Kentucky can now practice with physicality after injury-riddled spring

Kentucky has created a clear identity as a football program under head coach Mark Stoops. The Wildcats hang their hat on physicality and being a team that is built from the inside out. To play with that kind of edge, you have to practice with that kind of edge. Unfortunately, that did not happen in spring practice.

The defensive line room in Lexington was decimated with injuries during the practices in March and April. Plus the transfer portal era has made rosters smaller during that spring window. During fall camp, Kentucky is getting back to getting after it with the pads.

“I was very, very pleased with the scrimmage. You all know the situation in the spring — we got a little thin at certain positions and it limited the full contact that we’ve had,” Stoops told reporters on Saturday afternoon. “So we knew heading into this camp how important it would be just to play physical and get some live reps in.”

Last week, offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan told the media that Kentucky is having a physical camp and it starts in the trenches. Stoops mentioned that one area Kentucky has to get better at is the offensive line and playing with more physicality. The head coach has seen some improvement with offensive line coach Eric Wolford taking over again.

“Clearly, we have to be more physical than we’ve been. On the offensive side in particular. Running the ball is an area that I’ve seen growth. I feel like we’re gaining some depth at the o-line position,” Stoops said. “I feel like they’re playing with the pad level we’re looking for and the physicality we’re looking for. And it’s a start.”

Kentucky has had some specific physical periods in camp and was able to have a full-go scrimmage with live 11-on-11 contact on Saturday. That is helping Kentucky grow as a football team but the elephant in the room has not gone away. The Wildcats know they need to get better play on the offensive line and that has been a clear point of emphasis throughout the offseason.

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Mark Stoops is pleased with Kentucky’s operation

A big change is coming to college football in 2024 with helmet communication and the use of tablets now allowed on the sidelines and in the coach’s box. Kentucky got to use tablets during the Gator Bowl last season and has worked with the new technology both in the spring and now during training camp.

Mark Stoops likes how Kentucky’s operation is working with the new technology.

“I felt very good about the operation with the communication with the quarterbacks and on defense,” Stoops said.

Bush Hamdan said Kentucky had a plan for the scrimmage and that plan seemingly went smoothly. The play-caller will be communicating with Brock Vandagriff on game days. The Kentucky quarterback told reporters that the new technology allows the quarterback to get the play called immediately leading to early alignment to see how the defense is lining up or shifting as the offense gets into formation.

“It gives me a lot more extra time at the line,” said Vandagriff.