Mark Stoops on Kentucky quarterback situation: 'Brock's our starter'
Quarterback play has been a bit unsteady at times so far for Kentucky as part of a struggling offense. Even so, Brock Vandagriff remains their starter according to Mark Stoops.
Stoops received a question about Gavin Wimsatt, the Wildcats’ backup quarterback, while speaking with the media on Thursday. As to why he didn’t appear at all last weekend, Stoops said they have continued to keep Wimsatt ready as there are certain ways where they’d like to utilize him.
“We’ve had Gavin ready, you know, and Brock was playing good. It was one of those games, you know,” said Stoops. “We’ve had plays, you know, and we’ve had things.”
“(Wimsatt) has looked really good, you know,” Stoops said.
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However, Stoops noted that nothing has changed Vandagriff from being Kentucky’s QB1.
“Brock is our starter,” Stoops stated.
Through his first three collegiate starts, Vandagriff is 29-55 (52.7%) for 313 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also has had some success in the run game despite seven sacks taken over the last two having largely affected those numbers for him on the ground.
Vandagriff played well in their opener against Southern Miss, although that game was only over a half in the end. In his first two conference games, though, Vandagriff has completed just 41% of his throws for no scores, a pick-six, and 72 yards per. Those came from an awful outing for them against South Carolina and an improved yet still moderate output versus Georgia.
With that, Wimsatt, the Rutgers transfer, is on the sideline after returning home following three seasons with the Scarlet Knights. He has made one appearance in the fourth quarter at the end of the loss to the Gamecocks where he went 3-7 (42.9%) for 14 yards and an interception. He did also rush for 44 yards on six carries at 7.3 yards a touch with his ability as a runner being something that is of value to the Wildcats.
Still, Kentucky’s depth chart isn’t seeing a change at quarterback at this point. Stoop realizes that the entire offense, including that position, needs to be better. It’s just not yet time to make any changes yet, regardless of where Wimsatt is as a possibility for them.
“We obviously need to improve in certain areas but Gavin has really looked good,” said Stoops. “When he gets his opportunity, I’ll be excited to see him and I’m sure you will too.”