Jeff is on vacation so I'll be posting updates as Mark Stoops speaks to SEC Media now that Kentucky's turn is coming up. I'll update this thread with notes from Stoops and then we'll start breaking it all down later tonight.
** Introducing Stoops, Sankey points out he's the longest-tenured and winningest football coach in UK history.
** Stoops gives a shoutout to Zach Herbstreit, promises prayers are with him. Thanks the media for their coverage of the sport. Said the three players with him today are all from Kentucky. Calls them great young men. Says Eli Cox is providing great leadership with the leadership council.
** Ready to get back to "some form of sanity". The sanity for Stoops will be getting back on the practice field and dealing with that chaos. But that's a comfort level for he and the other coaches. They've talked a lot about changing times and "it is what it is." At this point Stoops says you'd better adapt and conform to the rules in place until things change. Embrace it. "If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance even less."
** Feels good about the new additions to the roster complementing their nucleus.
** Starts on the defensive side with Brad White and the consistency they've played with on that side. There's been continuity that "puts a big smile on my face." Had to address special teams, "needed to improve." Had tried to hire him for years. Saw what Coen did the last time around even "when he was still unproven." Hadn't called plays at that level but "did a heck of a job".
** Talking about UK's players from the transfer portal. Leary played at the highest level with great consistency. Some guys brought in to protect him.
What have you seen from Devin Leary?
Stoops: A guy who competes at the highest level. He goes to work. Has a lot of confidence and a chip on his shoulder, which Stoops' likes. Shortened season last year didn't sit well with him so he's anxious to play and lead. He's a tough Jersey kid with a good upbringing and fits in with the culture. He's extremely accurate. Last year Will Levis would wow you with his arm and strength but Leary will put it and layer it in some spots that will wow you.
You've done a great job of evaluating defensive coach hires. What do you look for, and could Jon Sumrall play against Kentucky?
Stoops: Sumrall would have moved up on the staff if he hadn't left. House had NFL and college experience. Knew he had the ability to be the next coordinator, which he became. Same thing with Brad White. When he hired him out of the NFL they had some fantastic young OLBs and he wanted them developed at the highest level. Josh Allen went on to become NDPOY. Development and the ability to grow into a coordinator role are big. You see so many offenses in college football you need 2 - 3 guys who have "big picture ideas" who are capable of becoming coordinators. Sumrall definitely had that and you see it now as a head coach. Said "we'll see" about Troy, "they're playing pretty good football."
On adapting/embracing trends in CFB, UK has been a winner in the portal, what do you attribute that to?
Stoops: I hope it has to do with the culture of our team. As portal players hit the market the ones that fit UK's program are the guys who want to fit into the culture they already have. NIL plays a part at some schools. Stoops hasn't found it to be a deciding factor at Kentucky.
What's your relationship like with Venables and thoughts on OU in the SEC?
Stoops: When he first heard immediate reaction was like, "Wow. Great conference gets better." Will make it that much more of a challenge with two great programs with history. Has known Venables back to his days at Kansas State where he started coaching with brothers Mike and Bob. Then at Oklahoma as well. "Think the world of him as a person and as a coach." Think it's a great fit and very close to the Stoops family.
What does Ray Davis bring to the table, and how has Liam Coen changed since his first stint at UK?
Stoops: UK recruited Davis because he ran well against him. Great respect for him. When they met him you know in 5 to 10 minutes "he's the type of player you want on your team". As a graduate of Vanderbilt and a great young man, the "toughness" fits their mold.
Shares great familiarity with Coen. They knew what to expect with one another. The confidence level is different. Doesn't mean it's just going to happen or be easy but he's much more proven this time. Players have to understand it won't be easy still. Thinks Coen grew in the last year with those obstacles L.A. faced. That happens in the SEC as well.
Georgia reporter says many players have talked about UK's physicality. How important is that to Kentucky and what does the respect mean?
Stoops: It's important because without that you won't win at the highest level. They still have a long way to go. That's part of why their players work and train so hard. To be consistent you have to be physical on both lines of scrimmage. The great teams in the SEC are physical even at the perimeter with skill players. Takes a lot of things to put it together at the highest level. UK can control the physical part of it "so we have to at least be that." At times last year Stoops felt like they weren't successful enough "at being who we are."
