How does UK's offense replace the speed it lost from a year ago?

[uofkFTW18]

With Snell and 4/5 of a good offensive line returning (even more than that when you consider how many backups we play), we should be able to push people around with our power running game. That being said, it would have been nice to have Boom and Badet back; their speed and quickness added a huge home run hitting dimension to our offense. Now that those two are gone, who can we expect to be our new stretch the field players?

-Garrett Johnson, while not as fast as Badet, is still pretty speedy and has already proven to be a decent deep threat in the past. I imagine he'll be called upon some to try and replace the deep threat that Badet gave us last year. I just hope that Juice can find a way to put it all together in his final season because he's been incredibly inconsistent up to this point.

-Kayuane Ross isn't necessarily a speed receiver, but his size and huge catch radius makes him a matchup problem for smaller corners. He may not blow by many people in the secondary, but I can see him being called upon to go after 50/50 balls when matched up against smaller corners.

-AJ Rose does seem to have good potential as the backup to Snell; however, I don't think he or King are quite as dynamic as Boom was for the past 3 years. Hopefully they prove me wrong because having a deadly change-of-pace back to compliment Benny could be huge for our offense.

Thoughts?

 

[Caveman Catfan]

If they can adjust as freshmen, I think Koback actually adds speed to this team over last year (assuming a full recovery) and Bowden brings that shifty quickness that can make a difference.

 

[JRowland]

It is a real question. I am not sure they will be quite as explosive for that very reason. I'm sure Johnson will find a rapport with someone else though.

 

[pickled cat]

With Snell and 4/5 of a good offensive line returning (even more than that when you consider how many backups we play), we should be able to push people around with our power running game. That being said, it would have been nice to have Boom and Badet back; their speed and quickness added a huge home run hitting dimension to our offense. Now that those two are gone, who can we expect to be our new stretch the field players?

-Garrett Johnson, while not as fast as Badet, is still pretty speedy and has already proven to be a decent deep threat in the past. I imagine he'll be called upon some to try and replace the deep threat that Badet gave us last year. I just hope that Juice can find a way to put it all together in his final season because he's been incredibly inconsistent up to this point.

-Kayuane Ross isn't necessarily a speed receiver, but his size and huge catch radius makes him a matchup problem for smaller corners. He may not blow by many people in the secondary, but I can see him being called upon to go after 50/50 balls when matched up against smaller corners.

-AJ Rose does seem to have good potential as the backup to Snell; however, I don't think he or King are quite as dynamic as Boom was for the past 3 years. Hopefully they prove me wrong because having a deadly change-of-pace back to compliment Benny could be huge for our offense.

Thoughts?

We may not have the speed of baddet to take the top off the defense, but hopefully our short to intermediate targets will keep our outside guys in single coverage. As for replacing Boom, who was great; I believe Mr. Rose will prove to be even better very quickly.

 

[seccats04]

We may not have the speed of baddet to take the top off the defense, but hopefully our short to intermediate targets will keep our outside guys in single coverage. As for replacing Boom, who was great; I believe Mr. Rose will prove to be even better very quickly.

I hope you're right but from what I saw at the BW Game Rose looked raw. I mean I could see he's an awesome athlete but he didn't look natural running the ball. He ran way too high, which is how he got hurt. Hopefully he learned a lesson that night.

 

[Deeeefense]

I'm not sure how fast Lynn Bowden is but I see him as potentially adding some punch to the offense this year, IMO more so as a running back then receiver.

 

[gamecockcat]

If we can tighten up the intermediate passing game, especially hitting guys in stride, the need for a 40-yard bomb is much less. Between Benny, King and Rose, I think we'll have plenty of guys who can go 30+ yards at a pop. Maybe not HR hitters like Boom was but, lest we forget, he also had a tendency to dance too much and try to reverse field which, at times, resulted in huge losses.

I'm okay with steady, if unspectacular, progress down the field. Gives our D more time to rest, tires the other team's D out. Crucial is the intermediate passing game, though. Gotta be a lot better at hitting the TE, dropping off to the RB and the quick slants and outs that move the chains.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

If spring was any indication, we'll just have a different offense. Snell combined with a hoarde of talented wr. More open.

