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Kentucky Football 2022 Spring Game Notes

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Photo by Jacob Noger | UK Athletics

Today’s spring game was cold and for about 40 minutes, looked like it was going to be a whiteout. However, 40 minutes later it looked much more “springish”.

Despite the weather, the Big Blue Nation got their best look at the Kentucky Football team so far. So let’s break it down.

Will Levis Has Improved

The offense came out with a bang on the first drive. Will Levis completed all four of his passes for 41 yards, with Chris Rodriguez and JuTahn McClain adding in 21 yards as they went on to score with ease. Levis even went for a touchdown dive towards the end of the drive, which Stoops did not particularly like.

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In just two drives, Levis already looked improved under new offensive coordinator and quarterback guru, Rich Scangarello. Outside of the general swagger, Levis looked poised in the pocket, showed excellent decision making, and displayed some improved footwork.

It has been a long time since Kentucky has had such a talented quarterback. Despite a limited playbook, there is a lot to be excited about what Levis can become this season.

Tayvion Robinson and Dane Key Continue to Impress

Kentucky lost their top three receiving options from last season and the 3,000 yards of offensive production that they were responsible for. However, they have brought in several talented wideouts via recruiting and the transfer portal.

Virginia Tech transfer Tavion Robinson and true freshman Dane Key have been the stand-out receivers in spring practice and that was only solidified after today. Both caught 20-yard passes and showed their ability.

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Robinson looked a bit like last season’s Robinson (Wandale) at times today. He notably moved well after the catch, showing his elusiveness and ability to get extra yards. Finishing with 3 catches for 42 yards.

Key, the top-rated prospect in the state of Kentucky in the class of 2022, made some spectacular catches including this dart from Will Levis for a touchdown.

With that said, there were several dropped passes that were on target. If Kentucky wants to have depth at the receiving position, this does need to be cleaned up.

Overall, with 22 different players making a catch today, Kentucky is in much better shape with its passing game compared to recent years.

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Mike Drennen and JuThan McClain

Chris Rodgriguez looked good, but as proven as he is he was only in for one drive. That gave way for Mike Drennen and JuThan McClain today, with each performing well.

Coming out of high school, Drennen was a four-star top-300 recruit in the 2020 class. Understandably, expectations have been high, but they have not been met. Today, Drennen came to play. Showing some impressive versatility and ball skills, he impressed with 10 carries for 43 yards, including two touchdowns.

McClain looked to be in much better shape and showed some nice runs today, totaling 6 runs for 24 yards. His game seems to fit better within Rich Scangarello’s offense as well, giving him the ability to go wide and use the field.

Expect both players to contribute this season and looking into the future, this could be a dangerous combination for SEC defenses.

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Defense Struggled but Had A Bright Spot

On Wednesday, Brad White voiced his frustration with his defense following practice. Early today, he had plenty to complain about today, but with good reason, being a general lack of depth.

With that said, as the scrimmage went on, the defense was able to find some footing, notably redshirt freshman Jordan Lovett. The six-foot-two in-state product, totaled nine tackles, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

Until the defense is able to get some of their key pieces healthy, they are not going to look very good.

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REPORT: Liam Coen Leaving Kentucky for NFL Offensive Coordinator Position

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UK Athletics

On the eve of a huge recruiting weekend for Kentucky football, the program has received some bad news. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen is leaving for the NFL again, this time taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator position.

When Coen returned to Kentucky last offseason from the Los Angeles Rams, for his second stint as offensive coordinator, he talked about Lexington being a place that he and his wife had missed. In his return press conference, on January 12, 2023, he went as far as saying he wanted to be somewhere for a “few years”, at least.

“I want to go somewhere, make a real impact. Plant some roots for a little bit. Be somewhere for a few years — at least — that you feel really good about. I’m excited about being back in Lexington… I’m not in a rush to go anywhere.”

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That “few years” was just a year, but to be honest, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. After many games last season, Coen talked to the media with frustration about fundamental things such as lack of discipline and dropped passes. Even then, it always felt he was holding his words back. With his name circulating around multiple NFL jobs, it was clear this was the direction it was heading.

