Mark Stoops addresses biggest area of growth for offensive tackles

Kentucky lost multiple pieces from its offensive line this offseason, including both tackles to the NFL Draft and the position coach along with offensive coordinator. However, Mark Stoops and his new-look offensive staff continue working with the new tackles to return as one of the best line units in the country.

During his spring game press conference, Mark Stoops discussed what he saw from the new offensive tackles on the day and throughout the spring.

“I thought overall, there was some moments there early where we had some good – we were more firm in the pocket than we were in some other team settings or blitz settings at practice,” said Stoops. “Then there were the moments where we weren’t very clean. I thought for the most part, the ones were pretty solid. So we’ll see, I’ve got to go through and take a good look at it. But I thought the tackles are holding up.”

Stoops later continued his assessment of the new offensive line unit by discussing the most important areas for the young players to improve before facing the SEC schedule.

“I think pass (protection) is definitely something, as you face guys in this league, and you have to win some one-on-one situations,” said Stoops. “There’s always times when we can help and protect, but you can’t do that all the time.”

Mark Stoops on offensive changes

Kentucky‘s annual spring game provided Big Blue Nation with an early look at what new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello is putting together in Lexington for the 2022 season. Head coach Mark Stoops was pleased to see his offense shine so early in the preseason.

“When it’s all said and done we’ll we’re very excited about where we’re going,” Stoops said. “You know, we were relatively basic today, but there’s quite a bit of carryover that you could see some nuances. You probably aren’t used to seeing a fullback back there sometimes, so you know, that was a little different, but really you’re just moving the tight end around.”

Kentucky’s offense, based around 12 personnel (two tight ends, one running back), is fueled by pre-snap movement, creating different looks in the hopes of catching the opposition off guard. That pro-style offense that former offensive coordinator Liam Coen implemented in Lexington over the past seasons is staying around with Scangarello, who has even more NFL experience than Coen and looks to make his mark in the SEC.