Kentucky Football’s Net Gain in the Transfer Portal 

Mark Stoops stuck the landing. So did Adam Luckett and Nick Roush. Let me explain.

Kentucky has yet again efficiently navigated the transfer portal by strategically targeting and landing commitments for positions of extreme need. But back to Nick and Adam. If you’re not following along with both on KSR+ and this website, then you are missing out. The duo provides abundant content and has accurately predicted most, if not all, of Kentucky’s portal transactions. 

Let’s break this down by offense and defense to go along with additions and subtractions. Sounds like a math problem. I hate math. Let’s break it down by words instead of numbers. 

OFFENSE 

The return of offensive coordinator Liam Coen led to head coach Mark Stoops signing one of the top quarterbacks in the portal, Devin Leary.

The former North Carolina State signal caller is a logical and strategic fit for Coen’s system that relies on precision short to intermediate throws. Leary is a scheme fit and seasoned veteran. Joining Leary in the backfield is former Vanderbilt star, Ray Davis. The running back showed the ‘Cats his value during the Commodores’ upset win over UK at Kroger Field last season. Skill position acquisitions have to be considered a success and certainly outweigh the departures. 

UK’s second most pressing needs were along its offensive line. The Big Blue Wall looked wobbly last season and required an overhaul. This specifically applied to the tackle spots. Marques Cox transferred in from Northern Illinois and was immediately planted as the starter on the left side. His spring reviews have been positive. Souther California transfer Courtland Ford’s recent commitment to UK gives Stoops two new starters at a position that struggled in 2022. Interior OL was also in need of assistance. Glasgow product Tanner Bowles came back home to Kentucky from Alabama to give Coen a diverse player on the inside.

Three starter-level additions were obtained in the cycle. Stoops may still be in the hunt for additional OL. 

With gains come losses. Kentucky did not lose an offensive player to the portal that can’t be replaced as of yet. However, there were departures on that side of the football. Former five-star tackle Kiyaunta Goodwin is now at Florida. A change in scenery may be the best thing for Goodwin who may flourish at his second school. Fellow lineman John Young also exited along with tight end Keaton Upshaw. 

Rising sophomore receivers Dane Key and Barion Brown quickly jumped on top of the two-deep a year ago. Both enjoyed fruitful rookie campaigns. Their emergence reasonably led to the departure of multiple WRs who saw the writing on the wall. This group includes DeMarcus Harris, Chauncey Magwood, Chris Lewis, and Tae Tae Crumes. Harris had started games and provided moments. He flashed at times; the same can be said of Magwood. 

Lewis was considered the future at the X position until the emergence of the two prized freshmen. Crumes never developed into a contributor. The mass departure led to depth issues in spring practice. It also assisted players such as Dekel Crowdus to develop. The starting trio of Brown, Key, and Tayvion Robinson remains intact. 

The running back room took a hit following the departures of Kavosiey Smoke and Michael Drennen. But, the room is still deep and talented, and has a star in Ray Davis. Running back is a position that may endure more outgoing players. 

DEFENSE

Keeshawn Silver is perhaps the most talented incoming transfer in this cycle. He was highly rated coming out of high school but never quite caught on at North Carolina. Spring practice reports indicate that Silver stood out in March and April. Defensive line is considered to be a team strength in 2023 and features a star in Deone Walker. Silver’s addition brings on excitement for potential rotations. 

Cornerback was a position of need going into the offseason following Carrington Valentine‘s surprising announcement to enter the NFL Draft and Keidron Smith’s graduation. Stoops signed a couple of potential starters in J.Q. Hardaway (Cincinnati) and Jantzen Dunn (Ohio State). Both competed at corner and can also play safety/nickel if necessary. 

The portal giveth and the portal taketh away. Joining the signing of Hardaway and Dunn was an exodus of defensive backs. This list includes Joel Williams, Adrian Huey, Kobi Albert, and Andre Stewart. While their departures certainly impacted depth — or lack thereof — UK is likely still looking for an addition, particularly at corner. None of the outgoing defensive backs played a noteworthy role in the 2022 season. 

Nose tackle Justin Rogers is the only defensive starter that left Lexington. He now calls Auburn home. Losing Rogers stings a little. However, signing Silver along with Josaih Hayes’ veteran presence combined with the emergence of Jamarius Dinkins should absorb Rogers’ exit. 

What Does All This Mean? 

Portal acquisitions and departures are to be expected in today’s corporate era of college football. It’s not personal, it’s personnel. So far, the ‘Cats have enjoyed a net gain in terms of production and projection in the 2023 cycle. Significant upgrades brought in on the offensive line were much needed. This included signing a pair of starting tackles and a valuable interior contributor. Stoops had given the right tackle position a year and a half to develop; it never did. The position still lacks quality depth. Additional targets may surface. 

Stoops also landed a star quarterback to replace Will Levis. Devin Leary’s only knocks are his lack of size and injury history. Thus, the emphasis on bringing in offensive linemen. Ray Davis showed us enough after rushing for over 100 yards against the ‘Cats last season and is poised to take over for Chris Rodriguez. Davis has been confirmed to be a high-volume ball carrier and could stand out behind the new Big Blue Wall. 

Keeshawn Silver is a name to monitor on the defensive side of the football. I’m hearing he’s the real deal and was nearly unblockable at times when teamed up with Deone Walker. UK needs at least one of the incoming defensive back transfers to take over at cornerback. If not, Brad White could deploy a rotation of DBs based on down/distance and location of the football on the field. My philosophy stands: in Brad White I trust. 

Some schools sign a full assortment of transfers with the hope of nailing an upgrade or two in the process. Kentucky goes about the portal differently. Mark Stoops has proven to be a strategic selector for specific positions of dire need. I like his style. So far, portal additions greatly outweigh the subtractions for the 2023 season. 

You may need a roster to keep up come football season. There will be a bunch of new numbers and names in the two-deep. Players have the fluidity to control their own destinies these days. That’s ok. Transfers are a part of the modern-day, corporate world of the game. Kentucky’s net gain in the portal could pay dividends come September. And remember, it’s not personal, it’s personnel. I wish all those that left Kentucky the absolute best in their new ventures. 

Can’t wait.