First Down Kentucky: Clarity in the Quarterback Room

Kentucky has made it over the first significant hurdle of the offseason. The Cats have found their next quarterback.

Former Georgia signal-caller Brock Vandagriff adds some star-power to Liam Coen’s quarterback room. He has all of the raw traits to excel at the position. Live reps will be the key to his development in Lexington.

Of all the things Vandagriff brings to the table — size, physicality, mobility, arm strength — one other asset makes him most valuable to the Wildcats. He has two years of college eligibility remaining.

Long term success at that position must be cultivated within the high school ranks. The key word is “cultivate.” You can’t make homemade salsa overnight. It takes time and care to raise tomatoes, herbs and a variety of peppers to create a delightful fiesta. Until it’s ready, one must rely on Private Selection salsa from Kroger.

Kentucky can still have a fiesta this fall after taking a trip to the portal to bring home Brock Vandagriff. He can serve as the store-bought special that provides Liam Coen some time to develop high school underclassmen. Cutter Boley is prepared to spending a season leaning as a redshirt — he said that this weekend on Sunday Morning Sports Talk. Stone Saunders, a 2025 commit, will not be ready until even further down the road. The addition of Vandagriff allows the Kentucky offense to create quarterback stability the right way.

In the meantime, Kentucky may need to add another player from the portal. Devin Leary, Kaiya Sheron and Destin Wade are departing. Deuce Hogan announced his intent to transfer, but quickly deleted that Tweet. If Hogan is out, the Cats only have two players on scholarship in Coen’s quarterback room. That’s not enough. Could Beau Allen make his triumphant return to his hometown? Some believe it’s a possibility. We’ll keep a close eye out to see how the Cats plan to supplement the depth at the position next fall.

Everyone’s Catching Vanda-Fever!

Mark Stoops isn’t ready to come home. He’s unleashing his inner Axl Rose to celebrate the addition of Kentucky’s new quarterback.

Big Blue Nation has Big Brock Fever. #BBN pic.twitter.com/BbXXwcreV3

— KSR (@KSRonX) December 6, 2023

More on Brock Vandagriff

— Vandagriff has skill set to help Kentucky’s scheme adjustment
— Kentucky Adds 5-Star Quarterback
— Cole Cubelic Evaluates Addition of Vandagriff
— Learn more about Brock Vandagriff with Georgia Insider Rusty Mansell
— Transfer Portal Bio Blast
— 5 Fun Facts about Brock Vandagriff

If that isn’t enough, we’ll be chatting about the Cats’ newest quarterback tonight at 8 pm EST on 11 Personnel.

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.

Light Running Back Market

Kentucky needed a running back during last year’s transfer portal cycle and Ray Davis delivered almost immediately. The return on investment was excellent as Davis accounted for more than 1,000 yards on the ground and 20 touchdowns, setting a new UK single-season record. It might be more difficult to find a Ray Davis this go-around.

While scouring the waiver wire, this iteration of the transfer portal is not as deep as usual when it comes to can’t-miss running backs. Rocket Sanders from Arkansas tallied more than 1,400 yards during his last healthy campaign in 2022. South Carolina’s leading rusher, Mario Anderson, may also be an option. Even so, there’s just not a lot out there right now. That could change, but early in the process the supply appears to be limited, potentially increasing what it will take for Kentucky to invest in its next running back.

Kentucky Coaches On the Road, Again

Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow made their rounds on Tuesday in the Greater Cincinnati area. They stopped in to see Aba Selm and Willie Rodriguez. The latter announced an offer from Tennessee today, but don’t let that worry you. Stoops had to bolt, but Vince made it across the river to have dinner with Chris Collins and Terhyon Nichols. Meanwhile, Mike Stoops spent time in Georgia with Antwan Smith and Liam Coen was in New Jersey with David Washington Jr.

Pic of the Day: Aba Selm makes Mark Stoops look small.

Great time talking with @UKCoachStoops and @vincemarrow can’t wait to come up and work! pic.twitter.com/6kwMTF5wKK

— Aba Selm (@abaselm1) December 5, 2023

Tennessee Recruiting Operation takes a Hit

The Wildcats spent the last two years creating a successful recruiting operation in Middle Tennessee. That appears to be evaporating following the departure of Scott Woodward, the wide receivers coach who primarily recruited the area.

Barion Brown remains, but that’s about it. Shamar Porter and the Wade Twins hit the portal. Elijah Groves flipped from Kentucky to NC State. The Wildcats may have to readjust their geographic focus whenever Mark Stoops finds his next wide receivers coach.

Derek Mason to Middle Tennessee

The school announced the former Vanderbilt coach is staying close to home by taking his talents to Murfreesboro with one of the worst photoshops the internet has ever seen. To call it unflattering would be an understatement.

One Week till the Kentucky Football Schedule Release

We know Vandagriff will get to take a shot at his former team in September. South Carolina is expected to be in the mix during the first month of the season as well. The finalized dates and details will be at your fingertips one week from today. Prepare accordingly.