First Down Kentucky: Gearing up for the Spring Game

by:Nick Roush•04/09/24•

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The Kentucky spring football game has moved to the back-burner for the BBN as Mitch Barnhart searches for a new Kentucky basketball coach. That doesn’t mean Mark Stoops is calling off practices. The Wildcats are still hard at work, focusing primarily on learning Bush Hamdan’s new playbook.

The spring game is scheduled for 1 pm EST this Saturday at Kroger Field. A format has not been finalized, but Hamdan has clearly prioritized putting a polished product on the field. After spending the first two weeks installing as much of the offense as the Cats can handle, this week they’re simplifying things to ensure Kentucky football fans see a high-quality product at Kroger Field.

“I think execution is where it starts. We want to simplify it as much as possible, not necessarily from a what are we showing? What are we not showing? But simplifying it for these guys so they’re able to get out there and play fast,” said Hamdan.

Spring games are supposed to get fans excited about the future. Kentucky will not show off all of the goods in the televised event, but the Cats want fans to see how the offense will operate with more tempo in 2024.

A Player to Watch in the Spring Game

You’ve seen Dane Key and Barion Brown make plays at Kroger Field. Offensive tackle Gerald Mincey believes the BBN will be happy to see No. 4 Chip Trayanum on Saturday, even though Mark Stoops said it will not be a full-tackle affair.

“For somebody that played linebacker at Ohio State, he’s fast, quick. He’ll run through contact,” said Mincey.

“He knows how to set up the blocks. He’s just not going to hit a hole. If he sees a linebacker right there, he’s going to bring the linebacker to you so you can get off the double-team. His leadership, Chip is like Brock (Vandagriff). He’s not a big rah-rah guy, but he wants you to play for him, if that makes sense, wants you to go hard for him. Chip’s going hard, so let me go hard.”

How Kentucky is Developing Wide Receivers

We’ve heard that Daikiel Shorts is spending the spring helping Kentucky’s pass-catchers take their game to the next level, but what exactly does that look like? I asked the new offensive coordinator.

“I know I’m kind of saying the same things over and over again, but I think at that position it starts with urgency in my alignment, having great communication in knowing what my responsibility is so I can have a plan and play fast,” said Hamdan.

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“I think so many people see a wide receiver running a route and they just think it’s a route. But there are three different looks, there’s different techniques, so again, the faster these guys can develop a plan: What’s my route? How am I going to beat that coverage? What am I gonna do in the run game blocking-wise, get my hands inside and take proper angles? The faster they play with better technique, their game will certainly get better.”

Barion Brown Receives Recognition

The explosive Kentucky wide receiver and kick returner received a plaque from the NCAA, recognizing Brown as the best kick returner in college football in 2024.

Congrats, @BarionBrown ! pic.twitter.com/egMrD0UCzg
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 9, 2024

Kentucky Quarterbacks Praised

Gerald Mincey played with a couple of big-armed quarterbacks at Tennessee. He wasn’t sure what to expect from Brock Vandagriff and he was pleasantly surprised.

“Man, he can throw the ball. He’s not that tall. And I’m like, ‘He can’t throw it that far.’ He surprised me,” said Mincey. “He’s over there looking like Matt Ryan or something.”

Tight end Jordan Dingle didn’t outright say it, but it’s pretty clear he thinks this is the best overall QB room he’s seen during his time at Kentucky.

“I’ve been loving it. So happy to have Beau (Allen) back. He’s the one who gave me my first collegiate pass, so there’s a little special connection there,” said Dingle. “With all the guys, they’re so talented. They push each other to be better. I haven’t really seen a room like this because there’s usually one main guy. I feel like they’re all good and all contributing in some type of way and I think it’s going to make us even better.”