LEXINGTON – A year ago, Mark Stoops found himself in the enviable position of redshirt throughout his first-year class in Kentucky.
Thanks to an NCAA rule that allows players to appear in up to 4 games without losing a year of eligibility, many 2019 signatories have been able to revel in brief cameos.
Offensive side Travis Tisdale scored a touchdown. The external supporter J.J. Weaver had six takes and one of the defeats. The deep Taj Dodson played in special groups for three games before suffering an injury that ended the season.
If the SEC is going to complete its scheduled 2020 season, even more freshmen will likely see the box for Kentucky this fall.
The NCAA Division I Board advised Wednesday that all fall athletes be granted one more year of eligibility and one year to complete it, regardless of the number of games they play this season. If the Board of Governors adopts this recommendation, freshmen who would have been limited to 4 appearances in a different way may play a more vital role, especially if older players are forced to waste time due to COVID-19 quarantines. .
Kentucky has one of its most comprehensive lists in recent history, however, even before the DI Council’s proposal, Stoops stated that it was very likely that his staff could redress in red with all the elegance of the first year. Considering that 2020 elegance is Stoops’ top touted to date in Kentucky, several freshmen seem likely to play a key role.
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Here’s a look at five freshmen who can make a contribution this fall.
It would be unfair to expect only one player to update Lynn Bowden’s ability to play, but Drennen, a star willing to do everything in Ohio like Bowden, has been compared to the former recipient-turned-UK quarterback recruiting procedure for a reason. .
“We may do some things with him for what we learned (with Bowden),” offensive coordinator Eddie Gran said of Drennen during spring training. “He may be this guy depending obviously on where he is mentally. That’s the biggest challenge with those guys. What we were talking about Lynn: Lynn was so smart, Lynn temporarily understood. Can you read there and do the things Lynn did? In fact, we’ll look for him and see if he can do it.”
Drennen has been a ball carrier as a rookie, however, he will start his uk career as a slot receiver. He can also be used as a “wild” quarterback and as a kickback.
Just as the rookie rated five stars consistent with Rivals.com to point out with Kentucky since the online page began comparing customers in 2002, Rogers will be the subject of much attention as soon as he enters the field.
Kentucky returns six defensive linemen with a significant gaming experience, but at least one of the highly promoted first-year linemen is also very likely to play. Octavious Oxendine, Tre’vonn Rybka and Josiah Hayes have been rated 4 stars through at least one recruitment service. Oxendine, a North Hardin graduate, enrolled early and participated in an abbreviated spring practice during a pandemic.
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“It’s a talented group,” said defensive coordinator Brad White. “When the 4 come out, wow, it doesn’t look like a genuine freshman class. They already have a very clever circumference, a smart size. Other big ones are still in the fourth quarter.”
White warned that first-year ocean liners still have much to do when full training begins, but as evidenced in the early seasons of existing upper class members Quitnon Bohanna and Marquan McCall, Stoops willing to play talented freshmen academics even in a physically not easy position like defensive tackle. It’s going to be hard to keep a player as talented as Rogers off the field.
The Kentucky offensive thrived with a rotation of offensive midfielders of three men a year ago. Can Gran execute your plan with 4 or even attack midfields involved?
Tisdale’s speed can make it a dynamic addition to A.J.’s rotation. Rose, Kavosiey Smoke and Chris Rodriguez, but Gran has also praised McClain since arriving on campus in January.
“I’m inspired by this young man, ” said Gran in the spring trials. “It’s hard, it’s going to put your face in there. It does a wonderful task of protecting against the blitzes. He’s not afraid of anything. Like Travis Tisdale, they gave him this explosion. It’s very soft, it can catch the ball. I think we have a very smart one. I’m very happy to know where he is now. Train him once and fix it.
In a 10-game SEC calendar, intensity will be more vital than ever. McClain had a smart start to make sure his number was called sometime as a rookie.
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Unlike McClain and Rogers, Jackson played in one of the few positions where intensity is a Kentucky affair.
With Chris Oats absent due to an un revealed unworn medical condition unrelated to coronavirus, junior Jamin Davis will take the position of medium supporter alongside weak supporter DeAndre Square. No features are shown to support this duo.
Among the replacements, former school move-in player Marquez Bembry, who played sparingly when he returned from injury last season, has the ultimate delight in the position. Redshirt rookie Jared Casey went from outside speaker to beginner supporter this spring to gain depth.
Jackson signed with the UK with a reputation as a physical and blunt supporter. With snapshots available, this skill set may be enough to earn you an early role.
If Drennen is Bowden’s closest replacement in the UK, Cummings may be the similar replacement of former British open receiver Ahmad Wagner. He put in 57 passes for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior in the men’s season last season.
Wagner’s length and appearance made him the best target for the jump, resulting in pass interference consequences when he picked up the passes. Cummings is two inches lower than Wagner, but at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 228 pounds, he is already the biggest receiver on the list.
By adopting the DI Council proposal, British coaches can let Cummings focus on a short-distance, purpose-line express package to make the most of their shots without worrying enough to justify burning a red T-shirt.
Veteran receivers in the UK were unable to shine for much of last season with Bowden as a quarterback. They may still push freshmen down on the intensity chart, but Cummings, Drennen, Kalil Branham and Earnest Sanders have a chance of winning a role.
“They’re making our other (veterans) organizations really difficult,” Gran said Tuesday. “They know it. They see it, they see the athletics, they see the size. I think that’s just going to push this other organization toward them. Can they come and help now as a real first year?” I don’t know yet. We’ll see how that goes in the next few weeks. “
Jon Hale: [email protected]; Twitter: @JonHale_CJ. Support local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/jonh.