Roster Analysis: 2020 Wildcats

[BlueRattie]

What follows is a brief rundown of the 2020 Wildcats Depth Chart. To compile this chart, I've studied the final depth chart(s), identified which players are leaving (that I know of), and made some projections regarding position change and where incoming recruits will line up. Of course, there's a lot of guesswork going on here. I don't know which--if any--players are transferring. Nor do I know exactly OL, DL, and secondary recruits will eventually land. But I do think this gives us a good idea of where we stand going forward. If you see any errors, feel free to suggest corrections. If you think that my projections are off, feel free to discuss! It's a message board; we're supposed to disagree on these things, LOL.


QB SUMMARY: Assuming Wilson is healthy, he's the man. Smith is clearly the back-up and the jury is out on Scalzo and Gilmore. Don't be shocked if one of them transfers. The wildcard is Gatewood, who would immediately become the #2 if eligible. Allen will clearly redshirt, but I think he has a bright future. I'm really looking forward to what Wilson can do with in his final and hopefully best year as a Wildcat.

1. Terry Wilson, RS-SR
2. Sawyer Smith, RS-SR
3. Nick Scalzo, RS-FR or
Amani Gilmore, RS-FR
4. Beau Allen, FR
5. Joey Gatewood*, RS-SO


RB SUMMARY: Many of us will be clamoring for Smoke or Rodriguez to take Rose's place, but I think Stoops' loyalty to upperclassmen (and Rose's homerun ability) will win out. Each of the top three backs offers something different, so you'd be hard pressed to find a better trio. Tisdale, Davis, and McClain would be pressed into action on UK teams of the past but not anymore. I would like to see UK get some touches for Tisdale in the open field; he seems like an ideal punt returner or third down back.

1. A.J. Rose, RS-SR
2. Kavosiey Smoke, RS-SO or
Chris Rodriguez, RS-SO
3. Travis Tisdale, RS-FR
4. Jutahn McClain, FR
5. Torrance Davis, FR

WR SUMMARY: There's a lot of potential here but not much in the way of production. Ali impressed in the Belk Bowl and will clearly be the leader. Thomas is a gamer and ideal for the slot. Epps spent this year injured and will get the nod at first, but don't be surprised if Oliver or Dailey come for his PT. Crumes is a burner that will take Ali's role when the time comes. The incoming freshmen are an underrated lot, and I think that Branham will be hard to keep off the field.

1. Josh Ali, SR
2. Isaiah Epps, RS-JR
3. Clevan Thomas, RS-JR
4. Bryce Oliver, RS-JR
5. Allen Dailey, JR
6. DeMarcus Harris, RS-FR
7. Akeem Hayes, JR
8. Tae Tae Crumes, RS-FR
9. Kalil Branham, FR
10. Ernest Sanders, FR
11. Izayah Cummings, FR


TE SUMMARY: Rigg the kind of punishing blocker that Gran loves in the running game, but he's will get his shots in the passing game next year. Upshaw has huge upside as a blocker and receiver and is physical as hell. Bates and Ognenovic may soon be battling to see who the third TE is.

1. Justin Rigg, SR
2. Keaton Upshaw, RS-SO
3. Brenden Bates, RS-SO
4. Nik Ognenovic, RS-FR


LT SUMMARY: Young is as solid as they come and Watkins is perfectly capable in reserve. Watkins is, in fact, so capable that I wouldn't be stunned if he moved to left guard. Pope is coming along well, and Jones, to me, projects as LT with his long arms and nimble feet.

1. Landon Young, RS-SR
2. Nassir Watkins, RS-JR
3. Jake Pope, RS-FR
4. Joshua Jones, FR

LG SUMMARY: Horsey has done his time behind Stenberg and now appears to be ready to roll. Flax is going to play and play early, though it's unclear as to whether or not he's a tackle or guard. Young is often listed as a tackle, but I love his potential as a kind of Stenberg 2.0 (without the penalties).

1. Kenneth Horsey, RS-SO
2. Jeremy Flax, RS-SO
3. John Young, FR

C SUMMARY: Jackson is gearing up for an All-SEC or even All-American season. Wilson is the kind of cerebral, heady player you want making line calls, and he's tutored behind the best in the business. The lack of a third option is a little concerning.

