), DE Tymere Dubose (6-5, 307), S Rhomel Fields (6-2, 181), ILB Dorian Hendrix (6-0, 238), WR Ryan Kendall (5-10, 193), P Bryan Kirshe (6-0, 150), OT Josh Krok (6-8, 317), OL Jarrett LaRubbio (6-6, 292), WR Conor Pilch (6-2, 202), OTNick Richardson (6-4, 283), OLB Blake Spencer (6-2, 210), C/OG Jervontius Stallings (6-3, 344), CB Jared Tucker (5-11, 168), P Palmer Ward (6-1, 161) The star: There is no shortage of talent among the Wildcat redshirt freshmen, but outside linebacker Denzil Ware is likely the only player in the group who will face the pressure of immediately being thrust into the starting lineup. The UK coaches were up front this spring about the steep learning curve Ware faces in trying to help replace Bud Dupree, but they remained confident that his talent will help him eventually accomplish that goal. If he can provide a consistent pass-rushing threat on the edge of the Wildcat defense the ongoing worries about the cornerbacks could be lessened. The x-factor: For all the talk of C.J. Conrad’s impressive spring, Darry Long will still need to make a significant contribution at tight end. After a redshirt season in which he gained more than 20 pounds, Long is the bigger of the two Wildcat tight ends, and could provide a more physical presence when the tight end is called on to block. He’s no slouch as a receiver either, so do not be surprised if both Long and Conrad post better stats than any Kentucky tight end since Jacob Tamme. Fall breakdown: The vaunted 2014 recruiting class already made an impact with nine freshmen making their debuts last season, and at least 10 redshirt freshmen look poised to play key roles this season. If the Mark Stoops Era is to be declared a success the highest ranked recruiting class in program history will have to prove worthy of the hype. The good news for most of the the redshirt freshmen slated to play this fall is depth among the upperclassmen is at the best level in the Stoops era, so they will not face the same pressure as the 2014 redshirt players. Even with the improved depth the group will be given every opportunity to force its way onto the field if production can match talent."

Jul 3, 2013; Beaverton, OR, USA; Quaterback Drew Barker (15) passes the ball during the Nike 7on7 elimination play at Nike World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

After defeating the Missouri Tigers in the regular season-finale, the Wildcats will plat Auburn in the first round of the SEC tournament.

"The dust has finally settled on the SEC Tournament standings. Eight-seeded Kentucky will play Auburn, the nine seed, in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Kentucky (30-24, 14-15) will look to advance past Auburn (34-22, 13-17) in single elimination play on Tuesday at 5:30 E.T on SEC Network. The winner will advance to the double elimination rounds where they will face LSU. Each game of the tournament will be available on the SEC Network."

Go ‘Cats!

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