Mark Stoops says Josaih Hayes out 'full year or close to it,' provides other injury updates

With the start of fall camp comes injury clarity, for better or worse. Sometimes you enter the preseason at full strength, other times you’re forced to scramble after taking some substantial hits in the spring and summer.

How are things looking for Kentucky football entering Mark Stoops‘ 12th season in Lexington? A few dings, but the Wildcats are in “pretty decent shape,” the head coach says.

“With the injuries, Josaih Hayes will be out for an extended period of time,” Stoops announced. “Tavion Gadson, who filled in as a young defensive lineman last year for Josaih in the spring, he’ll be out for an extended period of time. These guys are either gonna be out the full year or close to it. The same with (Jiquavious) ‘Quavo’ Marshall at corner, and then Darrion Henry-Young on the defensive line, as well. Outside of that, we’re in pretty decent shape.”

KSR first reported Hayes’ injury in June, thought to be out for the entire 2024 season after appearing in 42 games at Kentucky with four starts. The former four-star recruit is coming off his best season as a Wildcat, tallying career-highs in tackles (24), tackles for loss (4.5), and sacks (1.5). With Gadson also going down, Stoops moved to sign JUCO NG Dennious Jackson in July, coming to Kentucky from Contra Costa (San Pablo, CA) College with two years of eligibility remaining.

“He’s a guy that we needed to add for that very reason [depth],” Stoops said. “We took some hits at that specific position. Even as we want to be physical and get through the camp, he’s a guy that we needed.”

Elsewhere, expect to see one big-name piece sitting out during the next few open practices, but don’t sweat it. That one is just a minor injury — they’ll be fine, whoever that player may be.

“There is just one guy out there that you’ll probably go out and look for at practice, he won’t be out there, just a soft tissue injury,” Stoops added. “Other than that, we’re in pretty good shape.”

Could be better, could be worse on the injury front.