1. Drake Jackson, RS-SR
2. Quentin Wilson, RS-SO

RG SUMMARY: I think that Fortner will shine next year at guard and Cox will back up. Adams reminds me of Bunch Stallins, a road grater that will be hard to keep off the field. Could he, perhaps, make the move to Center that Bunchy could not?

1. Luke Fortner, RS-SR
2. Eli Cox, RS-SO
3. Reuben Adams, FR

RT SUMMARY: Kinnard seems to have RT locked down and looks to be UK's next great run blocker from the right side. Lewis is reaching the crossroads of his career. Calvin Taylor came in as a project and ended up shining. Can Lewis do the same?

1. Darian Kinnard, JR
2. Nick Lewis, RS-JR
3. Deondre Buford, FR


K SUMMARY: Ruffalo's consistency has beat out Poor's leg strength. Perhaps, though, Poore can take the role of kick-off specialist and gain some confidence along the way.

1. Mark Ruffalo RS-SR
2. Chance Poore RS-JR


P SUMMARY: It's Max Duffy, and you'll damn well like it.

1. Max Duffy, God of Punters RS-SR


_____________________________________________________________


DE SUMMARY: I think Pascal's long-term position is DE, where he can gain weight naturally and be a force in the run and pass game going forward. (He actually reminds me of Clowney, a similar sized athletic freakshow). Looney and Hawkins will provide depth at DE and DT. Rybka is physically in need of a RS year.

1. Josh Pascal RS-JR
2. Kordell Looney RS-SR
3. Davoan Hawkins RS-JR
4. Isaiah Gibson RS-FR
5. Tre’vonn Rybka FR

DT SUMMARY: When you see Oats and Square getting tackles it means these guys are doing their job. Abadj-Fitzgerald is wildly underrated and has been consistently getting better since his arrival. Mahone is solid and may be looking at a breakout season. Double-O is destined to be a fan favorite: a Kentucky kid with physical tools and a great name.

1. Abdule Abadi-Fitzgerald RS-JR
2. Jerquavion Mahone RS-JR
3. Cavon Butler RS-FR
4. Josiah Hayes FR
5. Octavious Oxendine FR

NT SUMMARY: This is, I think, the best NT trio in the SEC. Bohanna is shockingly quick for a man his size, and we've seen flashes of the kind of havoc that "Bully" McCall is capable of. Rogers is not a prototype NT, but his combination of explosiveness and raw strength bode well for the position.

1. Quinton Bohanna SR
2. Marquan McCall JR
3. Justin Rogers FR

SSLB SUMMARY: Boogie is on the verge of an All-American type season. He can cover, stuff the run, and rush the passer. Casey will get plenty of snaps and seems to be exactly the kind of kid we want in our program.

1. Boogie Watson RS-SR
2. Jared Casey RS-FR
3. D’Eryk Jackson FR

MLB SUMMARY: By the end of this season, Oats was taking a ton of snaps from Daniel. He offers a kind of athleticism we have not seen from our MLB's at UK. Jamin Davis would start for 90% of the teams in the country.

1. Chris Oats JR
2. Jamin Davis RS-JR
3. K.D. McDaniel RS-FR

WLB SUMMARY: I love Square's sideline-to-sideline speed. He's like Jordan Jones without the recklessness. Davis will back up, but the #3 spot isn't all that clear, for now.

1. DeAndre Square JR
2. Jamin Davis RS-JR

Jack SUMMARY: Wright got better as the season wore on and, with a little weight, could be a monster. Weaver is a smart, high-motor player that has passed Peters on the depth chart. Anaele the most gifted athlete (by SPARK standards) and may end of being the most athletic Jack we've seen here--Josh Allen included.

1. Jordan Wright RS-JR
2. J.J. Weaver RS-FR
3. Xavier Peters RS-JR
4. Samuel Anaele FR

CB SUMMARY: It's hard to imagine a deeper, more talented secondary in UK history. Echols and Dort played exceptional, physical football this year. Brown gives quality depth, and Devonshire is a physical freak. Joseph will play, but it's unclear whether that will be corner or safety.

