4 takeaways from Kentucky's updated roster

On Sunday evening, Kentucky football released its media guide for the 2023 season. Included in the information packet was an updated roster with all of the roster additions from high school and transfer portal recruiting included. The football season is here.

KSR touched on the new jersey numbers for newcomers and a pair of surprising absences but did not get to dig deeper into what was actually included on the roster. After a long four-day trip in Nashville covering talking season, we’re now going to dive into the roster for the first time.

Let’s ride.

Number changes

When Kentucky takes the field on Sept. 2 at Kroger Field against Ball State, there will be two players on offense with some new numbers. They will be players that touch the ball a lot.

• Barion Brown (switching from No. 2 to No. 7)
• JuTahn McClain (switching from No. 17 to No. 4)

Both Barion Brown and JuTahn McClain could be starters to begin the season and each will be wearing a different number. Add in some prominent new transfers such as Devin Leary (No. 13), Demie Sumo-Karngbaye (No. 0), and Ray Davis (No. 1), and there will be a lot of new at the skill talent positions for offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Big humans on the defensive line

Over the last three recruiting cycles, we’ve seen Kentucky target length and mass when it comes to defensive line recruiting. The Wildcats want to get bigger and longer at the point of attack under defensive coordinator Brad White.

The personnel will look the part coming off the team bus this season as Kentucky has seven players in coach Anwar Stewart‘s defensive line room that are at least 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds.

• Jamarius Dinkins (6-5, 280, RSo.)
• Tavion Gadson (6-5, 275, Fr.)
• Kendrick Gilbert (6-5, 292, Fr.)
• Tre’vonn Rybka (6-4, 276, RJr.)
• Kahlil Saunders (6-5, 285, RSo.)
• Keeshawn Silver (6-4, 322, RSo.)
• Deone Walker (6-6, 348, So.)

Kentucky has gotten big quickly at the line of scrimmage, and this group is fairly young. The arrow is pointing up for the defensive line.

There is a lack of size at wide receiver

There is a lot to like about Kentucky’s wideout room when you dig into the roster. Barion Brown and Dane Key both have All-SEC potential. If Tayvion Robinson plays to his potential, he could be the best No. 3 target in the conference. Meanwhile, numerous blue-chip recruits are waiting for their opportunity.

But there is a lack of size on the roster.

Barion Brown, Anthony Brown, Dekel Crowdus, and Brandon White are all under 175 pounds. Shamar Porter is the only scholarship wideout over 200 pounds. UK does not have a wideout taller than 6-foot-4. This is one of the smaller wide receiver rooms in the SEC.

Special teams overhaul

Mark Stoops hired Jay Boulware to fix Kentucky’s kicking game. The new special teams coordinator is wasting no time in attempting to flip the roster.

There are now 11 specialists on the roster, and there will be real competitions at placekicker, kickoff specialist, punter, and long snapper during training camp. Kentucky will have options if a player struggles on the field.

Georgia Southern kicker transfer Alex Raynor is the biggest new addition, but some other newcomers could become starters in August.