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Spring Practice Notes: 3/29/22

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Kentucky Wide Receiver, Tayvion Robinson (Photo by Jacob Noger | UK Athletics)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Football

Deone Walker Drafted No. 109 To The Buffalo Bills

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Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker has been selected No. 109 by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Walker stands at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, making the former Wildcat one of the biggest defensive lineman not only in the draft, but in the history of the NFL.

Since earning a starting spot as a true freshman, to now exploding with excitement when he heard his name called, Walker’s unique blend of mobility and enthusiasm will cement him as one of the most beloved Kentucky players in program history.

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Earning All-SEC honors and letting his disruptive play become the Wildcats’ identity, Walker will now cause terror for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to go alongside his former teammate Maxwell Hairston, who was selected by the Bills in the first round.

Ray Davis also welcomed BBN to Bills Mafia moments after the selection.

The main worry about Walker not only has been his back injury that he played with all of last season, but what technique he’ll be able to play due to his stature that’s unlike any other.

However, even the NFL admitted that Walker could dominate the league.

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Before the draft, Walker visited with the Buffalo Bills, who emphasized interior pressure heavily last season, which is right up his alley. He’s been evaluated as one that can be a high-level backup or a potential starter as the season goes on.

The Bills are taking a swing with Walker, but many who watched him every Saturday at Kroger Field will tell you that this is a home-run pick.

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Maxwell Hairston Drafted No. 30 To The Buffalo Bills

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Maxwell Hairston
Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston has officially started the next chapter of his career, selected No. 30 by the Buffalo Bills in the late first round.

At 6-foot-1 and 186 pounds, Hairston has come a long way since signing with the Wildcats as a 3-star prospect out of Michigan in 2021.

Although he missed five games this past season due to injury,  Hairston was still selected to Second-Team All-SEC with 19 tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception and four deflections.

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“Mad Max” took a huge jump in the draft boards after running the fastest 40-yard dash among cornerbacks in Indianapolis, completing the drill in just 4.28 seconds.

At 21 years old, Hairston brings a level of experience from the toughest conference in college football, the SEC, to go along with elite speed and length to make him a potential starter for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.

As one of the few invited to the NFL Draft, Big Blue Nation had a good look at Hairston with his family before his name was called.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the former Wildcats’ name just before the night ended, making the West Bloomfield native’s dreams come true.

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Ray Davis went to social media to share his excitement to have a familiar face in the locker room.

The National Football League shared an emotional video of Hairston embracing his father after the Bills drafted him.

Time will tell how Hairston’s role will pan out in the league, but rest assured, “Mad Max” will go down as one of the best defensive players in the Mark Stoops era.

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Running Back Revamp: Kentucky Adds Former Oklahoma, New Mexico State Transfer

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New Mexico State University Athletics

The Wildcats bolstered their backfield with the addition of former Oklahoma and New Mexico State running back Seth McGowan on April 20, per KSR’s Nick Roush.

Standing at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, McGowan brings size and downhill power to Kentucky’s offense. Coming off a productive season at New Mexico State, he rushed for 823 yards and three touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 277 yards and three more scores through the air.

A former four-star recruit in the class of 2019, McGowan originally signed with Oklahoma and logged 370 rushing yards, three touchdowns and 201 receiving yards with one touchdown during his lone season with the Sooners.

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On May 7, 2021, McGowan was removed from Oklahoma following his involvement in a legal case in which he was arrested and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The charges were ultimately dismissed, but he pleaded guilty to larceny from a person at nighttime in December of that year.

After a stint at NAIA school Texas College in 2022, where he did not see game action, McGowan continued his path back to Division I football, playing six games with Butler Community College before transferring to New Mexico State for the 2024 season.

Now, with his past behind him, McGowan has a chance to turn the page and contribute in a major way to the Wildcats’ offense.

Running backs coach Jay Boulware, who helped Oklahoma sign McGowan out of high school, likely played a role in bringing him to Kentucky, where he is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining.

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Along with Nebraska transfer Dante Dowdell, McGowan could be a part of a versatile and punishing backfield tandem for the Wildcats. While Dowdell brings a physical, downhill rushing style, McGowan’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game adds a dynamic layer to offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s pro-style system, which emphasizes balance and explosive playmaking.

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