Could an ALL Stoops team win a Natty?

[MontyCats]

Luckett said something the other day that I thought was ridiculous. He said if you made a super team of all the best players of the Stoops era its still wouldn't be good enough to win a title. I think that's insane. You would have a ridiculous Defense. Think of that D-line Allen, Walker, Dupree, Zadarius, Paschal, Bohanna....etc. You would have an all time stable of backs, All NFL offensive line, Best receiving core in the country and a healthy '22 Levis. I think that team would be a title contender this year. What do you guys think?

Again this is if you transported that team magically into this season with all other teams having their current rosters.

 

[UKSanders]

Luckett said something the other day that I thought was ridiculous. He said if you made a super team of all the best players of the Stoops era its still wouldn't be good enough to win a title. I think that's insane. You would have a ridiculous Defense. Think of that D-line Allen, Walker, Dupree, Zadarius, Paschal, Bohanna....etc. You would have an all time stable of backs, All NFL offensive line, Best receiving core in the country and a healthy '22 Levis. I think that team would be a title contender this year. What do you guys think?

Again this is if you transported that team magically into this season with all other teams having their current rosters.

I disagree with him. I am not saying it would be a guarantee to win a title, but that team would be good enough to win one...
I am only going to list at least a 2 deep at every position, but then add some guys to fill out a few more players on OFFENSE/DEFENSE

OFFENSE: 24 Players
LT: Landon Young, Dare Rosenthal
LG: Bunchy Stallings, Kenneth Horsey
OC: Drake Jackson, Jon Toth
RG: Logan Stenberg, Luke Fortner
RT: Darian Kinnard, George Asafo-Adjei

QB: Will Levis, Devin Leary
RB: C-Rod, Benny Snell, Ray Davis, Boom Williams
WR 1: Dane Key, Barion Brown, Ahmad Wagner (gotta have someone to get defensive PIs, right?)
WR 2: Jeff Badet, Garrett Johnson, Josh Ali,
WR 3 (slot): Wandale Robinson, Lynn Bowden
TE: CJ Conrad, Brendan Bates

DEFENSE
DE: Josh Paschal, Za'Darius Smith, Tre'Vonn Rybka
NG: Quinton Bohanna, Josiah Hayes, Keshawn Silver
DT: Deone Walker, Calvin Taylor, Phil Hoskins

Jack: Josh Allen, JJ Weaver
MLB: Jamin Davis, D'Eryk Jackson
WLB: Deandre Square, Trevin Wallace
SLB: Bud Dupree, Boogie Watson, Jordan Wright

CB: Lonnie Johnson, Kelvin Joseph, Derrick Baity
S: Mike Edwards, Ty Ajian, Jalen Geiger
S: Darius West, Yusuf Corker
NB: Andru Phillips, Davonte Robinson
CB: Max Hairston, Brandin Echols

SPECIAL TEAMS:
PR: Lynn Bowden, Wandale Robinson
KR: Lynn Bowden, Barion Brown
K: Austin MacGinnis, Alex Raynor
P: Max Duffy

I have a HARD time believing that roster could not compete for a championship. I will admit it still lacks a QB that the last several national championship teams have had. However, that defense would be filthy...

 

[MontyCats]

I disagree with him. I am not saying it would be a guarantee to win a title, but that team would be good enough to win one...
I am only going to list at least a 2 deep at every position, but then add some guys to fill out a few more players on OFFENSE/DEFENSE

OFFENSE: 24 Players
LT: Landon Young, Dare Rosenthal
LG: Bunchy Stallings, Kenneth Horsey
OC: Drake Jackson, Jon Toth
RG: Logan Stenberg, Luke Fortner
RT: Darian Kinnard, George Asafo-Adjei

QB: Will Levis, Devin Leary
RB: C-Rod, Benny Snell, Ray Davis, Boom Williams
WR 1: Dane Key, Barion Brown, Ahmad Wagner (gotta have someone to get defensive PIs, right?)
WR 2: Jeff Badet, Garrett Johnson, Josh Ali,
WR 3 (slot): Wandale Robinson, Lynn Bowden
TE: CJ Conrad, Brendan Bates

DEFENSE
DE: Josh Paschal, Tre'Vonn Rybka, Oxendine
NG: Quinton Bohanna, Josiah Hayes, Keshawn Silver
DT: Deone Walker, Calvin Taylor, Phil Hoskins