Itll be an interesting situation watching what we want to do vs what actually works for us. This offensive staff is excellent at recognizing what works and adjusting. So we will be fine either way

 

[ctroberts1024]

I'm expecting us to rely on back shoulder fades and jump balls for 20+ yard passes. Ross and Baker can beat a DB any time they want.

The key for explosive plays this year will be crossing routes to Juice, Thomas and Bowden.

We are much better suited for YAC this year than any year I can remember. Johnson just HAS to be able to complete them underneath this year. If he can't consistently, I'd say Hoak will get some run.

 

[Blue Decade]

With Snell and 4/5 of a good offensive line returning (even more than that when you consider how many backups we play), we should be able to push people around with our power running game. That being said, it would have been nice to have Boom and Badet back; their speed and quickness added a huge home run hitting dimension to our offense. Now that those two are gone, who can we expect to be our new stretch the field players?

-Garrett Johnson, while not as fast as Badet, is still pretty speedy and has already proven to be a decent deep threat in the past. I imagine he'll be called upon some to try and replace the deep threat that Badet gave us last year. I just hope that Juice can find a way to put it all together in his final season because he's been incredibly inconsistent up to this point.

-Kayuane Ross isn't necessarily a speed receiver, but his size and huge catch radius makes him a matchup problem for smaller corners. He may not blow by many people in the secondary, but I can see him being called upon to go after 50/50 balls when matched up against smaller corners.

-AJ Rose does seem to have good potential as the backup to Snell; however, I don't think he or King are quite as dynamic as Boom was for the past 3 years. Hopefully they prove me wrong because having a deadly change-of-pace back to compliment Benny could be huge for our offense.

Thoughts?

These things must be proven on the field. Players come and players go. All football teams have to replace players every year. Successful coaches sign strong recruiting classes and develop players. Successful coaches adapt their doctrine to fit the players on hand. (John Calipari being a prime example.) Mark Stoops' 2014-2017 recruiting classes have all been among the best in the modern history of our football program. There was a time when Kentucky's starters couldn't have started for most other SEC football teams, and Kentucky's reserves couldn't have even gotten scholarships on most other SEC teams. Those days are over. Younger players who have been developing in Stoops' system will replace departed players, and Kentucky's coaches will adjust the team's offensive and defensive doctrine to fit the skills of returning players. AJ Rose doesn't have Boom's experience, but he has speed, size, and a high ceiling. No current Kentucky receiver has Badet's straight ahead speed, but many have real SEC skills and several have higher ceilings than Badet. With 17 starters and almost all key reserves returning, our next football team will be better than last year's team.

 

[bratboy]

If our QB can hit the Te's and connect on the short stuff as well as protect the football, the long game will be fine. To beat defenses you must be able to spread it around.
If SJ improves, and is able to do the things he didn't do well last season, we gonna good!

 

[pickled cat]

These things must be proven on the field. Players come and players go. All football teams have to replace players every year. Successful coaches sign strong recruiting classes and develop players. Successful coaches adapt their doctrine to fit the players on hand. (John Calipari being a prime example.) Mark Stoops' 2014-2017 recruiting classes have all been among the best in the modern history of our football program. There was a time when Kentucky's starters couldn't have started for most other SEC football teams, and Kentucky's reserves couldn't have even gotten scholarships on most other SEC teams. Those days are over. Younger players who have been developing in Stoops' system will replace departed players, and Kentucky's coaches will adjust the team's offensive and defensive doctrine to fit the skills of returning players. AJ Rose doesn't have Boom's experience, but he has speed, size, and a high ceiling. No current Kentucky receiver has Badet's straight ahead speed, but many have real SEC skills and several have higher ceilings than Badet. With 17 starters and almost all key reserves returning, our next football team will be better than last year's team.

Well put Blue.

 

[frost-1]

Charles Walker is our best position receiver, in my book. He catches most balls thrown to him. Not speedy, but a very good receiver.

 

[K_TIME]

Legit question IMO.

