First Down Kentucky: Interesting Depth Chart Lesson

Chris Collins received a promotion this offseason to co-defensive coordinator. The Kentucky defensive backs coach recently joined the official New York Giants Huddle podcast to talk about their new rookie, Dru Phillips. Collins shared a story about Phillips’ development that shines a light on this coaching staff’s process for filling in a depth chart.

Ahead of the 2022 season, Phillips competed with Ole Miss transfer Keidron Smith for the starting outside cornerback position. From the outside looking in, it looked like the job was all Smith’s. After all, he had the desired length, SEC experience, and only one year of eligibility remaining. Why bring him in if he isn’t going to start?

Collins said Phillips and Smith split reps throughout training camp and they didn’t name a starter when the season kicked off. When Smith went crazy in game two and recorded a pick six against Florida, the job was his.

The lesson Collins shared was a testament to Phillips. He didn’t put his head down. Phillips was willing to do whatever it took to help the team win. That meant playing nickel, something that would make him a pro. There’s a lesson Kentucky football fans can take from it going into the 2024 season.

Michigan transfer DJ Waller is presumed by many to be the starting outside cornerback going into the season. That title will not just be handed over. He will have to earn it by competing with others. Based on Collins’ track record, another guy who we think is buried deep on the depth chart could one day develop into a star.

Listen to Chris Collins on the Giants Huddle podcast.

Kentucky one of Six for Transfer Portal DL

Brian Kelly made headlines when discussing his inability to sign interior defensive linemen from the transfer portal. Kentucky has won in its crosshairs, but it’s unclear if the Cats will reach the finish line first. D-II transfer Jay’viar Suggs released a list of his top six schools: Kentucky, Florida State, Wisconsin, Arkansas, USC, and Michigan. After wrapping up official visits, a decision is just on the horizon. Stay tuned.

Vince Marrow is on the road

In an active recruiting period for the Kentucky coaching staff, assistants are spread out across the country making initial contacts with talented underclassmen. Vince Marrow is starting close to home. Today he was at one of his favorite places to recruit, Frederick Douglass High School.

Shout out to Coach McPeek. It was recently announced that he will be a member of the Marshall Athletics 2024 Hall of Fame Class. Remember when the offensive linemen carried a hobbled Byron Leftwich down the field? McPeek was one of them as a stable of the Thundering Herd offensive line from 2000-03. It’s a well-deserved honor for the Lexington high school head football coach.

@vincemarrow @UKFootball thanks for coming by practice and checking on @FDouglassFB student athletes. As always it's SPECIAL to be a BRONCO! pic.twitter.com/FHl0E7RCNR

— Nathan Mcpeek (@coachnatemcpeek) May 8, 2024

Brad White is a Big Kentucky Baseball Fan

Brad White loves the Wildcats. The Kentucky defensive coordinator doesn’t Tweet often, unless it’s about the Bat Cats. He watches pretty much every game and over the weekend Nick Mingione invited White to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

.@CoachWhiteFB x first pitch at @UKBaseball pic.twitter.com/D3IE4DLDaN

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 8, 2024

LaNorris Sellers Named South Carolina Starter

What might be the most important game of Kentucky’s schedule is in week two at Kroger Field. Once dominated by the Wildcats, South Carolina will come to Lexington with back-to-back wins in the series. For Kentucky to get where they want to go, it all starts by beating the Cocks.

This year Shane Beamer is breaking in a new quarterback. For a time this spring, it looked like they were going to land AJ Swann. After South Carolina gained early momentum, he eventually decided to transfer to LSU. There was also buzz about KJ Jefferson making a move to Columbia, but he ended up at UCF.

Desperate for reinforcements, the Gamecocks eventually pulled former Auburn signal-caller Robby Ashford. The runner spent the spring competing with another runner, redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers. Following spring practice, Beamer is handing the reins of his offense to Sellers. Last year two of his four completions were touchdowns, while he carried the ball five times for 51 yards and a score. South Carolina’s success is riding on the shoulders of an impressive athlete who has a lot to prove.

New 11 Personnel on Thursday

Now that things have seemingly died down during the chaotic roster construction period, we’re formulating a new summer podcasting schedule. Expect to have a new 11 Personnel each Thursday evening through the Kentucky football season. We’re kicking things off tomorrow night at 8 pm EST on the KSR YouTube Channel.