1. Brandon Echols RS-SR
2. Cedrick Dort RS-JR
3. Jamari Brown RS-JR
4. M.J. Devonshire RS-FR
5. Stanley Garner RS-SO (EDIT: Stanley Garner has entered the transfer portal)
6. Jalen Geiger RS-FR
7. Carrington Valentine FR
8. Andrew Phillips FR
9. Joel Williams FR
10. Kelvin Joseph* RS-SO

SS SUMMARY: Mosley got a ton of snaps this year and he will force Corker down the depth chart with a typical 2nd year "bump" for JC players. Douglass is a centerfield thumper, and Tisdale will redshirt but only because of UK's insane depth.

1. Quandre Mosley RS-SR
2. Yusuf Corker, RS-JR
3. Moses Douglass, RS-FR
4. Vito Tisdale, FR

FS SUMMARY: Will Robinson be the same player post surgery? Let's hope so. If not, Corker and Dodson are more than capable of manning the FS spot.

1. Devonte Robinson RS-SR
2. Yusuf Corker, RS-JR
3. Taj Dodson, RS-SO
4. Ricky Hyatt, FR

 

[BlueTick2]

Great read
Thanks!

 

[BlueRattie]

Great read
Thanks!

No problem.

 

[wobycat]

Wow. We are going to be really good

 

[Old_Red]

I thought Garner was in the Transfer Portal.

 

[BlueRattie]

I thought Garner was in the Transfer Portal.

You are correct. I'll correct that at once.

 

[Wildcatbrass79]

I'm worried about AJ Rose potentially doing a grad transfer--he could have a huge season next year if he stick around.

Bohana and Young going in the draft is more of a possibility than I feel comfortable writing off at this point.

...but even in the very unlikely scenario that all 3 of those player leave, we still have an incredible looking squad next year.

 

[greginky1957]

Great thread +1

 

[YaketySax]

I figured Ox would be a NT and Rogers at DT but maybe OG.

 

[dvillecatfan]

Appreciate the time and effort put in OP...nice work.

 

[Sparkaces1]

Pretty incredible we prob have the best NT combo in the country! Just have beasts on D, Paschal going to DE will also improve that position and create time for Weaver and Peters, 2 beasts!

 

[3kidsandme]

Nobody is taking corker's job.

 

[Smashcat]

It's hard to imagine a deeper, more talented secondary in UK history.

Interesting how things can change in one year.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

D Jackson is an ILB

Corker starts. No one, not even D Robinson will put him on the bench. He led the team in tackles and is a combo of Edwards and West. Mosley will play a lot, but Corker will not sit because of QM, IMO.

 

[UKSanders]

Nice job, but there are a few corrections on eligibility. The following guys are all RS-FR in 2019, so they will be RS-SO in 2020 instead of RS-JR as you have noted. It doesn't change much for 2020, but it shows better longevity for the program.

WR: Bryce Oliver, Akeem Hayes
OL: Nick Lewis,
DL: Davaon Hawkins, Qua Mahone
LB: Xavier Peters (redshirted at FSU in 2018)
CB: Jamari Brown

 

[Cobb4uk]

Don't see anyone taking Corker's position. Sure hope Rose stays, we need his blocking to protect our QB. He's by far more proficient than the other backs. We are blessed to have a great stable of RB's and more on the way. Hoping we get Davis and Drennen signed, both can really catch the ball and run. Davis has great size and Drennen is Bowden like in his abilities.

 

[3kidsandme]

Nobody is taking corker's job.

 

[seccats04]

We were a little thin in a few positions this year and we had season ending injuries by the second game at two of the positions (FS, QB). I don’t see that problem at any position next year except possibly QB again if Gatewood is not eligible. I don’t know if the other QB’s are good enough or ready enough to help us go where we want. But every other position looks to be at least a legit 3 deep.

 

[C.W.1]

Nice post.

Have come to the belief that Jamin Davis is UK’s best ILB. He’s at least the second best. With Robinson’s speed could see him at FS with Corker at SS. Not sure why you have Mosley starting over Corker but do like what Mosley has done in games when he plays.

Not sure if Allen will redshirt. He’s enrolling early and is very accurate. With UK’s line, running game and the uncertainty with TW’s injury, could see Allen at least competing for playing time. An accurate throwing QB could be very effective with what UK has.

What about Austin Dotson at OG? Have wondered how he’s progressing.

