Making a Case for Kentucky from SEC Media Days 

Here we go. The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here. Mark Stoops and his Wildcats took center stage at SEC Media Days. But first, hello again from Atlanta. We’re covering the Cats thanks to our good friends at Morgan & Morgan. For over thirty years, Morgan & Morgan has helped hundreds of thousands of deserving clients recover over 13 billion dollars. Wow. That’s a lot of money. Did you know that on average, people who hire an attorney after a crash recover 3X times more than those who don’t? That’s a huge difference. For a free consultation, call DIAL POUND (#) LAW – That’s POUND L-A-W or 5-2-9 on your cell phone — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Let’s talk Kentucky.  

Case For

Mark Stoops is entering his tenth season which is the longest of any coach in program history. His 59 career wins are second only to Bear Bryant’s 60 in school history. The UK head coach should easily surpass the Bear in 2022. The superlatives that Stoops has accumulated could roll on for a while. Six straight bowl appearances, four consecutive postseason wins, national trophy winners, NFL Draft picks, on and on we could go. I always say “When you have a quarterback you have a chance.” I can say the same for head coaches. Mark Stoops’ established operation and program standards have accounted for wins. 

Quarterback Will Levis has created all kinds of preseason buzz. Much of the discussions have surrounded the NFL Draft. A projected first-round selection, Levis possesses elite arm talent and toughness to potentially lead his team to another ten-win season. The QB1 has to clean up the technical aspect of the position and address a high number of turnovers from last year. He’s now coached by the “Quarterback Whisperer” Rich Scangarello who came over from San Francisco. There is an expectation for positional and fundamental growth in his second year as the Wildcat’s starter. UK has to take advantage of having a quarterback like Levis and translate that into wins and a deep run in November.

Speaking of offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello, losing Liam Coen to the Rams could have easily been categorized as a “Case against.” However, Scangarello is a highly respected play caller from the San Francisco 49’ers. He is expected to carry on a similar NFL system in Lexington. Vince Marrow’s tight end room has to be considered a strength. Starter Brenden Bates is joined by Keaton Upshaw following missing the 2022 season due to injury. Izayah Cummings is coming off an impressive sophomore season. Redshirt freshman Jordan Dingle was given offseason praise for his development and could be poised for a big season. I continue to hear his name as a player to watch for in 2022. 

Defensive coordinator Brad White was at one time considered to be an underrated, rising star in the coaching industry. The Wildcat play caller has developed into a proven, successful, and highly coveted defensive leader that will soon be a head coach. Mark Stoops had to fight off suitors for his talents. He’s not a secret anymore. White will have an experienced and talented group of linebackers to lead his unit. 

Inside linebacker is one of the team’s most talented and deep position groups. Starters DeAndre Square (35 consecutive starts) and Jacquez Jones combined for 166 stops a year ago. That duo is joined by true sophomore Trevin Wallace, D’Eryk Jackson, and Martez Thrower to construct a potent collection. Inside LB coach Jon Sumrall is now the head coach at Troy. Mike Stoops steps into his role. Outside linebacker JJ Weaver is a preseason All-SEC candidate after registering 34 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6 quarterback sacks in 2021. Jordan Wright decided on an additional year of eligibility and is a big play waiting to happen. 

White’s secondary was bolstered by incoming transfers. All-purpose defender Keidron Smith from Ole Miss should give the Cats immediate, starter-level help. His arrival was good timing following the season-ending injury to starting nickel/corner Vito Tisdale during the offseason. Texas State safety Zion Childress adds depth behind Tyrell Ajian and Jalen Geiger. 6’4, 202-pound Jordan Robinson is a cornerback that came to Lexington via DII Livingston College that could contribute. 

Kicker Matt Ruffolo came back for an additional season of eligibility. The graduate student was one of the SEC’s most accurate kickers in 2021. Punter Colin Goodfellow flirted with the Portal a couple of times but is also back which gives the Cats an intact kicking duo from last season. Returners may vary but Tayvion Robinson and Dekel Crowdus could fill the void left by Wan’Dale Robinson’s entry to the NFL. 

The Big Blue Wall has a personality of its own and will almost always fall in the “Case For” category. Kentucky’s offensive line is unique. That brand is extremely popular in Lexington. But, new offensive line coach Zack Yenser has to replace three starters that are now playing on Sundays. The center spot should be in good hands. Midyear All-American Eli Cox kicks over from guard. This should be a smooth transition. In fact, I expect Cox to become an all-conference performer within the next two seasons. 

One of the major concerns for Stoops’ squad is at offensive tackle after losing All-American Darian Kinnard and Dare Rosenthal to the NFL. Jeremy Flax will man the right side and Deondre Buford is penciled in at left. Stoops indicated that Buford had a good spring practice on Wednesday. David Wohlabaugh and 5-star true freshman Kiyaunta Goodwin will push for playing time and provide promising depth. Auburn transfer guard Tayshawn Manning projects into the starting lineup. Fellow guard Kenneth Horsey is earning Preseason All-SEC superlatives and is a steady leader of the group. They’re backed up at guard by veteran Quintin Wilson, redshirt freshman Jager Burton, and sophomore John Young. Protecting Will Levis is priority one.

