Earlier today, Kentucky Football allowed the media, for the first time this season, to watch the Wildcats on the practice field at Nutter Field House. Stoops and Co. practiced for about an hour and a half and included individual sessions, special teams work, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11’s.

Let’s take a closer look.

The Defense Bested the Offense Today

In today’s post-practice press conference, offensive coordinator, Rich Scangarello, was quick to say that “today was a little rough.” Notably, three interceptions were thrown by Will Levis (two of which Scangerello believed to be controllable), a grounded snap, and a mistimed toss back, which collectively accumulated to a sloppy performance.

While displeased with the performance, Scangarello went on to say, “Those are the things when you have five or six running backs, four different quarterbacks, three centers over the course of practice they happen, but there are no excuses and they can’t happen.”

All this to say, don’t take anything away from the defense. While they had their fair share of mistakes, they won practice today. The defensive line looked strong as the pass rush looked solid and Justin Rogers even broke through the Big Blue Wall during 11 on 11s.

The lack of cornerback depth is a real issue, but players are stepping up.

As mentioned, the secondary had a big day today and was able to pull in three interceptions, by Ty Ajian, Jordan Lovett, and Jalen Geiger. When wide receiver, DeMarcus Harris, was asked who has impressed him the most in the secondary he called out Carrington Valentine, Ty Ajian, Andru Phillips, Taj Dodson, and Jalen Geiger.

I still expect that Stoops and Co. will reach out and find a DB or two in the transfer portal, but it is good to hear players are stepping up and developing.

The Offense Is Adjusting

With a new offensive coordinator comes some growing pains, and that was seen today. However, I do not believe it is anything to be alarmed about, and neither does Rich Scangarello, calmly saying, “Honestly, until you watch the film, you don’t know fully what happened. But as long as we take care of the football, the other stuff we can always fix schematically.”

In his press conference, Scangarello also noted that he is still working through each player right now to find out what each guy is capable of, but also adjusting back to college football from the NFL.

As for the players, they are playing for a starting position, while also building on top of the offense that Coen left behind. It is a learning process.

With that said, there are some very talented pieces on this offense and there is the potential for this to be one of the highest-powered offenses in recent UK history.

Receivers Room Is Promising

While Kentucky has had talented individual receivers such as Wan’Dale Robinson and Lynn Bowden, it has been a struggle to have multiple reliable options at receiver.

Since winning the Citrus Bowl in January, the Cats have lost their top three receiving options and the 3,000 yards of offensive production that they were responsible for last season, but bring in several talented wideouts via recruiting and the transfer portal. Of that group, two notable receivers jumped out today at practice, Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson and true freshman Dane Key.

Robinson, a former top-500 recruit, transfers from Virginia Tech where he played three seasons and accumulated 113 receptions for 1,555 yards and nine touchdowns.

Kentucky brought in Robinson to aid in the replacement of the other Robinson, Wandale. That was seen as he worked primarily from the slot today, showing that they will use him in a similar fashion. Levis and Robinson seem to have formed chemistry quickly, as he already looked to be the primary target.

Key, a four-star legacy recruit from Frederick Douglass (Lexington, KY), has lived up to the expectations in spring practice. Standing at 6-foot-3, he is an attractive option for Levis, and as the X receiver, they connected on several plays through practice, making it look fluid and effortless.

As a freshman, Key will have some learning to do, but I expect him to play and make an impact this fall.

Other Notes

• If you closed your eyes, you may not be able to distinguish the difference between Mike Stoops are Mark Stoops. They sound nearly identical.
• There are a lot of players, specifically on offense, that are currently working in different positions.
• Players are want the Big Blue Wall and it’s history to “stay forever, ever, and ever”, and show that to incoming players by showing by example.
• Mark Stoops cannot wait for his new facility.
• Walk-on and Iowa transfer, Duece Hogan, has a cannon.