 

[motodog]

Top to bottom the best UK roster in my lifetime. The only exception being WR. The only position which has been lacking on the recruiting front. I believe it makes the Drennan kid extremely important. As this year illustrated, it's so important to have a gamechanger on the field in this league.

 

[WildcatofNati]

Nice post.

Have come to the belief that Jamin Davis is UK’s best ILB. He’s at least the second best. With Robinson’s speed could see him at FS with Corker at SS. Not sure why you have Mosley starting over Corker but do like what Mosley has done in games when he plays.

Not sure if Allen will redshirt. He’s enrolling early and is very accurate. With UK’s line, running game and the uncertainty with TW’s injury, could see Allen at least competing for playing time. An accurate throwing QB could be very effective with what UK has.

What about Austin Dotson at OG? Have wondered how he’s progressing.

In Allen's case, barring an injury which forces him to burn a redshirt, you either start him or redshirt him, but don't waste a year of his eligibility playing him in spot duty. Assuming Wilson's return to full health, my guess is the redshirt happens.

 

[yoshukai]

Thanks for this . Nice thread , maybe a little too blue tinted but we're OK with that , lol . I love Paschal and he's overcome more than anyone should ever have to , but he reminds you of Clowney ? Kid didn't have 1 tackle yesterday . I don't see anyone pushing Corker down the depth chart . I'm pumped about the year Josh Ali might have . If Terry Wilson is healthy I think Sawyer is his backup. But if (God forbid) Terry were to get injured and miss games , I don't know that Smith gets the job . Honestly , I don't know that the kid can play at this level .

 

[TuckyFB]

Isn't Phil Hoskins applying for another year of eligibility?

 

[Kampus Korner]

Thanks for this. You clearly devoted a lot of thought in putting this together. I think the most serious concern at this point, is how well Terry Wilson comes back from a very serious injury. We know he will not be participating in spring practice. So, the coaches won’t likely know much, nor will Terry himself until mid summer. If he can’t perform like he had been and we are forced to go with Smith, I think our offense suffers substantially.

There has been little to no assessment of the true freshmen QB’s this year, one of whom had to have his third knee surgery. Allen from Catholic will be an incoming freshman and it’s unusual for true freshman QB’s to succeed in the SEC. Thus, if Stoops and Mitch have any pull they should use it to get the Auburn transfer eligible to play this coming season. Otherwise, once again, UK will be putting all its “eggs in one basket” by counting on Terry to perform as well as before and for him to stay healthy the whole season. Unfortunately, this time, Lynn Bowden won’t be walking through that door.

 

[GoB!gBlue]

Appreciate the list and projections...Ty Ajian is going to play a lot. He's very solid IMO.

 

[qwesley]

Have come to the belief that Jamin Davis is UK’s best ILB.

Kid looks like a star to me (as does Wright), especially with a few more pounds.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Great post. Just a few thoughts.

No way corker doesn't start at one safety position. I honestly don't think it's a lock that Robinson starts on his return. We have a crazy logjam there that will have some really talented guys not seeing the field.

Good call on Davis. Really coming on strong. Square did not have a good bowl game and Davis noticably outplayed him imo. Oats is a noticable upgrade. Wright is fantastic. Boogie a star the last 2/3 of the season.

Before the season the staff expected q to leave. Interesting to see if that happens. McCall is even better imo.

 

[R.O.T.Muckinfush]

Need a transfer in at wr, alot of good experienced players, no real game changers

 

[Sparkaces1]

Nobody is taking corker's job.

Safety is just ridiculous, I mean we have 4 stars who are third and 4th string. As has been above QB position will determine if this is a top 10 team or not. Seeing Auburn get beat yesterday and all they lose on D, I think we can steal that game!

 

[Swimcat20]

It all depends on Terry Wilson. If he can come back from injury and stay healthy. Gatewood is most likely going to have to sit out a year. There is a reason Smith was at a mid major like Troy. He's just not good enough to be successful on this level. They'd better have one of the younger QB's ready.

