2024 Kentucky Position Previews: Specialists
Kentucky’s fall camp is off and running. Before the Cats officially begin the 2024 season, KSR is taking a closer look at the roster and analyzing each position group. Personnel, storylines, questions, and one bold prediction will be included.
Now we shift to the third phase where Kentucky is well-rounded and has a chance to flip games for this football team in the kicking game.
Position Preview: Quarterback | Flipped QB room has unknown ceiling but should provide safe floor for offense (KSR+ column)
Position Preview: Running Back | Kentucky has earned benefit of the doubt at tailback but there is much to prove (KSR+ column)
Position Preview: Wide Receiver | Wide receiver play will determine Kentucky’s offensive ceiling (KSR+ column)
Position Preview: Offensive Line | Big Blue Wall might not fully return in 2024 but could take a massive step in the right direction (KSR+ column)
Position Preview: Defensive Line | Defensive line veterans will determine Kentucky’s ceiling (KSR+ column)
Position Preview: Linebacker | Alex Afari Jr. can help Kentucky become more matchup-driven on defense (KSR+ column)
Expected Starters
Aidan Laros (6-2, 212, RJr.)
The South Africa native started his college football journey at Charlotte and spent his redshirt freshman season in 2022 as the 49ers’ kickoff specialist. After that, Laros entered the transfer portal and landed at UT Martin where he earned FCS All-American honors after leading that division in punting while also handling kickoff and placekicking duties. Laros is expected to be Kentucky’s starting punter and the expectations are high.
Alex Raynor (6-0, 185, Super)
After transferring to Kentucky from Georgia Southern, Raynor hit 10 of 11 field goals for Kentucky last season with the only miss coming from 53 yards out. Has a career 78.6 percent make percentage on 70 field goal attempts
Kentucky Specialists
Wilson Berry (6-4, 217, RJr.)
The Australia native started all 13 games for Kentucky last season and averaged 39.7 yards per punt. Distance and hang time were an issue as the Wildcats ranked sub-100 in net punting average. Berry will give special teams coordinator Jay Boulware an experienced backup punter.
Jacob Kauwe (6-1, 206, Fr.)
The Montana native hit a 49-yard field goal as a high school senior and has shown some raw power in practice settings at Kentucky. Owned a 92.5 percent touchback rate as a senior. Could become Kentucky’s kickoff specialist in year one.
Big Question: Can Alex Raynor continue sharpshooter accuracy?
Field goals were a problem for this program in 2022. Jay Boulware helped fixed the problem in 2023 when Alex Raynor finished the season 10 of 11 on field goals. Will that accuracy continue this fall?
The veteran missed a couple of kicks in Kentucky’s first scrimmage before bouncing back later in fall camp. The veteran does not have the biggest leg but has been Mr. Reliable throughout his collegiate career from 45 yards and in at Georgia Southern and Kentucky. The Wildcats need that to continue.
Finding a kickoff specialist is a top priority. Raynor only has a 27.8 percent touchback rate on 36 career kickoffs and Kentucky’s coverage struggled with him handling kickoff duties in the Louisville game.
Top Storyline: Splash impact of Aidan Laros
Max Duffy had a legendary career at Kentucky but this program has struggled to replace that loss over the last three season. The hope is that Aidan Laros can finally fill those big shoes.
The UT Martin transfer was outstanding as a pocket punter last season at UT Martin and fits what Jay Boulware wants to do on special teams. Average starting field position has hindered the Kentucky defense recently and Laros can help change that.
Laros could impact winning for the Wildcats this season.
Bold Prediction: Jacob Kauwe emerges as Kentucky’s kickoff specialist and becomes the future at placekicker
All of the pieces are in place for Kentucky to be an outstanding special teams unit. Barion Brown is a special returner, Alex Raynor is extremely accurate, and Aidan Laros is a true scheme fit and owns a powerful leg. The Wildcats will start winning the field position battle again and Jacob Kauwe will play a role in that.
The true freshman emerges as Kentucky’s kickoff specialist this fall and becomes a touchback machine. Kauwe even gets some attempts at some 50-plus yard field goals to show off his power. The rookie does just enough to make everyone feel really good about Kentucky’s kicking situation heading into 2025.
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