Jack: Josh Allen, JJ Weaver
MLB: Jamin Davis, D'Eryk Jackson
WLB: Deandre Square, Trevin Wallace
SLB: Bud Dupree, Boogie Watson, Jordan Wright

CB: Lonnie Johnson, Kelvin Joseph, Derrick Baity
S: Mike Edwards, Ty Ajian, Jalen Geiger
S: Darius West, Yusuf Corker
NB: Andru Phillips, Davonte Robinson
CB: Max Hairston, Brandin Echols

SPECIAL TEAMS:
PR: Lynn Bowden, Wandale Robinson
KR: Lynn Bowden, Barion Brown
K: Austin MacGinnis, Alex Raynor
P: Max Duffy

I have a HARD time believing that roster could not compete for a championship. I will admit it still lacks a QB that the last several national championship teams have had. However, that defense would be filthy...

I agree. that was my biggest point was nothing is guaranteed but they would be good enough to win one. Just look at how disruptive this D-Line is right now. Then you give that line the best 1v1 pass rusher in the nation in Josh Allen. That would be wild to see. Mike Edwards would solidify that safety position like we haven't had in a while and gives you a captain on the back end. I was gonna do a 2 deep and then I got busy at work lol

 

[UKSanders]

I agree. that was my biggest point was nothing is guaranteed but they would be good enough to win one. Just look at how disruptive this D-Line is right now. Then you give that line the best 1v1 pass rusher in the nation in Josh Allen. That would be wild to see. Mike Edwards would solidify that safety position like we haven't had in a while and gives you a captain on the back end. I was gonna do a 2 deep and then I got busy at work lol

Not to mention that is a LOT of playmakers on offense as well. The team would still lack a consistent passer at the QB position, but if Levis had that OL in front of him, I think he could more often find one of the many playmakers on offense. If you run a 4 WR set...

WR: Dane Key
WR: Lynn Bowden
WR: Wandale Robinson
WR: Jeff Badet (or Garrett Johnson)

Then, you have either CRod or Benny in the backfield... I like the chances of moving the chains. The defense gets light in the box to cover Bowden/Wandale, CRod or Benny in the run game is lethal.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Bit of a goofy premise but yeah, I agree they would compete for the sec and national title.

 

[maysvilleky]

Defensively no doubt. Offensively even with talent, the scheme has been mediocre. But with the best of the best BBW and Benny, Davis, and CRod. You have a running game. Is there enough of a passing game?

 

[Ky grandpa]

I would put Barker in as QB also, he was a very good home grown kid everyone seems to forget about... Sure he was injured in his first game and all that but he had skill and brains to back it up... All the others mentioned would make for a great all time team...

GBB

 

[MontyCats]

Not to mention that is a LOT of playmakers on offense as well. The team would still lack a consistent passer at the QB position, but if Levis had that OL in front of him, I think he could more often find one of the many playmakers on offense. If you run a 4 WR set...

WR: Dane Key
WR: Lynn Bowden
WR: Wandale Robinson
WR: Jeff Badet (or Garrett Robinson)

Then, you have either CRod or Benny in the backfield... I like the chances of moving the chains. The defense gets light in the box to cover Bowden/Wandale, CRod or Benny in the run game is lethal.

I agree. I also think we were robbed of a healthy '22 Levis. If he is just 10% better than he was in '21 I think that's a guy that can hit open receivers at a winning clip. I also think a healthy Levis gives these RBs even more room to run because you would have to worry about Levis pulling it from time to time. Not to mention the gadget plays you could come up with for Lynn and Wan'dale on the field together.

 

[MontyCats]

Bit of a goofy premise but yeah, I agree they would compete for the sec and national title.

I agree. But I also think most top 25 programs if given a 12+ year super team would be title contenders.

 

[MontyCats]

Defensively no doubt. Offensively even with talent, the scheme has been mediocre. But with the best of the best BBW and Benny, Davis, and CRod. You have a running game. Is there enough of a passing game?

Super good point. Who are we taking at OC? I assume '21 Coen but imagine what Gran could do with that amount of talent. I also dont think Neal Brown should be completely dismissed.

 

[MontyCats]

I would put Barker in as QB also, he was a very good home grown kid everyone seems to forget about... Sure he was injured in his first game and all that but he had skill and brains to back it up... All the others mentioned would make for a great all time team...

GBB

I do think QB is the only position that we would be hurting at most games. I still think a healthy '22 Levis could be good enough to win a title surrounded by all that talent.

