What to watch for at the Open Kentucky Football Spring Practice

Mark Stoops is welcoming fans to Saturday’s Kentucky football practice. As crews remove and install new turf on Kroger Field, the spring game has been shelved, but the Wildcats are providing at least one opportunity for the BBN to get a preview of the 2023 Kentucky football team.

The event is entirely free, with parking available in the Blue Lot. The gates open at 11:15 am and players expected to take the field at approximately 11:45 am EST. Concessions and merchandise will be available to purchase, along with various giveaways. A rain or shine event, practice will be moved indoors if there is inclement weather.

KSR has watched Mark Stoops’ team work already once this spring. If you’ve never been to a Kentucky football practice, here’s what you can expect to see from the Wildcats.

What To Look For During Various Open Practice Periods

Every Kentucky football practice runs on a schedule, typically between 11-13 periods long. What specifically they do varies, however, here’s a good idea of the flow and what positions are the most entertaining to watch during these periods.

Individuals

If you’re willing and able to walk to the side of the field farthest away from the facility, I enjoy watching the linemen pop pads and hit the sleds. However, it can be a pain and they may restrict exactly where fans may roam. Your best bet is to watch the tailbacks for through agility drills. It’s fascinating to see how fast their feet move over and around the pads. You’ll also get an opportunity to see how new running backs coach Jay Boulware operates.

One-on-Ones

The linemen get rowdy in the trenches. You may think you’re missing something after an outburst, but don’t worry, the real fun is between the wide receivers and cornerbacks. Two positions that are not too shy to talk trash, expect to see sparks fly, especially when the speed demons are challenged by the defense’s physicality. This period usually produces the most highlight-worthy plays.

7-on-7

Without facing any pressure, Devin Leary delivers passes with precision. Marvel at how Kentucky’s new quarterback can thread the needle, placing the ball in tight windows, particularly across the middle of the field.

Team Period

There will be a lot of moving parts during the scrimmage. After examining the passing game during the earlier portions of practice, now is the time to see how the running game has progressed under the rebuilt Big Blue Wall. Deone Walker will surely wreck a few runs, he’s just that good. However, you should be able to see if the offensive line is creating a push and opening holes for Ray Davis and the rest of the running backs to reach the second level of the defense.

Which Kentucky Football Players Should Stand Out

View the 2023 Kentucky Football Spring Roster

No. 0 Deone Walker

This is your chance to size-up this Goliath in close proximity. If you thought he looked enormous from the upper deck at Kroger Field, wait till you are standing a few feet away.

No. 6 JQ Hardaway

Most cornerbacks are smaller guys. Not Hardaway. The Cincinnati transfer is a legit 6-foot-3, with arms that would make Stretch Armstrong jealous.

No. 7 Barion Brown

Train your brain because Kentucky’s elusive wide receiver has changed numbers. Liam Coen will surely be kind enough to let Leary rip it long for Brown to take the top off the defense.

No. 9 Keeshawn Silver

Few people look normal standing next to Deone Walker. The North Carolina transfer is the exception.

No. 11 Zion Childress

When asking offensive players which guys on defense are a problem, Childress is typically the first response. Building momentum off a strong end to the 2022 season, the Texas State transfer is flying all over the field. He also does not hesitate to talk trash to his teammates.

No. 13 Devin Leary

As Adam Luckett pointed out on 11 Personnel, group chats will be talking about how small Leary is. After watching a body builder play quarterback for a year, there’s a startling difference when 13 gets under center.

No. 32 Trevin Wallace

Football junkies love a good collision. Now in his third year in the program, the former blue chip recruit and elite athlete should deliver at least one or two eye-opening tackles.

No. 82 Khamari Anderson

“That guy’s a freshman?” is what you’ll think when you see the Under Armour All-American line up at tight end. It’s hard to believe he should still be in high school.