Kentucky receivers expect 'a lot of explosive plays and a lot of touchdowns' in 2024

Incoming transfers Ja’Mori Maclin of North Texas and Fred Farrier of UAB shared nearly identical answers when asked what fans can expect from the Kentucky wide receiver room in 2024.

Almost word for word, the junior pass-catchers made it clear optimism is high regarding their position group and its ability to put up points.

“A lot of explosive plays and a lot of touchdowns, most definitely,” Maclin said Tuesday.

“Excitement, touchdowns and explosive plays,” Farrier added.

When asked about the similar phrasing, the latter told KSR it wasn’t a coincidence. That unit knows it needs a turnaround following a major letdown last fall — inexcusable given the talent in that room. That’s why Daikiel Shorts Jr. was brought in to replace Scott Woodward as the position coach and guys like Maclin and Farrier were recruited to play alongside the likes of Dane Key, Barion Brown and Anthony Brown-Stephens. Upgrades were necessary both internally and externally, development just as important as personnel changes.

The two newcomers have learned quickly that expectations and demands are high for their group specifically in a crucial season for the program.

“Everybody wants to be able to have a play down the field and score. We’re really harping on explosive plays, making down-the-field plays and big plays for the team,” Farrier explained. “… That’s all we’re preaching right now. We’re trying to show everybody in the room can get on the field and make things happen. Really, it’s about explosive plays.”

How much are they both ready to contribute? Maclin believes he can do it all right away.

“I can bring whatever it is to the offense. I can come out of the backfield and run routes, I can run routes short, intermediate, and deep routes. That’s why I’m so versatile,” he said.

You can pencil him in at the slot with the big-name returnees on the outside in Key and Brown. He’s comfortable moving around, but he’s extremely comfortable inside where he can put his route running on full display.

“That’s easy money, that’s where I’m at with Dane and Barion on the outside,” Maclin, who racked up 1,004 and 11 touchdowns at North Texas last season. “I’m in the slot and I move in and out at times, but I like the slot. It’s a lot more spacing compared to outside. DBs are five, six, seven, eight yards off of you where I can make my move, give me time to think about my move during the middle of the route. That’s a big difference.”

As for Farrier, he’s a name with growing buzz after coming in without much fanfare. He was known as a local kid from Frankfort and a former Franklin County star coming home, but after totaling 389 yards and two touchdowns in 27 career games at UAB, could he be an immediate contributor in the SEC?

He’s hoping to become one.

“I’m trying to learn all positions, get going anywhere and know absolutely what I’m doing,” Farrier said. “Right now, I’m really at outside, but I’ve taken some inside reps, as well. I’m just learning all concepts at every position trying to get in where I can.”

The noise is absolutely there with the 6-1 receiver, though, and offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan acknowledged it Tuesday. Farrier may not have been the flashiest portal signing in the world at the time, but he’s made an early name for himself with his work ethic.

He may not be No. 1 on the depth chart, but he’s carrying himself like a No. 1. And that means something to his coaches.

“I don’t know if ‘surprised’ is the right word,” Hamdan said of positive talk surrounding Farrier. “I just think it’s so interesting for so many these guys, as you know, it’s the football part of it and it’s that consistency over intensity, day in and day out. Fred’s one of those guys that I’m not necessarily mentioning in the media every day and I think for him, he’s been able to just put his head down and go to work for three, four months.

“I think he of all the guys on this offensive roster is a guy that we have been tremendously proud of for those reasons. His situation might not be exactly what he wants it to be right now, but he’s working like he’s the number one guy. You’ve got to be ready when your number is called.”

We’ll see how early that will be this fall.