 

[UKSanders]

I agree. I also think we were robbed of a healthy '22 Levis. If he is just 10% better than he was in '21 I think that's a guy that can hit open receivers at a winning clip. I also think a healthy Levis gives these RBs even more room to run because you would have to worry about Levis pulling it from time to time. Not to mention the gadget plays you could come up with for Lynn and Wan'dale on the field together.

Yep, imagine going 5 WR set
WR: Key, Barion, Bowden, Wandale, and Badet

Then motion Bowden into the backfield as the RB. Run RPO with Levis & Bowden knowing the defense HAS to worry about Barion and Badet deep with Key & Wandale working the underneath stuff.

 

[UKSanders]

Super good point. Who are we taking at OC? I assume '21 Coen but imagine what Gran could do with that amount of talent. I also dont think Neal Brown should be completely dismissed.

If Gran had that type of talent, I think he could be quite amazing. When he had offensive talent equal to his opposition at Cincy, didn't his offenses put up amazing numbers?

 

[MontyCats]

If Gran had that type of talent, I think he could be quite amazing. When he had offensive talent equal to his opposition at Cincy, didn't his offenses put up amazing numbers?

They did, that's true. I would like to see him have that kind of talent advantage.

 

[MontyCats]

Yep, imagine going 5 WR set
WR: Key, Barion, Bowden, Wandale, and Badet

Then motion Bowden into the backfield as the RB. Run RPO with Levis & Bowden knowing the defense HAS to worry about Barion and Badet deep with Key & Wandale working the underneath stuff.

Thats the only spot that worries me on the coaching staff is the creativity part of our OC.

Let me ask you this. Whats the chances Brock or Bush (OC) take a spot on this team by the end of the year? Brock is progressing like crazy and has a bigger toolbox than I think any other Stoops era QB did. Bush has called a couple really good games now. I am very anxious to see how he progresses as Stoops becomes more comfortable with him.

 

[UKSanders]

Bit of a goofy premise but yeah, I agree they would compete for the sec and national title.

Agree with you about the premise being a little goofy... I just posted a lineup to combat what I thought was a poor statement from Luckett. It downplays the amount of talent Stoops has had AND especially how much he has improved the overall talent level since his arrival

If we allowed Bama or UGA to do the same (best lineups from the rosters during Stoops tenure), could KY compete? Nope.

But could the best of the best from Stoops' time at UK compete in any single year for a championship? Yes, I think they could.

 

[The-Hack]

Yes, I think they could.

I even think our best would put a scare into the best from UGA/BAMA.

Ray Davis has to be two-deep. His TD/Touch ratio shamed the other KY stars, and about everyone in the history of football, save Barry Sanders.

 

[UKSanders]

I even think our best would put a scare into the best from UGA/BAMA.

Ray Davis has to be two-deep. His TD/Touch ratio shamed the other KY stars, and about everyone in the history of football, save Barry Sanders.

Honestly, I didn’t think about the way I listed the RBs as 1st, 2nd, 3rd string. I just assumed they’d rotate more.

 

[CGblue]

I have to have my man Smitty Johnson as QB2.

 

[The-Hack]

Honestly, I didn’t think about the way I listed the RBs as 1st, 2nd, 3rd string. I just assumed they’d rotate more.

Hell, I missed Ray on your list completely.

Because he is there I am now satisfied.

Please carry on!

 

[ABlueWildcat]

I 100% think we could compete. Teams that can play elite defense and can run the ball at will always have a chance at a championship

 

[Cleatortoises]

I disagree with him. I am not saying it would be a guarantee to win a title, but that team would be good enough to win one...
I am only going to list at least a 2 deep at every position, but then add some guys to fill out a few more players on OFFENSE/DEFENSE

OFFENSE: 24 Players
LT: Landon Young, Dare Rosenthal
LG: Bunchy Stallings, Kenneth Horsey
OC: Drake Jackson, Jon Toth
RG: Logan Stenberg, Luke Fortner
RT: Darian Kinnard, George Asafo-Adjei

QB: Will Levis, Devin Leary
RB: C-Rod, Benny Snell, Ray Davis, Boom Williams
WR 1: Dane Key, Barion Brown, Ahmad Wagner (gotta have someone to get defensive PIs, right?)
WR 2: Jeff Badet, Garrett Johnson, Josh Ali,
WR 3 (slot): Wandale Robinson, Lynn Bowden
TE: CJ Conrad, Brendan Bates