1. UK has no replacement for Boom's speed...great compliment to Benny's power IMO.
2. Badet's replacement is more doable...and I think Ross is that guy. He's always looked like Terrell Owens clone with his body and above average speed...so now we need him to just do it this year. Ross really made two tough plays vs. a top end SEC DB in spring game vs. Baity...let's hope he can be consistent next year in SEC Play.
3. The best best to be our big play shifty guy is Bowden to me. I am hoping he gets 5 or so carries a game in RB/Wildcat formation to offset Boom's departure.

 

[Blue Decade]

If our QB can hit the Te's and connect on the short stuff as well as protect the football, the long game will be fine. To beat defenses you must be able to spread it around.
If SJ improves, and is able to do the things he didn't do well last season, we gonna good!

The shorter passing routes open up if opposing linebackers and safeties are occupied with other assignments. This is done with a strong running game and an occasional pass completion in the deep seams. It's about mixing play calls and solid execution. As you said, spread it around.

 

[Blue Decade]

Charles Walker is our best position receiver, in my book. He catches most balls thrown to him. Not speedy, but a very good receiver.

Chuck Walker is a fine receiver with more speed than you think. The true freshman Clevan Thomas greatly impressed me in the spring game. Lynn Bowden will play this year, and he is going to be a good 1. Juice Johnson and Dorian Baker will have a strong senior season. I am looking to Kayaune Ross and Tavin Richardson as the surprise producers in our passing game this year.

 

[SaguaroCat]

I'm not concerned about receiver. Those long bombs weren't a product of Badet running. They were well played calls when the secondary was cheating on run support. Johnson can fill that.

I'm hoping that Bowden meets the hype and getting him in space gives us some of Booms gifts.

 

[jauk11]

I'm not concerned about receiver. Those long bombs weren't a product of Badet running. They were well played calls when the secondary was cheating on run support. Johnson can fill that.

I'm hoping that Bowden meets the hype and getting him in space gives us some of Booms gifts.

Good observation. I remember Timmons catching a pass at least 15 yards behind the secondary on a trick play, it wasn't his speed that got him there. I have always thought it fascinating that if your started a WR and a DB side by side and the WR ran a 4.4 (doubt Badet does) and the DB a 4.6 after forty yards of straight running the DB would still be able to tackle the WR..

I think our running game and passing game are going to help each other out a great deal this year, and I think we have the coaches to take advantage of it./

 

[buckkiller]

King keeps being over looked IMO. Thinking he will surprise some people. I am more concerned about replacing Badet. Who is that going to be?

 

[jauk11]

King keeps being over looked IMO. Thinking he will surprise some people. I am more concerned about replacing Badet. Who is that going to be?

I agree on King, and I think that Rose showed excellent speed on the two occasions he had the ball in the spring game, and with our TWO true freshmen probably available for most of the year if injuries hit I don't see a big depth problem. But I think we are in good shape at WR also, an easier position to put Bowden in the game at AND with some big mismatches size wise whether it is ten or forty yards down the field. We also have a WR that is a 5.9 coming in, that is a lofty rating, same as Boom was.

I think with Ross injury free, Bowden coming in along with another 5.9 rated freshman, and Thomas looking impressive we added more than we lost, AND we have an impressive group of returning experienced players already.

 

[WildCard]

Well, speed certainly "helps" but I'm not sure it is THE most important aspect of offensive football. Looking at the 2 "speed positions" on offense...

WR: I put "speed" the number 3 priority for a WR. The first thing is hands. No matter how much you practice catching ball, some guys just have better eye-hand "catch coordination" than others. It's a gift.

The #2 thing is route running; a good passing game requires precise routes and cuts from the WRs. Sloppy routes get covered. Even then the #3 thing is not really about speed per se; it is about take off after the catch, i.e., how quick can you get up to full speed. By that I mean there are very few passes that literally hit the WR dead on the run. There is almost always some little reach or "step adjustment" at the time of catch. Big passing plays often occur due to a quick take off from the catch point by the WR. There have been many great receivers that were not exactly the fastest guys around. For those concerned about taking the top off the coverage, even if you send a slow guy deep, the defense still has to cover him.

