Kentucky Football Testing Young Safeties in Spring Practice

The Kentucky football offseason has been defined by the dramatic roster overhaul. Almost every position group is introducing new players from the transfer portal, except one.

Kentucky is using a traditional method to develop depth at safety. They’re leaning on two homegrown veterans, Jordan Lovett and Ty Bryant, while developing highly-touted underclassmen.

“We feel good about that position. We feel like we’re a little thin maybe in total numbers, but we feel like we’ve got four guys that can play and we need that versatility,” Mark Stoops said to open spring practice.

“You may move some guys to that spot where Zion (Childress) played, that nickel/medium position we have with five DBs. There are some guys in there that have some range, that can run and so we feel like there are some good bodies to work with in there.”

The new guys are bringing plenty of athleticism to the Kentucky football program. It looked good enough on film. The coaches will learn over the next 15 spring practices is that’s good enough, or they may have to seek reinforcements during the spring portal window.

“That’s a veteran group that we’re going to lean into,” said defensive coordinator Brad White. “Obviously, the two older guys and then we’re really excited about what Cam Dooley brings athletically. He’s got a year in the system. Then you’ve got two freshmen who are going to be thrown in the fire. We’ll see how that goes through spring ball. I’m comfortable right now, but anything can change, depending on how spring ball goes.”

Sights and sounds: week one of spring ball 🏈 pic.twitter.com/jSh0tMaxtq

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) March 14, 2025

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Early Lessons Learned by Kentucky Freshmen

Ty Bryant was recently in their shoes. Once a quiet kid barely getting reps, he’s now being asked to lead. The Lexington native is happy to be a vocal resource for the newcomers.

“I tell them all the time, I went from being that guy in high school, Mr. Kentucky, all that, and my first practice here, I took maybe four reps. I told them that it’s a learning process. Don’t get down on yourself. It’s only a failure if you see it as a failure. Continue to look at everything as the learning process,” said Bryant.

“They’re going to grasp it eventually. No need to rush. Obviously, everybody wants results right now, but sometimes you gotta take your time and just chill.”

Kentucky brought in two new freshmen this spring, Dyllon Williams and Martels Carter. The latter checks a lot of the same boxes Bryant did during his high school career. Carter was a blue chip talent who guided his team to a state title. He’s in the mix early and it’s not just because of his athletic ability.

“He looks good, honestly. He’s got a drive about himself. A lot of people say that he reminds them of me when I first came in, but he’s much more talkative than I was, and that’s a good thing. He asks a lot of questions. I didn’t really ask too many questions. I kind of just tried to get it and if I went on the field and messed up, I messed up,” said Bryant.

“He wants to grasp it in the meeting room before we go out to the field. He goes and flies around and makes plays. I’m happy for him, him and Dyllon.”

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