4 Kentucky Underclassmen with Big Opportunities in Music City Bowl

For the first time in Kentucky’s seven-year bowl run under Mark Stoops, there are multiple opt-outs. While some may see their absence as a negative, it’s an opportunity for players down the depth chart to prove their worth. For some Wildcats, this might be their best, and only shot. Transfer portal players have been recruited to fill gaps at various positions. Before they arrive on campus for spring practice, a couple of Cats can make their case for a starting spot in 2023 by performing well on the final day of 2022.

JuTahn McClain

Chris Rodriguez and Kavosiey Smoke are gone. Now it’s JuTahn McClain’s turn to carry a heavier load. During Rodriguez’s four-game suspension the Cincinnati running back was injured. We know McClain can be a formidable third down weapon (15 receptions for 93 yards, 4.9 yards per carry) but can he take 15-20 carries in a single game? Ray Davis has already been added to next year’s depth chart and Jamarion Wilcox could join the fold too. McClain can make the case to be a featured running back with an explosive Music City Bowl performance.

Max Hairston

Similar to McClain, Kentucky has already signed transfer portal players to potentially replace Hairston next season. Ohio State cornerback Jantzen Dunn and Cincinnati cornerback JQ Hardaway were higher ranked recruits, but Hairston will get plenty of playing time in the Music City Bowl thanks to Carrington Valentine‘s unexpected opt-out. Andru Phillips is receiving the starting nod, but Hairston will certainly factor heavily into the rotation. Facing a third-string quarterback and a bad Iowa passing offense, Hairston can put out some quality tape and get a leg up on his competition.

Destin Wade

Does Kentucky need to get another quarterback from the transfer portal? We should learn the answer to that question after the Music City Bowl. Wade, Kaiya Sheron and Deuce Hogan may all get some snaps at Nissan Stadium. Devin Leary will certainly be the starter next fall, but durability is an issue. If Wade can be a dynamic playmaker, manage the offense and take care of the football against Iowa, Kentucky can use a scholarship elsewhere, instead of searching for another quality back-up in the portal this spring.

Trevin Wallace

DeAndre Square will not play in the Music City Bowl. The super senior linebacker spent the second half of the season on the sideline with an injury. It was impressive just to see him and Jacquez Jones appear in the win over Louisville on Senior Day.

This is the game he is passing the torch to Trevin Wallace. The uber-talented linebacker now has two full seasons as a reserve under his belt. In 2023 he needs to become Kentucky’s top tackler and a vocal leader for the defense. The next step in Trevin Wallace’s development will be taken in Nashville on New Year’s Eve.