Courtland Ford will Miss Spring Practice, Chris Collins Receives Promotion

Kentucky is returning four of its five starters on the offensive line. The big question is at right tackle. Jeremy Flax graduated and is trying to secure an NFL roster spot at Friday’s Pro Day. Eric Wolford‘s options at the position will be limited this spring.

After subpar play at the position in 2022, Courtland Ford was recruited from the transfer portal to take Flax’s position. Flax accepted the challenge and played the best football of his life. The USC transfer still received some quality snaps and even started a game. Unfortunately, he will not be competing for a starting position this spring.

Following the first day of practice, Mark Stoops informed the media that Ford is not available for the next 15 practices. He did not divulge any specific details about the injury. Ford is not the only injury absence this spring.

“I have a laundry list of guys that are going through some parts (of practice). I don’t really want to get into every one of them right now,” he said.

It’s not uncommon for players to miss spring practice after undergoing surgery following the regular season. It is worrisome that the injury bug continues to bite Ford, and that position in particular. Ford lost his job at USC due to an injury. Last spring Kentucky wanted Nik Hall to compete for time at right tackle, but he suffered what ended up being a career-ending injury.

Kentucky is not up a creek without a paddle. The Cats successfully recruited Gerald Mincey from Tennessee. Over the last two seasons, he’s logged more than 1,000 snaps and started multiple games at both right tackle and left tackle.

“I think bringing Mincey in with all of the plays he’s had, the size and the experience that he has, really helps us right away,” said Stoops.

Chris Collins is Earns Kentucky Co-Defensive Coordinator Tag

This offseason cornerbacks coach Chris Collins received a contract extension through 2025 that is worth $500,000 in the second season of his deal. We learned today that it also comes with the title co-defensive coordinator. The defensive passing game coordinator title will not drastically alter his duties but adds some well-deserved prestige to the rising star. Stoops made similar moves with Derrick Ansley and Steve Clinkscale, who eventually parlayed that into positions in the NFL.

“I’ve done that before at that position where we had guys and brought them along. Steve Clinkscale is a great example of a guy who came in, and I’m really proud of him and what he’s done, what he’s accomplished. You saw the growth here, and move on and continue to grow,” said Stoops.

“I’m really hoping for the same thing and already am seeing a lot of that growth or I wouldn’t have promoted Chris. He needs to take that, run with it, have some more responsibility and that’s what guys are looking for in their career is responsibility as a position coach.”