Now for Kentucky, it’s about getting the next hire right. In a time where offense is becoming the premium in college football, going through five offensive coordinators in ten seasons is not ideal. Paying $1.8 million to Coen, they have shown they will pay amongst the top in the country. Now, go get someone who keeps this core of offensive talent, can recruit, and brings much-needed consistency.

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A Piece of Will Levis’ Historic NFL Debut Displayed in NFL Hall of Fame

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Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis after his NFL debut.
© Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

During last year’s NFL Draft, Will Levis was one of the last players left in the green room after dropping to the second round. That moment fueled Levis, and he’s since earned the starting quarterback spot with the Tennessee Titans, appearing to have a bright future with the team.

Entering the season with no shortage of motivation, Levis entered the franchise as QB3 and wasn’t even on the active roster for the first six weeks of the season, being deemed the “emergency quarterback.” However, following an ankle injury to Ryan Tannehill in Week 6, the Titans gave their rookie quarterback an opportunity.

Levis certainly capitalized and had one of the best debuts in NFL History, throwing for 238 yards (19/29 passing) and four touchdowns. From the game, Levis has been put in the Hall of Fame. Well, at least his Houston Oiler throwback helmet from the performance has been placed on display in the Hall of Fame’s “Pro Football Today Gallery.”

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Levis started his career with a bang and had his moments. The former Kentucky Wildcat will look to build on his rookie campaign, going into a year where he should be the starter under new head coach Brian Callahan.

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

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Cutter Boley Opens up on Playing for Kentucky, “This Is Where My Heart’s Always Been”

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Four-star quarterback prospect Cutter Boley signing with Kentucky football.
© Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

With the early National Signing Day for the class of 2024 being over, Kentucky’s newest signed quarterback Cutter Boley discusses why he committed to play at Kentucky.

“Just growing up in the state, you know, I’ve grown up a fan I feel like this is where my heart’s always been, and just the offense that Liam Coen runs and the job coach (Mark) Stoops does as head coach is phenomenal and I wouldn’t want to play for anybody else,” Boley tells Kentucky Insider.

Kentucky needed to get some quarterbacks after three players either graduated or transferred with Devin Leary graduating, Destin Wade transferring to Colorado, and Kaiya Sheron electing to transfer as well.

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Kentucky was able to load up in the quarterback room by landing the Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff, Georgia Southern transfer Beau Allen, and then signing Boley in the class of 2024. Boley is ready to compete against them and he recognizes their talent.

“I couldn’t be any more excited to learn from them. They’re two really good quarterbacks, like I said, and they’ll have countless things to teach me from the places they’ve been and the offense that they’ve been in,” Boley tells us. “I just can’t wait to learn the things they know and just be able to work and get to work with them.”

One of the reasons why Boley committed to Kentucky is due to him having a connection since he has lived here his whole life.

“Just growing up in the state, you know, I’ve grown up a fan I feel like this is where my heart’s always been, and just the offense that Liam Coen runs and the job coach (Mark) Stoops does as head coach is phenomenal and I wouldn’t want to play for anybody else,” said Boley.

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As for finally signing his National Letter of Intent, Boley feels relieved to have it finished.

“It’s definitely a relief to finally put the pen to paper and make it official,” said Boley. “It’s been a long time coming so I couldn’t be any more excited about my decision and where I’m going to be for the next four years.”

What Boley is most focused on is how the offense is run, as at this time he feels like his play style is made to play professionally.

“I’m really hoping to develop into that pro-style quarterback, but I feel like I’m definitely a pro-style quarterback right now, but really develop into just being able to play in that offense at a very high level and get really comfortable in the offense, and I just want to develop all parts of my game and really be a quarterback that the NFL looks for and that type of quarterback they want to have,” Boley tells us.

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With Kentucky having a chance to develop within instead of the transfer route, fans will have a chance to see a quarterback finally develop into potentially starting in the future.

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