RB: Speed is simply part of the package you want in your RB but there are plenty of very good RBs that are not exactly bullets (e.g., Snell). Yes, speed might let a guy bust a play or 2 for big extra yardage but it is getting increasingly difficult to simply outrun today's defenses. (I will almost always take ten 6 yard runs over one 60 yard run.) Generally speaking, I would say vision, then twitch in the hole ("elusiveness") are the two main athletic considerations related to running. I'm not even sure how to describe those traits but you know it when you see it.

Peace

 

[Jon(-24)]

Well, speed certainly "helps" but I'm not sure it is THE most important aspect of offensive football. Looking at the 2 "speed positions" on offense...

WR: I put "speed" the number 3 priority for a WR. The first thing is hands. No matter how much you practice catching ball, some guys just have better eye-hand "catch coordination" than others. It's a gift.

The #2 thing is route running; a good passing game requires precise routes and cuts from the WRs. Sloppy routes get covered. Even then the #3 thing is not really about speed per se; it is about take off after the catch, i.e., how quick can you get up to full speed. By that I mean there are very few passes that literally hit the WR dead on the run. There is almost always some little reach or "step adjustment" at the time of catch. Big passing plays often occur due to a quick take off from the catch point by the WR. There have been many great receivers that were not exactly the fastest guys around. For those concerned about taking the top off the coverage, even if you send a slow guy deep, the defense still has to cover him.

RB: Speed is simply part of the package you want in your RB but there are plenty of very good RBs that are not exactly bullets (e.g., Snell). Yes, speed might let a guy bust a play or 2 for big extra yardage but it is getting increasingly difficult to simply outrun today's defenses. (I will almost always take ten 6 yard runs over one 60 yard run.) Generally speaking, I would say vision, then twitch in the hole ("elusiveness") are the two main athletic considerations related to running. I'm not even sure how to describe those traits but you know it when you see it.

Peace

Can't make a list like that. Different offenses require different skill sets and change what's most important. Assuming Johnson keeps the job, then we've got a guy who can throw it a mile but can't hit anything underneath. How important is route running in backyard, throw it up and go get it football? Much less important than speed to get to the spot and hands to hold on to it. If you've got a YAC, west coast style offense, how important is speed? Much less so. If you use a ton of screens and pitches, how important is route running?

Badet stings more than Boom IMO because of our offensive style. If we can't take the top off, we can't pass. There's a bigger stable of guys to maybe replace badet and some big, big guys on roster without the same speed but with giant catch radius might be able to fill that role, but I'd say speed at WR with Smitty at QB is a huge need. We have to have guys who can get to the part of the field where he succeeds.

 

[bigbluewildcat84]

Big demoralizing plays are awesome, but I'd take 3 yards and some change every play. If you can do that your going to score and your going to keep the ball out of the opponents hands.

 

[LukaszObrzut]

Will this be the year that we use the TE more in the passing game?

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Well, speed certainly "helps" but I'm not sure it is THE most important aspect of offensive football. Looking at the 2 "speed positions" on offense...

WR: I put "speed" the number 3 priority for a WR. The first thing is hands. No matter how much you practice catching ball, some guys just have better eye-hand "catch coordination" than others. It's a gift.

The #2 thing is route running; a good passing game requires precise routes and cuts from the WRs. Sloppy routes get covered. Even then the #3 thing is not really about speed per se; it is about take off after the catch, i.e., how quick can you get up to full speed. By that I mean there are very few passes that literally hit the WR dead on the run. There is almost always some little reach or "step adjustment" at the time of catch. Big passing plays often occur due to a quick take off from the catch point by the WR. There have been many great receivers that were not exactly the fastest guys around. For those concerned about taking the top off the coverage, even if you send a slow guy deep, the defense still has to cover him.

RB: Speed is simply part of the package you want in your RB but there are plenty of very good RBs that are not exactly bullets (e.g., Snell). Yes, speed might let a guy bust a play or 2 for big extra yardage but it is getting increasingly difficult to simply outrun today's defenses. (I will almost always take ten 6 yard runs over one 60 yard run.) Generally speaking, I would say vision, then twitch in the hole ("elusiveness") are the two main athletic considerations related to running. I'm not even sure how to describe those traits but you know it when you see it.