What was the dynamic like with Mike Stoops on staff and watching Drake Stoops at OU?
Stoops: Great having Mike because of "big picture ideas" and his experience. As with the House, White, and Sumrall hires, DC level knowledge. He likes the role he's in supporting and helping where needed. Watching Drake, "Can't tell you the sense of pride our whole family has watching him play." The way he plays the game is what they respect.
UK returns top five pass catchers. Where does the group rank compared to UK of the past?
Stoops: Definitely one of the most skilled they've had. You can point to Wan'Dale Robinson and his number of targets. Now they have the type of corps where they can spread that out. Dane and Barion both performed at a high level as true freshmen. Excited to see them grow and improve along with some others.
In 2021, Stoops said he wasn't surprised Tennessee was caught cheating. Thoughts now?
Stoops: No reaction, two years ago. Moved way beyond that. No disrespect but nothing new. Doesn't know much about it and worried about his own backyard. No control over that.
Will Levis' draft night wait - how surprised were you and how did it impact Will?
Stoops: Obviously difficult sitting through that. Just was there supporting him through it. Has a tremendous family he's very close to that was right there with him. They were part of that support system. Levis will "come out on the other side. That's just a little blip on the radar." Lots of respect for the Titans organization and they fit his mentality. Expects a long NFL career and will look back and say it wasn't fun, but a blip. Going to a good team early in the 2nd round. Mentions Jalen Hurts not going in the first round "and look at the great career he's had..." Will just needs to be who he is. Doesn't need to prove anything, just play ball.
Was there a moment you realized you wanted Coen back?
Stoops: Yes, there was a moment but it's hard dealing with the NFL guys and their season getting over so late. Like the year before, he wasn't able to be hired by L.A. until a couple of weeks after the Super Bowl. And that's very late now. The timing part of it can be challenging. He'd rather not get into the timelines out of respect for everybody involved. He had to work through everything he was dealing with at Kentucky and then opened it up for all options.
Has your recruiting strategy evolved? Went into Ohio and Florida. And your thoughts on KY HS football.
Stoops: Has always stressed importance of Kentucky. Have to win their own backyard. Then dipping into southern or central Ohio early in tenure, it just made sense, and with quantity of players less in Kentucky. Does believe KY HS football has evolved with better coaching and hopefully UK FB had a big part of it. Might not be as many in quantity as other places but they have good quality. They've continued recruiting at a high rate the guys they're really targeting in Kentucky.
In your games against Georgia you've limited them from scoring. How?
Stoops: Let's not talk about it, we don't need to aggravate them. They're the type of team that will make you look bad if you challenge them. You can't put your finger on any one thing. We know they're capable of going off against anybody and creating explosive plays. Just watch them in the playoffs against good teams. They're capable of that. Gives a lot of credit to Brad White, staff, and players. "But close isn't good enough." Is proud of how they've competed but need to put it all together and try to win the game.
With Texas and OU joining the league down the road, has it changed recruiting at all right now for good or bad?
Stoops: It's a fair question and if you research it that's probably the case in some circumstances. UK hasn't deviated too far from where they recruit but you never know. Some is based on relationships and where they're at. Does think it will impact it to some expect.
** Introducing Stoops, Sankey points out he's the longest-tenured and winningest football coach in UK history.
** Stoops gives a shoutout to Zach Herbstreit, promises prayers are with him. Thanks the media for their coverage of the sport. Said the three players with him today are all from Kentucky. Calls them great young men. Says Eli Cox is providing great leadership with the leadership council.
** Ready to get back to "some form of sanity". The sanity for Stoops will be getting back on the practice field and dealing with that chaos. But that's a comfort level for he and the other coaches. They've talked a lot about changing times and "it is what it is." At this point Stoops says you'd better adapt and conform to the rules in place until things change. Embrace it. "If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance even less."
