5 under the radar names that will appear on Kentucky's first fall depth chart

A football game week has finally arrived in the Bluegrass. To get things started on Monday, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops will meet with the media for his first weekly press conference of the season to preview game one. Before the party gets started inside Kroger Field, UK will release its first depth chart of the season.

On that two-deep, we will officially find out about any surprise injuries and who the starting kicker and punter will be. However, most of the starters across the board have been established outside of right tackle. But this is a two-deep, and football is very much a sport about depth. Kentucky will require some backups to play big snaps this season.

KSR is taking a look at five under-the-radar names that will likely appear on that depth chart and perhaps play a key role for the Wildcats this season.

Kentucky’s QB2

Kaiya Sheron started one game for the Wildcats last season as there appeared to be quite a revolving door at backup quarterback under offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello. Liam Coen has returned in 2023, and Sheron has familiarity with this scheme. The Somerset (Ky.) High product is the favorite to back up Devin Leary as a redshirt sophomore.

If something were to happen to Leary, the smart money is on Sheron to come into the game next.

Backup linebacker

D’Eryk Jackson and Trevin Wallace are know commodities at off-ball linebacker but depth will be needed this season. Returnees Luke Fulton and Martez Thrower had an early start, but Kentucky brought in Northern Illinois transfer Daveren Rayner for a reason. The Indianapolis (Ind.) Lawrence Central product recorded 126 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss over the last three years with 17 starting assignments in 20 games.

Rayner has two years of eligibility remaining and will have a role in Brad White’s defense. Look for the senior to back up Wallace at the Will spot.

Swiss army knife

NC State transfer Demie Sumo-Karngbaye was one of the final transfer additions for Kentucky this offseason, but it has not taken long for the tailback with 305 rushing yards and 148 receiving yards to make a splash in Lexington.

The New Jersey native will have a clear role as a pass-catching option in this offense. Nailing down a specific position could be difficult with Sumo-Karngabye expected to split time between tailback and slot receiver. Expect the junior to appear on the depth chart on tailback but don’t be surprised if he gets more targets than carries in the first month of the season.

True freshman safety

There won’t be many class of 2023 signees on the first depth chart, but one will be found in the secondary. Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass product Ty Bryant was an early enrollee who took advantage of some roster turnover in the offseason.

The legacy recruit got some action with the twos during spring practice and never let go of the job. Bryant will be a full-time special teams player and safety No. 4 entering the season.

Another early impact receiver

Springfield (Ohio) High wideout Anthony Brown was one of the most celebrated recruiting wins in Kentucky’s 2023 class, and the former top-500 recruit has not disappointed leading into the season.

Brown flashed in the spring and was seen running with the ones at open practice in fall camp. The true freshman enters the season as this offense’s WR4 and will have a role in the passing game. Expect the top-15 Ohio prospect to get some high-leverage slot snaps this season.