Mark Stoops didn't have too much detail to share about the scrimmage when he met with the media earlier today. Here is what we have been able to gather:
** Was told by one person that there were no "clear winners" between the units or position groups today. That doesn't mean nobody stood out, but if you are looking for something decisive that tips the scales in a player's direction or changes what we've thought that probably didn't happen.
** Devin Leary continues to shine. Made a couple of throws today where only the receiver could make a play. Was told that Tayvion Robinson seemed to have a good day today with a couple of really nice plays from Leary. And apparently Max Hairston was covering well on those plays but Leary just put it where only the offense could make a play. Just a different kind of passer than Kentucky has had in a very long time.
** Barion Brown, JuTahn McClain, Keeshawn Silver, Josaih Hayes, Kahlil Saunders, Jordan Dingle among those who didn't participate in the scrimmage.
** First stringers didn't get a whole lot of work. Maybe only a series in some cases. Others like JJ Weaver got maybe three series. But halfway through the scrimmage they were already to the twos and the threes so not unlike an early NFL exhibition game. This is easing into fall camp, the byproduct of a lot of guys being out, and then this: Remember, it's a backloaded schedule and one of my questions about the team is about its depth in spots. If you think I'm hand-wringing, sorry, but I do believe that it's slightly concerning that some position groups lack depth when November is going to be a grind. Makes sense to be careful at this point in the season.
** EDGE is a spot where UK doesn't have a ton of depth but the pecking order is still Weaver, Wade, Fearbry, in that order. You would ideally have more than three guys for two positions and two who have proven it on some level (Fearbry not playing last year), so you have to expect they are going to compensate quite a bit by putting Afari out there in medium. Doesn't seem to be problematic given how much they like him.
** Andru Phillips was first to slide to nickel. The first time he did that apparently Jordan Robinson went to corner. Nobody has told me for certain but it sounds like Robinson may be the fourth corner in the making after Phillips, Max Hairston, and JQ Hardaway. Seems like Jantzen might be right after that. Robinson is the biggest defensive back they have and he's filled out even more. Not sure how ready he will be this season but does sound like he deserves a mention. Apparently Robinson had a couple of nice plays in the secondary and if he had gotten his head around a little quicker it could have been even more.
** Believe Zion Childress and Jordan Lovett are probably going to be the first safeties on the field in Week 1 but still believe Geiger is on pace to play a ton of snaps and probably the same amount. He apparently came downhill nicely when he was in the game and laid a nice hit on Ramon Jefferson at one point.
** Offensive line looked good in pass protection but didn't open holes in the run game. Apparently Jeremy Flax held up pretty well against JJ Weaver and so if you want a positive takeaway their ability to keep Leary protected is a good sign. On a couple of the sacks it was more about coverage than guys getting whipped up front.
** Ben Christman's injury is TBD, no insight on what it might be. Apparently he had a brace and wrap on his knee.
** Have been some snap issues with guys who are being cross-trained there for depth purposes but should be okay with Jager and Cox as the primary No. 2 sliding over if needed.
** Those I spoke with didn't notice Raynor missing a kick so that has to also reflect well enough on the snap/hold issues. Have heard purely in terms of kicking Raynor has everything you want, just have to see how he handles the pressure and atmosphere in some situations he will face.
** Was told by one person that there were no "clear winners" between the units or position groups today. That doesn't mean nobody stood out, but if you are looking for something decisive that tips the scales in a player's direction or changes what we've thought that probably didn't happen.
** Devin Leary continues to shine. Made a couple of throws today where only the receiver could make a play. Was told that Tayvion Robinson seemed to have a good day today with a couple of really nice plays from Leary. And apparently Max Hairston was covering well on those plays but Leary just put it where only the offense could make a play. Just a different kind of passer than Kentucky has had in a very long time.
** Barion Brown, JuTahn McClain, Keeshawn Silver, Josaih Hayes, Kahlil Saunders, Jordan Dingle among those who didn't participate in the scrimmage.
** First stringers didn't get a whole lot of work. Maybe only a series in some cases. Others like JJ Weaver got maybe three series. But halfway through the scrimmage they were already to the twos and the threes so not unlike an early NFL exhibition game. This is easing into fall camp, the byproduct of a lot of guys being out, and then this: Remember, it's a backloaded schedule and one of my questions about the team is about its depth in spots. If you think I'm hand-wringing, sorry, but I do believe that it's slightly concerning that some position groups lack depth when November is going to be a grind. Makes sense to be careful at this point in the season.
** EDGE is a spot where UK doesn't have a ton of depth but the pecking order is still Weaver, Wade, Fearbry, in that order. You would ideally have more than three guys for two positions and two who have proven it on some level (Fearbry not playing last year), so you have to expect they are going to compensate quite a bit by putting Afari out there in medium. Doesn't seem to be problematic given how much they like him.
** Andru Phillips was first to slide to nickel. The first time he did that apparently Jordan Robinson went to corner. Nobody has told me for certain but it sounds like Robinson may be the fourth corner in the making after Phillips, Max Hairston, and JQ Hardaway. Seems like Jantzen might be right after that. Robinson is the biggest defensive back they have and he's filled out even more. Not sure how ready he will be this season but does sound like he deserves a mention. Apparently Robinson had a couple of nice plays in the secondary and if he had gotten his head around a little quicker it could have been even more.
** Believe Zion Childress and Jordan Lovett are probably going to be the first safeties on the field in Week 1 but still believe Geiger is on pace to play a ton of snaps and probably the same amount. He apparently came downhill nicely when he was in the game and laid a nice hit on Ramon Jefferson at one point.
** Offensive line looked good in pass protection but didn't open holes in the run game. Apparently Jeremy Flax held up pretty well against JJ Weaver and so if you want a positive takeaway their ability to keep Leary protected is a good sign. On a couple of the sacks it was more about coverage than guys getting whipped up front.
** Ben Christman's injury is TBD, no insight on what it might be. Apparently he had a brace and wrap on his knee.
** Have been some snap issues with guys who are being cross-trained there for depth purposes but should be okay with Jager and Cox as the primary No. 2 sliding over if needed.
** Those I spoke with didn't notice Raynor missing a kick so that has to also reflect well enough on the snap/hold issues. Have heard purely in terms of kicking Raynor has everything you want, just have to see how he handles the pressure and atmosphere in some situations he will face.
