Mark Stoops: Kentucky is having fun working through issues at spring practice

Kentucky has reached the midway point of spring practice. The Cats are in rebuild mode with a drastically different roster following a turbulent 2024. Not a lot went right last season. Head coach Mark Stoops clearly appreciates the opportunity to fix those issues on the field with this new group of players during spring practice.

“I really like where I’m at for spring. Obviously, there’s a ton of work to be done, but I love this team’s energy. I like their focus, the way that we’re working. We’re getting better across the board,” Stoops said Saturday afternoon.

“Off the field, the guys are working really hard to be united, spend time with each other, get to know each other. On the field, it’s been great competition. It’s been fun. It feels good to get out there and work on some of the areas where we fell short a year ago.“

Defensive Line Stands Out

Mark Stoops isn’t in the business of giving out practice MVPs, but he was willing to single out the play from the Kentucky defensive line during Saturday’s practice.

“That group, the defense in general is flying around. This time of year, the defense is traditionally ahead anyway, but they’re playing really hard. That’s a really united group and playing very tough. I appreciate their effort.”

Kentucky Quarterbacks Working Through It

He will credit one group, but Mark Stoops is not in the business of singling out one quarterback over the others. Right now, it’s even more difficult because they’re working through so many ups and downs.

“During the spring, they’re each going to have their moments. What I like is I feel like we gotta better the last several practices. Early on, coming off spring break and having that early morning practice, it’s going to be rough at times, but I feel like these last two practices in particular, we’re making some jumps,” Stoops said.

Offensive Line is Coachable

Eric Wolford’s group is far from a finished product. They’re still putting the pieces together, which means there are growing pains. This mature group has not been discouraged by any of those. Mark Stoops believes the Kentucky offensive line is moving in the right direction.

“I love what I’m seeing from the leadership, from the effort, from the continuity standpoint. We have big bodies. They’re working very hard and I love the group,” said the Kentucky head coach.

“We’re definitely making progress. As long as they keep that same attitude and work ethic, we’ll be significantly improved. That’s the goal across the board, but again, I just like where they’re at. I like the group. They take coaching and they’re working really hard.”

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