Peace

I don't think many of you realize how close a 4.4 and a 4.6 is going to be at the end of 40 yards, it's not like it is going to be 5 yards, its going to be 2 or less.

For a RB, I agree about vision, have to be able to see that hole forming, if he doesn't have that ability without an OL that iust destroys defense he won't gain many yards. But I put balance up there with the quick twitch as being the second, without the quick twitch he can't get to the hole, without the balance he gets knocked down with an arm. But very few RBs simply outran defenses today.

As for those 10 6 yard runs, I will take the 1 60 yarder, those 10 runs aren't as likely to produce a TD as that single 60 yard run, most 60 yard plays end in TDs, lots of 6 yard runs are followed by punts.

 

[WildCard]

Can't make a list like that. Different offenses require different skill sets and change what's most important. Assuming Johnson keeps the job, then we've got a guy who can throw it a mile but can't hit anything underneath. How important is route running in backyard, throw it up and go get it football? Much less important than speed to get to the spot and hands to hold on to it. If you've got a YAC, west coast style offense, how important is speed? Much less so. If you use a ton of screens and pitches, how important is route running?

Badet stings more than Boom IMO because of our offensive style. If we can't take the top off, we can't pass. There's a bigger stable of guys to maybe replace badet and some big, big guys on roster without the same speed but with giant catch radius might be able to fill that role, but I'd say speed at WR with Smitty at QB is a huge need. We have to have guys who can get to the part of the field where he succeeds.

Sure you can. The topic was about "speed in offense" and are not those the 2 offensive positions most often associated with "speed"? And naturally, the O-Line and the QB are as much a part of a successful passing attack as good WRs. But "speed" is not the premium in these positions. I think I noted that "get away speed" is usually more important than "pure speed" before the catch (e.g., WCO type attack).

I'll give you the need for some speed in today's screen game but a lot of folks (incorrectly, IMO) put such plays in the "extended running game" category. These plays usually result in either a short gain or a decent little keep the ball moving type of play. More often than not it comes down to whether the receiver can elude that first tackler which gets us back to the importance of "vision and elusiveness" versus "true" speed.

While grumpy and I differ a bit about the "value" of a "running play" versus a "running game" he makes a very good point about the relative indifference between a lightning fast 4.4 and a much more pedestrian 4.6. JMO

Peace

 

[Jon(-24)]

Sure you can. The topic was about "speed in offense" and are not those the 2 offensive positions most often associated with "speed"? And naturally, the O-Line and the QB are as much a part of a successful passing attack as good WRs. But "speed" is not the premium in these positions. I think I noted that "get away speed" is usually more important than "pure speed" before the catch (e.g., WCO type attack).

I'll give you the need for some speed in today's screen game but a lot of folks (incorrectly, IMO) put such plays in the "extended running game" category. These plays usually result in either a short gain or a decent little keep the ball moving type of play. More often than not it comes down to whether the receiver can elude that first tackler which gets us back to the importance of "vision and elusiveness" versus "true" speed.

While grumpy and I differ a bit about the "value" of a "running play" versus a "running game" he makes a very good point about the relative indifference between a lightning fast 4.4 and a much more pedestrian 4.6. JMO

Peace

I believe you said hands were biggest thing. Cool. Tell that to anyone at GT. That offense is the most system one in the book, but point remains, different offense out different emphasis on different skill sets. Our offense, with a QB who struggles mightily to hit short and underneath routes puts a greater emphasis on speed. Badets ability to run past everyone was a bigger + than his sometimes suspect hands were as a -. Offense style and QB skill set will re-order a list about which skill is most important in any position.

 

[WildCard]

I believe you said hands were biggest thing. Cool. Tell that to anyone at GT. That offense is the most system one in the book, but point remains, different offense out different emphasis on different skill sets. Our offense, with a QB who struggles mightily to hit short and underneath routes puts a greater emphasis on speed. Badets ability to run past everyone was a bigger + than his sometimes suspect hands were as a -. Offense style and QB skill set will re-order a list about which skill is most important in any position.

