Mark Stoops addresses Michael Drennen's progression during spring practices

When Michael Drennen decided on joining the Kentucky Wildcats, he was expected to evolve into one of their star wide receivers. However, Mark Stoops and company decided Drennen would be more effective at running back, and the former four-star recruit obliged.

Last season, Drennen’s impact was minimal, as he accumulated only 17 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on seven carries. Now, Stoops is hoping Drennen can make a leap as he familiarizes himself more with the nuances of the position.

After Kentucky’s Blue-White game, Stoops spoke about the improved play he’s seeing with Drennen.

“Yeah, he definitely is,” started Stoops, speaking on Drennen’s positive progression. “You can see he’s, you know, talented out of the backfield. He’s making some really difficult runs, as well. Showing some toughness. So, you know, we have some options back there. But Michael is certainly doing some good things.”

The opportunities didn’t present themselves for Michael Drennen last season, but the Kentucky wildcard is looking to make his name know in 2022. As the Wildcats look to build on their success from last season, the former four-star wide receiver could play a pivotal role out of the backfield.

Mark Stoops on Kentucky offense: ‘We’re very excited about where we’re going.’

Furthermore, 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 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 is staying around with Scangarello, who has even more NFL experience than Coen.

“They speak the same language,” Stoops said of Coen and Scangarello. “There’s some differences but it’ll be easy carry-over. The big thing is — we do that all the time anyway. It’s the same way defensively. You keep the same system, but there’s new wrinkles, new twists. It’ll be the same with the offense, very pleased. I think it’ll be a seamless transition.”

Scangarello has been coaching since the late 90’s and has held positions throughout the NFL since 2015 with the Falcons, 49ers, Eagles and Broncos. He served as Denver’s offensive coordinator in 2019 before being let go after just one season. Most recently, Scangarello served as the San Francisco 49er’s quarterback coach in 2021.

Kentucky was looking for continuity in its next offensive coordinator. From early looks, that looks to be what Stoops paid for. By plucking Kyle Shanahan’s quarterbacks coach from San Francisco, the Wildcats should be able to build on the success Coen created in 2021 without any significant setbacks.