DEFENSE
DE: Josh Paschal, Za'Darius Smith, Tre'Vonn Rybka
NG: Quinton Bohanna, Josiah Hayes, Keshawn Silver
DT: Deone Walker, Calvin Taylor, Phil Hoskins

Jack: Josh Allen, JJ Weaver
MLB: Jamin Davis, D'Eryk Jackson
WLB: Deandre Square, Trevin Wallace
SLB: Bud Dupree, Boogie Watson, Jordan Wright

CB: Lonnie Johnson, Kelvin Joseph, Derrick Baity
S: Mike Edwards, Ty Ajian, Jalen Geiger
S: Darius West, Yusuf Corker
NB: Andru Phillips, Davonte Robinson
CB: Max Hairston, Brandin Echols

SPECIAL TEAMS:
PR: Lynn Bowden, Wandale Robinson
KR: Lynn Bowden, Barion Brown
K: Austin MacGinnis, Alex Raynor
P: Max Duffy

I have a HARD time believing that roster could not compete for a championship. I will admit it still lacks a QB that the last several national championship teams have had. However, that defense would be filthy...

Really strong list.
Juice Johnson and Raynor +1

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

No, his offensive philosophy would never win it IMO. He also doesn't have a good enough QB to win one

 

[Emarc]

Vs others teams all stars? I havev my doubts.

 

[UKSanders]

Vs others teams all stars? I havev my doubts.

I think the original premise was that a roster of Stoops’ all-stars could not compete in a regular year CFP

 

[STL_Cat]

I would put Barker in as QB also, he was a very good home grown kid everyone seems to forget about... Sure he was injured in his first game and all that but he had skill and brains to back it up... All the others mentioned would make for a great all time team...

GBB

Barker played 12 games in 3 years, threw 5TDs to 7INTs. Sorry, I had high hopes for him but he doesn't belong on any "best of Cats" teams.

 

[MontyCats]

I have to have my man Smitty Johnson as QB2.

I agree with this pending Brock development. I always thought Johnson> Wilson

 

[MontyCats]

I 100% think we could compete. Teams that can play elite defense and can run the ball at will always have a chance at a championship

It would just be nearly impossible to stop the run with the all Stoops team. Benny and C-rod getting 3+ yards to contact makes them deadly.

 

[MontyCats]

No, his offensive philosophy would never win it IMO. He also doesn't have a good enough QB to win one

You talking about Stoops? He has the EXACT same philosophy as Kirby Smart. The only difference is Kirby has the best players in the world each year. It comes down to whether you think UKs all Stoops Talent would be at the level of an yearly Georgia team.

 

[MontyCats]

Vs others teams all stars? I havev my doubts.

The premise was whether they could compete in a given year for a title. Just take this year as an example.

 

[The-Hack]

The premise was whether they could compete in a given year for a title. Just take this year as an example.

Exactly.

And let’s not sell Kentucky short, here.

If you choose the very best of our O-linemen under Stoops, you’d have a team full of former 4 and even 5 Stars/and/or 1st Team All-Americans and/or big time draft selections, Coached by John Schlarman.

Running backs? Covered. Obviously.

D-line/Jack: Imagine being an offense looking at Walker, Marquan McCall, Josh Pascal, Josh Hines-Allen and 5 other second-string giants with speed, averaging six foot five inches. How would an offense double-team Pascal, Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, all at once??

Kickers. Really money, here, two deep.

Defensive backs. Our All-Stoops team would feature 6’ 3(+) Corners two-deep, all with AA mention, or with significant NFL play (or both).

Safties: start with Yusuf Corker and work your way up!

Wide receivers: Barion Brown would be second string: think about that!

QB: Levis would have more time to throw, with a better running game than he had (not that his line or backs were bad his first year).

Altogether, being able to choose an All-Stoops team allows you to go two-deep at every position, QB excepted, with players considered at the very top of the college game for their respective seasons.

Frankly, I think they would sail to a Title, but it makes for interesting conversation.

 

[catsfanbgky]

Vs others teams all stars? I havev my doubts.

You don't say. If was UK all stars v/s a regular teams current lineup. But yeah, imagine a Alabama all star roster under Saban ? Hell, you could take the players who didn't make the A squad and still win. Not even going to try and put together A list of starters. But it would be LOADED.

 

[KyCatFan]

I have to have my man Smitty Johnson as QB2.

