The Will Stein era officially kicks off in earnest tomorrow morning as, bright and early at Kroger Field, Big Blue Nation will finally get a live look at what the new head coach has been cooking all spring long.
But before we dive into what you will see, we first need to address what you won't see. Because the game isn't being televised on the SEC Network, traveling to Kroger Field is the only way to catch the action. And as expected, you won't be seeing every player either way, due to an extended injury report.
The Street Clothes Crew
Coach Stein made it clear earlier this spring that he is protecting players with an injury history to ensure that they remain fresh for fall camp. As a result, 15 guys will be in street clothes on Saturday, including several projected starters such as Nic Anderson, CJ Baxter, Sam Greene, and Lance Heard.
For those keeping score at home, Kentucky will be down:
- Running Backs (3): Jovantae Barnes, CJ Baxter, Tovani Mizell
- Wide Receivers (4): Nic Anderson, Xavier Daisy, Hardley Gilmore IV, Davis McCray
- Offensive Linemen (5): Alex DiMartino, Lance Heard, Cameron Miller Jr., Kyle Mixon, Aba Selm
- Defenders (3): Ben Duncum, Sam Greene, Jaden Smith
Position-by-Position Preview
Jump to Position:
- The Street Clothes Crew
- Position-by-Position Preview
- Quarterbacks
- Running Backs
- Wide Receivers
- Offensive Line/Tight Ends
- Defense
Despite missing a bevy of significant players, the Wildcats still boast impressive depth for a team that underwent a coaching change so close to Christmas. Here's what to watch for tomorrow morning, regardless:
Quarterbacks
I, for one, feel incredibly confident in Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey. He has the confidence and the playmaking ability both to be the best pure quarterback Kentucky has fielded since Devin Leary, at the very least.
Even if you didn't like Leary, you can admit that he suffered from a misaligned system. When Leary got to rip the ball around in a quick-paced offense, he showed truly impressive flashes. He and Minchey are different to one another, sure, but the similar command Minchey has over the offense is undeniable.
In one of many recent examples, Minchey, in a late-game practice situation, saw a blitz coming and then audibled into a play that led to a score. It's that kind of calm, collected adjustment that should set him apart.
In addition under center, Brennan Ward, Carson Cruver and JacQai Long will be competing for the backup job with Matt Ponatoski not enrolling until the fall.
Running Backs
This is where the nervousness may set in for Cats fans. With the electric one-two punch of CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes sitting out, Kentucky's backfueld depth chart is thin. I
n fact, it's so thin that safety Martels Carter Jr. has been taking reps at the running back position, despite his initial status as a defensive recruit. Keep an eye on how the staff manages the backfield rotation this weekend, and who gets more reps. That may give us an idea of who may have to pick up the slack if Baxter or Barnes go down at any point.
Wide Receivers
Pivoting to pass-catchers, Nic Anderson is the likely "WR1" for this Kentucky team, but with his limited spring action, the door has opened for the rest of the room to make an impression.
DJ Miller and Shane Carr have shown out consistently in practice and, overall, this unit looks significantly deeper and more dangerous than last year. But, so long as Anderson remains at the top of the depth chart, it'll likely start and end with his ultimate efficiency.
Offensive Line/Tight Ends
Even with Lance Heard sitting out, the Cats' offensive line looks like the best overall unit on the that side of the ball right now, anchored by guys like Max Anderson and Coleton Price. Alongside them, the tight end room is also set to be a massive strength. The trio of Willie Rodriguez, Mikkel Skinner, and Henry Boyer should give Stein endless personnel flexibility.
Defense
Kentucky's defensive line should certainly hold its own, with Jamarrion Harkless and Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace specifically leading a solid push up front. They aren't spectacular, sure, but there are more than enough guys herein who can make a play. On the back end, safeties Jordan Castell and Ty Bryant are going to be an absolute problem for opposing offenses, too, coming together as one of the most experienced defensive safety combos in the country.
The primary concern on defense, though? UK's linebackers and corners come without much experience; Saturday will be a good test to see who is ready to step up and claim a strong starting role.
No matter what, though, we finally get to see what Will Stein's first team looks like on the field. Grab your coffee, beat the traffic, and get to Kroger Field! The gates open at 9 AM, BBN; be there, and be in blue.
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