KSR Fan of the Day wants three bold Kentucky football predictions

Today’s KSR Fan of the Day comes to you from the Appalachian Trail. Originally from Pikeville, Kentucky, Jason Foote retired from the Coast Guard in January and set forth on a lifelong goal: hike all 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine of the Appalachian Trail. Repping his UK hat the entire way and assuming the trail name Big Blue, the former Army Ranger started his journey in May and crossed mile marker 1300 earlier this week. Follow him along on his journey on Instagram: @travlbyfoote

In light of his boldness to take on such a feat, here are three bold Kentucky football takes:

Barion Brown will eclipse 1,000 receiving yards

Only six players in Kentucky history have a comma in their season receiving yards total. Wan’Dale Robinson, Craig Yeast, Stevie Johnson, Keenan Burton, James Whalen, and Randall Cobb have all reached the 1,000-yard receiving milestone and this year, Barion Brown will join that list.

With a former 5-star quarterback at the helm, a more pass-centric offensive philosophy, and two years of experience under his belt, Brown is poised for a breakout season. Of course, unlike the year Wan’Dale Robinson set the record when Robinson was the clear No. 1 receiver, Brown will have competition for targets, primarily from Dane Key. However, there should be enough bombs to go around.

To be fair, part of my reasoning is Brown’s Bo Jackson-quality unfairness in NCAA Football 25. His deep-threat ability is unmatched and I plan on speaking Brown turning his video game brilliance in on-field success into existence.

Kentucky will beat Tennessee

Don’t worry. I’m writing this on a wooden table, so every keystroke can be considered a knock. Tennessee’s offense has been high-powered in recent years, and Kentucky has yet to discover its Achilles heel. However, my instinct suggests playing too conservatively against Clemson in the final stretch of the bowl game last year may flip the mindset of defensive coordinator Brad White.

If the summer reports are accurate, Kentucky will have one of the best defenses in the history of the program this year and won’t be afraid to use it. Top priority: stuffing the Vols’ gimmicky attack.

The game will be on the road and likely one of the toughest this season, but the WIldcats’ defense will propel the team to victory.

Deone Walker will record double-digit sacks

As a sophomore, Deone Walker led the team last season 7.5 sacks and eight quarterback hurries, not to mention 12.5 tackles for a loss. His impressive year earned him Second Team All-SEC Defensive honors. Before he likely becomes a first-round NFL draft pick in 2025, Walker is set up to have an even more impressive season this year.

Only four players in Kentucky history have ever recorded 10 or more sacks in a season. At the top of the list lies Josh Allen, whose 17 sacks in a year may stand as a record for a long, long time. Dennis Johnson, Chris Ward, and Dean Wells round out that elite list.

Deone Walker is set to join them in the 10-sack category, as the D-line’s disruptive monster will etch his name in history this year, even more than it already is.

This year’s schedule might be tough, but Kentucky will be tough in its own right.