Case Against

Josh Paschal and Marquan McCall have moved on to the NFL. Replacing a three-time captain (Paschal) will be difficult both on and off the field. The Cats will have a collection of previously high-ranked defensive line prospects from the Class of 2019 and 2020 that will need to step up this fall. It’s time for that group to perform and warrant their previous star rankings. Coach Anwar Stewart has produced three NFL Draft selections in the past two seasons. 2022 brings new faces in key roles. Defensive end Tre’Vonn Rybka flashed in the Citrus Bowl and will be joined on the edge by Ohio State transfer Darrion Henry-Young. Former 5-star Justin Rogers is in year three and is expected to take over at the nose tackle position along with Josaih Hayes. Defensive tackle Octavious Oxendine returns from injury after displaying star potential prior to a season-ending injury last season. Lots of promise along the defensive front that will need to produce for the Cats in order to have another upper-echelon defense. 

The Cats lost Wan’Dale Robinson to the New York Giants. The shifty pass catcher smashed UK records after registering 104 catches for 1348-yards, and seven scores last season. Robinson’s percentage of Will Levis’ targets were unhealthy but successful. Also gone are Josh Ali’s 41 receptions, 601 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Those two accounted for a significant portion of Kentucky’s passing game. 

Mark Stoops has reloaded at receiver but the room is mostly unproven. Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson is expected to fill a similar role that Robinson filled so well in 2021. The new Wildcat pass catcher recorded 44 catches and 5 touchdowns a year ago. Veterans Chauncey Magwood, Rahsaan Lewis, and DeMarcus Harris will be called on to take the proverbial next step and increase production. The sky is the limit for true freshman Dane Key who has been praised by coaches and teammates alike. The former 4-star will be joined by fellow freshmen Barion Brown, Chris Lewis, and Dekel Crowdus. 

All-SEC running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is arguably the best in the Southeastern Conference and could surpass Benny Snell as the program’s all-time leading rusher. His future with the team is uncertain. Mark Stoops said that he’s, “still monitoring” the situation. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, losing Rodriguez Jr. for any amount of time would hurt. A lot. But, the Cats’ RB room is deep. Senior Kavosiey Smoke has played a major role during his career in Lexington. JuTahn McClain is mentioned to play a more significant role in 2022. Redshirt freshman La’Vell Wright could see more carries. Stoops signed a late transfer that may have a significant impact if Rodriguez Jr. is a scratch. Sam Houston All-American Ramon Jefferson is a 5’10, 215-pound physical runner with a similar style as Rodriguez Jr. Tennessee transfer Dee Beckwith is a 6’5, 230-pound athlete that will operate at multiple offensive positions. 

Cornerback is an intriguing position group for the second consecutive season. Junior Carrington Valentine is the most experienced returner and was a starter a year ago. Mark Stoops said on Wednesday that Keidron Smith will play corner instead of nickel. He should win that starting job. Dru Phillips will compete and definitely see an increase of reps in 2022. Livingston College transfer Jordan Robinson is an interesting proposition as well. Behind them is a grouping of true freshmen.

Verdict 

Kentucky has their Dude under center and must take advantage of Will Levis’ talent in order to make a run to Atlanta. There are offensive questions that need to be answered. This specifically applies at offensive tackle and receiver. Development and production at those two positions could decide how many points Rich Scangarello’s offense will put up on a weekly basis. The Chris Rodriguez Jr. situation is one to monitor closely. The senior RB is a positive yardage machine that would be sorely missed if he is forced to miss time in 2022. 

A week-two road game at Florida will again set the tone for the season. The Gators may still be figuring things out under new head coach Billy Napier in early September. A win in Gainesville would all but assure a 4-0 start prior to a critical road game at Ole Miss. Eight home games sets up nicely including a November 19 matchup against Georgia. For UK’ sake, a cold November night could factor well in the Cat’s upset bid over the defending national champions. UK played Kirby Smart’s team the toughest of any SEC opponent outside Alabama last season. 

Head Coach’s Best Quotes

Q. Back to the 10-year thing, there are so many new coaches in the league, what do you think the key is to being able to sustain success this long in the SEC, if anything?

MARK STOOPS: “I’m not sure I can answer for other programs. I really looked at what we did. That’s continue to stay the course. Adapt and adjust when you can. 

I think all of us, you’re going to be accused of being hardheaded at times. You have to stay to your core beliefs is the only advice I can give anybody. Those two don’t need my advice, they’re doing very well. Just any coach, it’s just be authentic. To me it’s just being authentic, staying true to who I am, my core beliefs, what I know is right, but then also adjusting and adapting when you have to. For the longevity, you have to. You have to adapt and overcome any situation.” 

Q. You talked about the turbulent nature of college athletics right now. Can you express some of the concerns you have around NIL and particular challenges you’ve had?

MARK STOOPS: “Well, there’s so much good. It’s a complex issue. There’s a lot of smart people that are trying to work it out. I think there’s a lot of good to it with the players that are here with me, that helped build the brand of Kentucky football, and benefiting from name, image and likeness. I think we all support that, want to be part of it. 

I think there’s also concern. I haven’t listened to anybody’s comments, but I’ve been in meetings, and I think everybody is concerned as a head coach in the SEC with pay-for-play, so to speak, collectives, paying players out of high school. I think we’re all a little bit concerned about the sustainability of that, the future of that. I think that’s where the concern comes in. What is pay-for-play and what is legal?”

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