Step 1 is almost always going to be landing a quarterback. They are the highest-paid position on the field; they command the offense, and they can make or break your team. Oftentimes, the QB position is the difference between winning and losing. But they don't do it themselves. That's why, after flipping Kenny Minchey from Nebraska, Will Stein must land some elite playmakers around him.
Jayce Brown, James Jones, Tyree Adams are elite playmakers Kentucky football must go all-in on
A good quarterback needs pass catchers. Kentucky already has some with potential. There is DJ Miller, Cam Miller, and Hardley Gilmore who have all shown flashes of potential. You have Willie Rodriguez at tight end who has NFL potential. What you don't have is a true WR1. We saw last year that without a true breakout star at wide receiver, you can be shut down. Objective 1 is to make sure that doesn't happen.
1. Jayce Brown- Kansas State
Jayce Brown is the definition of a true WR1. Through 3 years with Kansas State, Brown has totaled 1,972 yards and 13 TDs. The yards look okay until you see that he only has 116 catches, which means he is averaging over 17 yards per catch. Last year, he was top 30 in the nation in YPC, and in Will Stein's explosive offense, he would be a true home run hitter. Currently visiting LSU while Sam Leavitt is there, he is still planning on visiting Kentucky. In addition to LSU, he said, "Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky, and Louisville are the schools that have been reaching out.. I am planning to visit all those."Brown told On3’s Chad Simmons.
2. James Jones- Delaware State
98 carries, 957 yards, nearly 10 yards per carry. Yes please. That is monster production, and yes, it was at Delaware State, but still, do you know any running backs at any level who get a first down nearly every time they touch the ball? Because that is exactly what Jones does. running backs. He is heading to Colorado this week, and Jones is available. Get him signed.
3. Tyree Adams- LSU
What is better than having an elite pass catcher? Having an elite LT to protect you. Minchey has good pocket movement, but he is not going to break away all the time. He needs someone to stand there and keep the pocket clean. He has allowed exactly 0 sacks in his 11 starts. Can't get much better than that folks
Will Stein has a lot of work to do. Kentucky has nearly 30 positions open all across the roster. Things get messier by the day with the portal signings and departures. We recommend you keep yourself sane and follow our tracker here.