Obviously a lot of this is unknown until you get these guys on campus, but I'm trying to project a depth chart for next year but wasn't sure where to slot some of our incoming true freshman defenders. Here's what i've got, and I still might be making some incorrect assumptions even with the ones I can project:

Jerod Smith - DE
Jacob Smith - JACK
Antwan Smith - WLB
Devin Smith - MLB
Brian Robinson - SLB
Terhyon Nichols - CB
Quaysheed Scott - CB
Jiquavious Marshall - FS?
Caleb Redd - JACK?
Steven Soles - ?
Lorenzo Cowan - ?

I'm sure most of these guys won't even make the UK published depth charts for next year and will be expected to redshirt and develop, I'm just curious what positions to expect them to develop into?

Everyone's 2023 ncaa darling with a puzzling loss early. Ranked 10th (or were anyways).

I think Stoops has done a great job at turning this program around, but I believe if next season turns out to be a failure he will finally depart from UK. In his message he made it a point to say he wouldn’t leave “right now” doesn’t sound like a guy who plans to be at UK long term. It’s only a matter of time, I think the administration should seriously start making a short list of candidates they want to pursue after Stoops. I’m not bashing Stoops for the job he has done, but don’t expect him to stay long term..

I've heard players (mainly in NFL) complaining about the current field surfaces and saying everything should be natural grass. I thought the field turf was supposed to be good for the players. I understand what was going on with the old Astroturf. It had seams in it that if your stepped in would destroy a knee. What is it about natural grass that is better than the field turf? I'm not complaining, I'm just not smart enough to know why it's so bad.

no clue if this guy knows anything or not, but interesting read in case he does…..

Here in Iowa there are some rumblings that Kirk Ferentz may announce his retirement after Iowa’s bowl game. The administration’s decision to fire his son as OC has things strained. Ferentz is 68 years old.

If he does retire, might Stoops entertain Iowa?

We can all agree that the 2nd half vs Louisville was the best this offense looked this year,right? Well I'm pointing this out because I remember Stoops saying on the KSR post game show that he basically just told Liam to dial up something that would work. Liam clearly succeeded as we scored 31 points in the 2nd half. Turnovers with good field position obviously helped. However, I think it's clear that we need to give Liam complete freedom. It's just that time. The schedule next season is brutal. I understand Stoops being hesitant on this considering the mess of Rich. It's just time for Stoops to adjust and stop trying to control the game by being conservative. It doesn't work in this new era of college football we're seeing. A pro style offense is slow as is. Being conservative isn't going to help us put points on the board that are needed. Just my thoughts. Anyone else feel this way or am I the sole person with this opinion? Interested to know.

Today matt jones said some of the assistants got to clear some of the air in all of this that they were not happy with this season. Did not get to hear if he elaborated. Did he say anything else about this?

Serious question…

Dual threat with a good arm

Cal really needs to get back his touch on beating ranked teams:

Since Rogers news is out I guess i'll share what i've heard over last month. Three names on QB front are Rogers, Vandagriff, and Jacurri Brown from Miami. Very secretive on top targets. It is tough to get info these days as Stoops and his main crew have walled themselves off, but I like what little I’m hearing more and more from the NIL/portal crowd. Staff is pissed at themselves and roster - focused on retooling for tough schedule next year and setting up for big year in 2025.

Sounds like a lot of feelers already out on the WR front. TAMU WR mentioned. It's a wide net, but some younger guys at Ohio State and Bama in loaded rooms who aren’t getting their touches are very interested. An extremely productive G5 guy is a top target. In total would guess 4-5 new faces in that group. Focus is on upgrading talent (and size) but more importantly character. Not breaking news but the current crew (besides #9) has been a major issue for the staff since Georgia and they are ready for a total reboot. The probability of locking down the WR studs relies on how quickly QB target is announced as the Leary flop this year set us back on Coen’s pitch. Have to lock that down quick. The O-line will be a total overhaul. Hoping to get Cox back but if not, Flax and Ford will compete for one of the tackle spots and the other 4 will be new faces. Won’t see interior guys moving forward. Good kids but not up to staff’s talent level or scheme fit up front. Once this is fixed, you will see TE’s used more in passing game.

Defensively we are lucky to have 0 in the middle and will for another year before he goes pro. Big piece on field and in the locker room and he will get NIL $$$ to match. Don’t know any names to fix the edges but told changes there will be younger/cheaper NIL portal guys and thrown into the mix day 1. Crowded and expensive market for elite EDGEs. Linebacker in a good spot. Big change coming in secondary similar to O-line. Hairston is a serious flight risk and a lot of new faces needed regardless.

Next chapter starts now.

I looked over on the Georgia Rivals board and saw where the Dawgs already have 28 players (Commits) for 2024. I have also seen this last week where Georgia has still been recruiting other players. Out of curiosity I looked at their current roster and counted 125 players that they have listed there. Of the 2024 commits that they have, are 4 five stars, 4 three stars and 20 four stars. They do this every recruiting season and we (some) get our panties in a bunch when they rock or butts on the gridiron. The same goes with Alabama.
I have a hard time believing that Georgia has any walk-ons within that roster. If that is so, how do they over-recruit every season and get away with that. Additionally, why don't we figure out how that is done and do it too?

Staff predictions here, chime in with your own...

Top 9 (AP) win on the road?

Aggies leading Cards by 2 at the half -- 30-28

**

Any news on football recruiting news? Donovan Hamilton WR??

UK is one of the top handful of schools involved.

Duke head coach Mike Elko. He was DC there a couple of years.

Will fans revolt?

Might be a long shot, but looking for 4 tickets as a Christmas present to my family that aren’t outrageous.

Really, how disappointing did it turn out to be? One bad loss to SC, 2-2 in toss ups -Mizzou, UT, Louisville and FL.

A realistic best case is winning one or two more games but the most realistic expectation would be 8-5 vs the actual 7-5.

Louisville fans throwing things at UK bench. Most of ul players running straight to locker room.

Don't know about the other teams but UK does have a genuine chance to be #12 in the next AP poll imo.
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So hopefully, the same will be true for Stoops! Personally, I think we had less than a 50% chance of getting someone better had Stoops decided to leave. Since Bear left, Collier, Bradshaw, Ray, Curci, Claiborne, Curry, Mumme, Morris, Brooks, Joker all failed to have the sustained success that Stoops has had. Say all you want about the schedule, the facilities, the support, etc. I just know that the 10 before him did not do as well as he has done, so thinking the one after him will probably wouldn't be a good bet. He ain't perfect; he needs to adapt some, but I would just as soon roll with him as roll the dice on his replacement.