Observations from Kentucky Football's Open Spring Practice

The University of Kentucky opened spring practice to members of the media on Tuesday. KSR had a pack of folks in attendance. It felt good to be around the game that I so dearly love and seeing old friends from both within and outside the UK Football program. While the session was not in full pads, there were some noticeable observations that I’d like to share with you. 

A Jordan Lovett Comp 

Safety Jordan Lovett started eleven games in 2022. He finished second on the team with 62 total tackles and also recorded two interceptions. It must be noted that the sophomore’s physicality at the position was noticeable and was a team strength. The projection for the North Hardin product is a potential All-SEC type of season in 2023. 

While watching the secondary, I couldn’t help but notice that Lovett reminded me of a UK all-timer, Melvin Johnson. Johnson was a teammate of mine. He was a four-year starter and was eventually selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Melvin Johnson was a Dude. 

Why does Lovett remind me of Johnson? Perhaps it’s because they both sported the No. 25 jersey, but that is not the only similarity. They are similarly built as well. Lovett is a quick processor much like Johnson and is forceful when tackling opposing ball carriers. Melvin Johnson was a physical enforcer that intimidated even the most boastful offensive players. He knocked out several opponents and himself at times. Melvin sacrificed his body and was fearless. Lovett hasn’t quite gotten there yet, but there are certain similarities. Lovett has a chance to be special. 

Offensive Operation

I often described the 2022 Kentucky offense as clunky, cluttered, slow, and cumbersome. I can say after a little less than an hour of observation that the 2023 offensive Cats did not portray those same deficiencies. Liam Coen is back and the offensive operation appeared to be much cleaner and more efficient. Was it perfect? No. There’s a great deal to clean up from Tuesday’s practice. But, the pace and organization were observably sharper. 

The offense got in and out of the huddle quickly and with a purpose. It also operated at a much quicker tempo. Spacing of the receivers was more clear in both pre and post-snap situations. Coen’s scheme utilized the entire width of the football field. Players seemed to enjoy the simpler approach to the game. Simpler doesn’t describe the scheme, but the way in which it is taught. Too much thinking can kill an offense. That may have been the case in 2022. Regardless, Coen was active and boisterous while directing his side of the football. I was very encouraged by the operational and organizational aspects of practice. 

Jager Burton at Center and the Big Blue Wall 

I’m not a mind reader, but I’d imagine that Coen’s first note of business when re-assuming command was to fix the Big Blue Wall. The once proud collection of offensive linemen took a major step backward in 2022. One of Coen’s first decisions was to move guard Jager Burton to center. This freed up Eli Cox to return to his more natural position at guard. Burton is new to the spot, but his athleticism was discernable. There are Luke Fortner similarities there. Cox and Kenneth Horsey are veteran guards that fit nicely together. Horsey also appears to have gained “good” weight. 

I said a year ago that the Cats would go as far as the tackles would take them. That position struggled last season to say it nicely. Horsey was forced to play left tackle and did so admirably, but he’s a natural guard. Left tackle Marques Cox looks the part. The veteran transfer from Northern Illinois should be fine while protecting Devin Leary’s blind side. Jeremey Flax flashed a year ago but wasn’t consistent. Kentucky needs Flax to take the next step in order to return the Big Blue Wall to its proper place within the Southeastern Conference. 

Defensive Line Size 

Deone Walker is enormous and moves more fluidly than he did in 2022. That is a scary thought. Coach Anwar Stewart rolled out a front three that featured 6’6, 330-pound Walker, Keeshawn Silver (6’4, 322), and Tre’vonn Rybka (6’4, 280). I’m extremely high on Kahlil Saunders (6’5, 300) who did not participate in practice. Kentucky’s defensive front has the potential to be a strength and will certainly have the size and speed that is desirable in the SEC. 

Devin Leary and the Pass Catchers

I got my first real look at quarterback Devin Leary. He’s a smooth operator in the pocket and makes sound decisions with the football. That is expected from a veteran. Leary distributed the ball to a multitude of pass catchers. The only concern I have about the Wildcats’ new starting quarterback is his size and ability to stay healthy for 12+ games. The SEC is a step up in competition and physicality in comparison to the ACC. If he can stay protected, I think Leary has a chance to excel. His natural and seamless throwing motion was also notable. 

Barion Brown is fast. He may even be faster than he was a year ago. He’s different, a unique talent that can flat run by defenders. Dane Key has added strength and “good” weight. I’d be hard-pressed to find a more accurate route runner when attempting to construct a Comp for the Lexington product. Tayvion Robinson was active as well. Of the three, Robinson has the most to prove in 2023. His absence down the stretch limited the Cats’ passing game last season. 

Loaded Tight End Room 

Vince Marrow’s tight end room is limited in terms of personnel for spring practice. But, I’m here to tell you, true freshman Khamari Anderson certainly looks the part of an SEC TE. Listed at 6’5, 238, Anderson has the desired size and catch radius that can lead to a highly productive career. I was very impressed by the rookie. He looks like a fourth-year player. 

Senior Izayah Cummings was somewhat lost in the shuffle in 2022. The return of Liam Coen should work wonders for the former Male Bulldog. Cummings enjoyed a strong performance on Tuesday and could be a key target for Devin Leary moving forward. 

Super-senior Brenden Bates and sophomores Josh Kattus and Jordan Dingle are out for spring practice. Once that trio returns, Coen will have five talented TEs at his disposal. I know, I know. Insert the comment here that it’s an offseason ritual for the BBN to clamor for more TEs to be utilized in the passing game. I get it. But, Coen has five verified Dudes at that spot which may influence personnel groupings and formation calls in 2023. 

Work Needed at Cornerback 

Much like offensive tackle in 2022, I feel the Wildcats’ cornerbacks will greatly influence the season’s outcome. Veteran Andru Phillips is solid and provides a stable presence in the position. Sophomore Maxwell Hairston was the other starter for the majority of practice reps. Coordinator Brad White also has a pair of transfers that will factor in JQ Hardaway and Jantzen Dunn. Corner is a position to monitor for the duration of spring practice and throughout fall camp. 

Alex Afari is a Rising Star 

Alex Afari is a 6’2, 214 defender that can play multiple positions and be utilized in a myriad of ways. He was seen playing the role of a linebacker and nickel defensive back on Tuesday. Afari rolled up to a “Robber” in a cover-2 look which led to an incompletion by the offense. Alex Afari is going to play, somewhere, somehow. He has to, the sophomore is far too talented to keep on the sideline. I’m not sure which position fits his game the best, but I’m confident that Brad White will capitalize on his unique size, instinct, and skill set. 

What Does All This Mean? 

I’m not worried at all about the Kentucky defense. Brad White has proven to put a Top-5 SEC defense on the field regardless of personnel. That side of the football has consistency in the coaching staff and a verified method of operation. I was intently watching the offense and came away captivated. The operation was smoother. Players played instead of pausing to think about their assignments. That has to be considered a win. 

Overall, I thought that Kentucky looks like a better football team than it was last season. It’s not close to being a game-ready, finished product. But, daily development and improvement are the purpose of spring practice.