 

[TBCat]

Thanks for this . Nice thread , maybe a little too blue tinted but we're OK with that , lol . I love Paschal and he's overcome more than anyone should ever have to , but he reminds you of Clowney ? Kid didn't have 1 tackle yesterday . I don't see anyone pushing Corker down the depth chart . I'm pumped about the year Josh Ali might have . If Terry Wilson is healthy I think Sawyer is his backup. But if (God forbid) Terry were to get injured and miss games , I don't know that Smith gets the job . Honestly , I don't know that the kid can play at this level .

Myself I wouldn't make the comparison to Clowny but in his defense he's not the first one to make it. We first heard it from a recruiting expert back when we were recruiting him. Vince Marrow has also made the comparison. For me how ever Paschal and Clowney have little in common. A more accurate one would be to current Auburn DE Marlon Davidson. Very similar build and physical tools. Hopefully Paschal will be able to develop into that kind of player.

I also don't see anyone pushing Corker off the depth chart. Everyone has their favorite development player and Mosley is a good one to look at however Corker is probably one of the top 5 players on the entire roster. Corker and Robinson at the safeties are a given. You would need someone capable of being 1st team AA to push either of those guys out of a starting job. Both are at minimum candidates for All SEC.

 

[BlueRattie]

BTW, if the equipment folks don't give Octavious Oxendine the number "7" then we will have missed out on one of the great marketing opportunities in college sports history.

 

[Smashcat]

SSLB SUMMARY: Boogie is on the verge of an All-American type season. He can cover, stuff the run, and rush the passer. Casey will get plenty of snaps and seems to be exactly the kind of kid we want in our program.

 

[BlueRattie]

SSLB SUMMARY: Boogie is on the verge of an All-American type season. He can cover, stuff the run, and rush the passer. Casey will get plenty of snaps and seems to be exactly the kind of kid we want in our program.

View embedded media

One of the great things about Stoops defense is that he teaches versatility of defense, making his players great fits for virtually any system. Josh Allen was a "Jack" in our 3-4 Multiple, but Jacksonville was easily able to place Allen at RDE in a 4-3. Boogie may have a similar transition. I could see him as Strong side ILB in a 4-3 or a 3-4; I could also see him as a downhill ILB in a "traditional" 3-4. Wherever he lands, he's got incredible talent and versatility, exactly what NFL teams want.

 

[bleUKollar]

The "Allen will clearly redshirt" was funny. You have absolutely NO idea what is going to happen at QB this season. You act like TW could have went in the 1st round, but decided to stay, LMAO! Allen already is more accurate passing that TW will EVER be. Period. It is just a matter of him learning the offense, and that's doable. Frosh QB's start all the time. What Allen has going against him, is he has team Granshaw doing the assessment, and they are loyal to a fault, as is evidenced by Bowden not starting at QB from the first game on, in a scheme tailored to his skill set. TW is likely the QB as long as he can walk upright and take a snap....AND put up that 41 yards per game rushing, lol....and how much passing????

 

[vhcat70]

BTW, if the equipment folks don't give Octavious Oxendine the number "7" then we will have missed out on one of the great marketing opportunities in college sports history.

Do they allow double zero as a number in CFB?

 

[Deli owl]

If we had a star at QB and kicker we would win the SEC

 

[RV2]

Terry is a fine QB who was hurt this year
Sawyer is a fine QB who was hurt this year

if either of these guys are fully healthy next season the Cats will roll ...

... book it.

 

[bleUKollar]

Terry is a fine QB who was hurt this year
Sawyer is a fine QB who was hurt this year

if either of these guys are fully healthy next season the Cats will roll ...

... book it.

That aluminum foil is cutting off the circulation to your gray matter. Wilson and/or Smith will end up at MID-SEC if they play their absolute best ball. Outside of that, we are looking at ANOTHER run heavy, conservative, take the air out when up by 10+, play-not-to-lose season...........Whereas, we get a REAL QB, our offense would actually flourish. Great QB's make OC's look like geniuses.

Come on Beau Allen!!!!!

 

[RV2]

That aluminum foil is cutting off the circulation to your gray matter. Wilson and/or Smith will end up at MID-SEC if they play their absolute best ball. Outside of that, we are looking at ANOTHER run heavy, conservative, take the air out when up by 10+, play-not-to-lose season...........Whereas, we get a REAL QB, our offense would actually flourish. Great QB's make OC's look like geniuses.

Come on Beau Allen!!!!!

Nice - see ya.