First Down Kentucky: Physical, Physical, Physical

A common word keeps coming up when you talk to Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops about his football team: physical. Most notably, this word is thrown out when discussing expectations for the offensive line, but it really is a theme for the entire program.

After Tuesday’s full padded practice, Kentucky offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan and tight ends coach Vince Marrow both mentioned the physicality that the Wildcats have had to this point.

“These guys have had a physical camp on both sides of the ball. Certainly, it starts up front,” Hamdan told KSR on Tuesday. “Really doing a nice job of taking the next step each day.”

First Down Kentucky has put together a practice notebook to recap how Kentucky’s offense is progressing. The Gavin Wimsatt package talk is not just empty words plus the tablets on the sideline will impact the game in a positive way.

Kentucky must be creative with Gavin Wimsatt

One of the first big additions Kentucky’s offense made to the roster following Bush Hamdan taking control of the sticks was Rutgers transfer Gavin Wimsatt. The former four-star recruit started 19 games over three seasons in the Big Ten and will have a package at Kentucky.

Wimsatt is already getting snaps at quarterback with the second unit but will play a role as a wildcat quarterback this season. Hamdan was asked about using two quarterbacks and admitted that a balance is needed as a play-caller.

“You’re able to see during that last practice some of the things he’s able to do. We think he’s one of the best ball carriers we have as well. It’s on us to be creative,” said Hamdan. “Making sure it’s a package he can handle, but he can also handle going in and being the full-time quarterback if needed there.”

Wimsatt will have a clear role in Kentucky’s offense and will likely be used in third-and-short and the red zone. The Wildcats have a plan, and all signs point to Hamdan’s attack using the QB run to help supplement Kentucky’s ground game.

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Tablets will impact college football

Helmet communication is coming to college in 2024, and everyone is discussing it. Tablets with replay videos will also be a resource coaches and players can use this season. Bush Hamdan believes including video technology will “be a big game-changer” on game days.

Finding a way to simplify and overwhelm players will be essential.

“I think it can certainly be a huge plus, but we gotta be efficient with it. Sometimes, as you guys know, in between drives there’s only four or five or six minutes. Can’t necessarily be on those tablets taking forever,” Hamdan told KSR. “The communication has gotta be in sync. We’re putting a plan together.”

In Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, Kentucky’s coaching staff will use the tablets in a game setting. The Wildcats have a plan and will see how that plan works in a real game setting. Regardless, Kentucky must have clear communication to maximize this new resource.

Jason Patterson could become a game-changer

High three-star tailback Jason Patterson was a late high school recruiting win for Kentucky in the 2024 cycle, but the Sneads (Fla.) High product did not wait long to make a positive impact in Lexington. Patterson earned some snaps with the first unit during spring practice and is currently competing for playing time behind Ohio State transfer Chip Trayanum.

The young player has gone to work in the shadows.

“He’s kind of one of those guys that’s been quiet. Continually working,” Hamdan told KSR about Kentucky’s true freshman tailback. “I think I remember in July…and he would have his pads on just getting catches on these jugs machines here at about six o’clock at night.”

In open practices, Patterson was receiving a ton of reps with the second unit and looks to be competing with Demie Sumo-Karngbaye for playing time. The first-year player is not someone who comes up in conservation when discussing Kentucky starters but could emerge as a key depth piece who can give Kentucky options at a position without a lot of depth.

“It’s those younger guys who can step in and know what they’re doing with a little bit less experience that are going to be game changers for us,” Hamdan said.