Thanks again to Derek and Josh for providing such outstanding coverage of today's first 45 minutes of practice which were open to the media. Can't tell them again how grateful I am for how solid they've been. Both are coming into their own.
I've had a chance to speak with sources. You've read Derek and Josh's observations, so what you're about to read has more to do with the rest of the morning practice and the afternoon session.
The receivers had a really big day. As you read, Dorian Baker was being attended to as a trainer and he's taking it easy because of a minor injury. They want to make sure he's good to go for the start of the season. Baker's had a really good camp so far and getting him 100-percent is the top priority. It's the same reason they've worked sparingly with guys like Mike Edwards, Jon Toth, Boom Williams and some others.
So which receivers stood out?
I'm told Blake Bone, Ryan Timmons, Juice Johnson and Tavin Richardson all stood out today, cumulatively from the two practices.
It's going to be very important for Bone to continue putting together solid days like that in order to find a good spot in what's bound to be a fierce ongoing competition. Richardson has just about cemented himself as a key receiver for Kentucky this season, not because of need but because he's been just that good. I mentioned twice last week that Richardson was a top camp performer and he's done it again.
Gotta feel good for Timmons having a strong day. I know there are a lot of Kentucky fans who are pulling for them. As for Juice, no surprise at all that he's had a strong day. At the end of the day Juice and Baker are still Kentucky's top receiving options, but that whole unit has very, very impressive depth and talent. No better way to ease Drew Barker into his first season-opening start than to have a deep, confident receiving corps that will help him out (aside from good protection, maybe).
Who else stood out?
On the offensive line I'm hearing that George Asafo-Adjei had another strong day. Second time I've mentioned him in the past several days. They're working him at tackle and guard, and it seems like he's making a strong push to be that all-important third tackle in the rotation. Remember, he started about five games last season, so worst case scenario the third tackle is a guy with plenty of game experience. Asafo-Adjei does some truly phenomenal things as a lineman. If the consistency catches up with the spectacular, he can have a great rest of his career at UK at tackle -- which is just where it's going to be easier to get on the field.
Also: Jordan Jones and Kobie Walker at linebacker stood out.
I've had a chance to speak with sources. You've read Derek and Josh's observations, so what you're about to read has more to do with the rest of the morning practice and the afternoon session.
The receivers had a really big day. As you read, Dorian Baker was being attended to as a trainer and he's taking it easy because of a minor injury. They want to make sure he's good to go for the start of the season. Baker's had a really good camp so far and getting him 100-percent is the top priority. It's the same reason they've worked sparingly with guys like Mike Edwards, Jon Toth, Boom Williams and some others.
So which receivers stood out?
I'm told Blake Bone, Ryan Timmons, Juice Johnson and Tavin Richardson all stood out today, cumulatively from the two practices.
It's going to be very important for Bone to continue putting together solid days like that in order to find a good spot in what's bound to be a fierce ongoing competition. Richardson has just about cemented himself as a key receiver for Kentucky this season, not because of need but because he's been just that good. I mentioned twice last week that Richardson was a top camp performer and he's done it again.
Gotta feel good for Timmons having a strong day. I know there are a lot of Kentucky fans who are pulling for them. As for Juice, no surprise at all that he's had a strong day. At the end of the day Juice and Baker are still Kentucky's top receiving options, but that whole unit has very, very impressive depth and talent. No better way to ease Drew Barker into his first season-opening start than to have a deep, confident receiving corps that will help him out (aside from good protection, maybe).
Who else stood out?
On the offensive line I'm hearing that George Asafo-Adjei had another strong day. Second time I've mentioned him in the past several days. They're working him at tackle and guard, and it seems like he's making a strong push to be that all-important third tackle in the rotation. Remember, he started about five games last season, so worst case scenario the third tackle is a guy with plenty of game experience. Asafo-Adjei does some truly phenomenal things as a lineman. If the consistency catches up with the spectacular, he can have a great rest of his career at UK at tackle -- which is just where it's going to be easier to get on the field.
Also: Jordan Jones and Kobie Walker at linebacker stood out.