Couldn't have him. He got sent back to where he came from.

 

[UKSanders]

Exactly.

And let’s not sell Kentucky short, here.

If you choose the very best of our O-linemen under Stoops, you’d have a team full of former 4 and even 5 Stars/and/or 1st Team All-Americans and/or big time draft selections, Coached by John Schlarman.

Running backs? Covered. Obviously.

D-line/Jack: Imagine being an offense looking at Walker, Marquan McCall, Josh Pascal, Josh Hines-Allen and 5 other second-string giants with speed, averaging six foot five inches. How would an offense double-team Pascal, Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, all at once??

Kickers. Really money, here, two deep.

Defensive backs. Our All-Stoops team would feature 6’ 3(+) Corners two-deep, all with AA mention, or with significant NFL play (or both).

Safties: start with Yusuf Corker and work your way up!

Wide receivers: Barion Brown would be second string: think about that!

QB: Levis would have more time to throw, with a better running game than he had (not that his line or backs were bad his first year).

Altogether, being able to choose an All-Stoops team allows you to go two-deep at every position, QB excepted, with players considered at the very top of the college game for their respective seasons.

Frankly, I think they would sail to a Title, but it makes for interesting conversation.

Cannot believe I forgot about McCall at NG... I knew there was somebody I was forgetting at NG besides big Q Bohanna.

Justin Rogers came to mind, but McCall would definitely be even w/Josiah Hayes as my 2nd/3rd string guys

 

[MontyCats]

Exactly.

And let’s not sell Kentucky short, here.

If you choose the very best of our O-linemen under Stoops, you’d have a team full of former 4 and even 5 Stars/and/or 1st Team All-Americans and/or big time draft selections, Coached by John Schlarman.

Running backs? Covered. Obviously.

D-line/Jack: Imagine being an offense looking at Walker, Marquan McCall, Josh Pascal, Josh Hines-Allen and 5 other second-string giants with speed, averaging six foot five inches. How would an offense double-team Pascal, Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, all at once??

Kickers. Really money, here, two deep.

Defensive backs. Our All-Stoops team would feature 6’ 3(+) Corners two-deep, all with AA mention, or with significant NFL play (or both).

Safties: start with Yusuf Corker and work your way up!

Wide receivers: Barion Brown would be second string: think about that!

QB: Levis would have more time to throw, with a better running game than he had (not that his line or backs were bad his first year).

Altogether, being able to choose an All-Stoops team allows you to go two-deep at every position, QB excepted, with players considered at the very top of the college game for their respective seasons.

Frankly, I think they would sail to a Title, but it makes for interesting conversation.

I agree, I think they would be sizable favorites. That defense would beat people to death and I cant imagine stopping the run game and all the trickery a coach could come up with when you have Wan'dale and Bowden on the field together.

 

[MontyCats]

You don't say. If was UK all stars v/s a regular teams current lineup. But yeah, imagine a Alabama all star roster under Saban ? Hell, you could take the players who didn't make the A squad and still win. Not even going to try and put together A list of starters. But it would be LOADED.

One thing that's interesting to think here is how high up the list that an ALL Stoops at UK team was rank? The reason this gets interesting is a lot of great coaches coached various teams. Urban Meyer would have an Ohio State team and a Florida team. So its weighted towards coaches who have been somewhere a very long time. Makes it a little more interesting.

 

[The-Hack]

But yeah, imagine a Alabama all star roster under Saban ?

Well, I see them as closely competitive.

Each All Star team would feature essentially all successful NFL players.

My first team QB is Levis with Patrick Towles behind him, and the Bama All-Stars would have an advantage there, but not a huge advantage: neither Levis nor Towles had the massive talent at all positions as did Bama QB’s throughout the Saban tenure. Remember, when faced with equal talent, Bama could not handle Burrow’s LSU or Kirby’s Georgia.

I mean, pick and choose from each, and that would be a collegiate fight for the ages . . . as NO college team has ever had all NFL talent starting.

 

[The-Hack]

So its weighted towards coaches who have been somewhere a very long time. Makes it a little more interesting.

Yes!!

If Zadarius, Bud Depree and Josh Allen can team with the likes of Walker and Josh Pascal . . . talent scattered over more than a decade, My God the talent!!

 

[Boz]

No, huge weakness at QB; not elite level.

 

[The-Hack]

No, huge weakness at QB; not elite level.

Granted. But Bama’s All-Star QB’s might not survive the first Q!!!