OK, we disagree a bit; no big deal. But I don't get your reference to GT?
Sure, offenses vary depending on the coach and the talent (making different things "important") but again, the thread topic was about the aspect of "speed" in UK's offense.

Peace

 

[DSmith21]

I will trade Boom's home run threat for a back that can block better and catch the ball as a safety valve. I think that you will see that trade off this year.

 

[vhcat70]

Not to worry imo. This O will be better without the's B's b/c the overall talent depth will be deeper. We won't run the same play set but ones that fit the talent on hand because that's who Gran is.

 

[Soupbean]

I'm expecting us to rely on back shoulder fades and jump balls for 20+ yard passes. Ross and Baker can beat a DB any time they want.

The key for explosive plays this year will be crossing routes to Juice, Thomas and Bowden.

We are much better suited for YAC this year than any year I can remember. Johnson just HAS to be able to complete them underneath this year. If he can't consistently, I'd say Hoak will get some run.

I think this is exactly right. I would add the passes to the back out of the backfield. Not necessarily screens but flat passes for some long gains when we clear out.

 

[Deeeefense]

Johnson seems to love the deep post route and he is pretty good at connecting on it. Someone (Juice?) needs to be able to efficiently run that route well enough for defenses to respect it and the only way they do that is to complete a few. If we can do that everything else becomes easier including the running game, screens, passes out of the backfield, and medium crossing routes etc.

 

[Blue Decade]

Not to worry imo. This O will be better without the's B's b/c the overall talent depth will be deeper. We won't run the same play set but ones that fit the talent on hand because that's who Gran is.

This is the right answer. Stoops' 2014-2017 recruiting classes have been strong. Our talent level is deeper than ever, and Coach Gran will adapt his game plans to the talent on hand. Our 2017 football team will be better than our 2016 team.

 

[Blue Decade]

I agree on King, and I think that Rose showed excellent speed on the two occasions he had the ball in the spring game, and with our TWO true freshmen probably available for most of the year if injuries hit I don't see a big depth problem. But I think we are in good shape at WR also, an easier position to put Bowden in the game at AND with some big mismatches size wise whether it is ten or forty yards down the field. We also have a WR that is a 5.9 coming in, that is a lofty rating, same as Boom was.

I think with Ross injury free, Bowden coming in along with another 5.9 rated freshman, and Thomas looking impressive we added more than we lost, AND we have an impressive group of returning experienced players already.

Agree, we add more than we lost. Ross will be healthy. Bowden is a big addition. Having said that, our fans should judge younger players over the course of their UK careers, not just by how they play next September. AJ Rose has a performance ceiling as high as Boom's, but I do not necessarily expect Rose to perform like Boom against Southern Miss. If he does, then so much the better. As for King, there are reasons that we shouldn't overreact to his performance in the spring game. Recall this was King's 2nd consecutive stellar spring game. He was outstanding in our 2016 spring game, then didn't play much in the fall. Competition at the running back position is better than ever. Other skills being roughly equal, the 210 pound running back plays ahead of the 170 pound running back. To preempt the inevitable rebuttal, I am not saying that a smaller player can't contribute. But as 2016 showed, Eddie Gran will give most of the snaps to stronger running backs who move the pile. All we have to do is watch what happens in the fall.

 

[Shew]

I wish we could get an update on where Koback is in his rehab.

 

[vhcat70]

Agree, we add more than we lost. Ross will be healthy. Bowden is a big addition. Having said that, our fans should judge younger players over the course of their UK careers, not just by how they play next September. AJ Rose has a performance ceiling as high as Boom's, but I do not necessarily expect Rose to perform like Boom against Southern Miss. If he does, then so much the better. As for King, there are reasons that we shouldn't overreact to his performance in the spring game. Recall this was King's 2nd consecutive stellar spring game. He was outstanding in our 2016 spring game, then didn't play much in the fall. Competition at the running back position is better than ever. Other skills being roughly equal, the 210 pound running back plays ahead of the 170 pound running back. To preempt the inevitable rebuttal, I am not saying that a smaller player can't contribute. But as 2016 showed, Eddie Gran will give most of the snaps to stronger running backs who move the pile. All we have to do is watch what happens in the fall.

Seems we're on the same page for our O.