** Feels good about the new additions to the roster complementing their nucleus.
** Starts on the defensive side with Brad White and the consistency they've played with on that side. There's been continuity that "puts a big smile on my face." Had to address special teams, "needed to improve." Had tried to hire him for years. Saw what Coen did the last time around even "when he was still unproven." Hadn't called plays at that level but "did a heck of a job".
** Talking about UK's players from the transfer portal. Leary played at the highest level with great consistency. Some guys brought in to protect him.
What have you seen from Devin Leary?
Stoops: A guy who competes at the highest level. He goes to work. Has a lot of confidence and a chip on his shoulder, which Stoops' likes. Shortened season last year didn't sit well with him so he's anxious to play and lead. He's a tough Jersey kid with a good upbringing and fits in with the culture. He's extremely accurate. Last year Will Levis would wow you with his arm and strength but Leary will put it and layer it in some spots that will wow you.
You've done a great job of evaluating defensive coach hires. What do you look for, and could Jon Sumrall play against Kentucky?
Stoops: Sumrall would have moved up on the staff if he hadn't left. House had NFL and college experience. Knew he had the ability to be the next coordinator, which he became. Same thing with Brad White. When he hired him out of the NFL they had some fantastic young OLBs and he wanted them developed at the highest level. Josh Allen went on to become NDPOY. Development and the ability to grow into a coordinator role are big. You see so many offenses in college football you need 2 - 3 guys who have "big picture ideas" who are capable of becoming coordinators. Sumrall definitely had that and you see it now as a head coach. Said "we'll see" about Troy, "they're playing pretty good football."
On adapting/embracing trends in CFB, UK has been a winner in the portal, what do you attribute that to?
Stoops: I hope it has to do with the culture of our team. As portal players hit the market the ones that fit UK's program are the guys who want to fit into the culture they already have. NIL plays a part at some schools. Stoops hasn't found it to be a deciding factor at Kentucky.
What's your relationship like with Venables and thoughts on OU in the SEC?
Stoops: When he first heard immediate reaction was like, "Wow. Great conference gets better." Will make it that much more of a challenge with two great programs with history. Has known Venables back to his days at Kansas State where he started coaching with brothers Mike and Bob. Then at Oklahoma as well. "Think the world of him as a person and as a coach." Think it's a great fit and very close to the Stoops family.
What does Ray Davis bring to the table, and how has Liam Coen changed since his first stint at UK?
Stoops: UK recruited Davis because he ran well against him. Great respect for him. When they met him you know in 5 to 10 minutes "he's the type of player you want on your team". As a graduate of Vanderbilt and a great young man, the "toughness" fits their mold.
Shares great familiarity with Coen. They knew what to expect with one another. The confidence level is different. Doesn't mean it's just going to happen or be easy but he's much more proven this time. Players have to understand it won't be easy still. Thinks Coen grew in the last year with those obstacles L.A. faced. That happens in the SEC as well.
Georgia reporter says many players have talked about UK's physicality. How important is that to Kentucky and what does the respect mean?
Stoops: It's important because without that you won't win at the highest level. They still have a long way to go. That's part of why their players work and train so hard. To be consistent you have to be physical on both lines of scrimmage. The great teams in the SEC are physical even at the perimeter with skill players. Takes a lot of things to put it together at the highest level. UK can control the physical part of it "so we have to at least be that." At times last year Stoops felt like they weren't successful enough "at being who we are."
What was the dynamic like with Mike Stoops on staff and watching Drake Stoops at OU?
Stoops: Great having Mike because of "big picture ideas" and his experience. As with the House, White, and Sumrall hires, DC level knowledge. He likes the role he's in supporting and helping where needed. Watching Drake, "Can't tell you the sense of pride our whole family has watching him play." The way he plays the game is what they respect.
UK returns top five pass catchers. Where does the group rank compared to UK of the past?
Stoops: Definitely one of the most skilled they've had. You can point to Wan'Dale Robinson and his number of targets. Now they have the type of corps where they can spread that out. Dane and Barion both performed at a high level as true freshmen. Excited to see them grow and improve along with some others.
In 2021, Stoops said he wasn't surprised Tennessee was caught cheating. Thoughts now?
Stoops: No reaction, two years ago. Moved way beyond that. No disrespect but nothing new. Doesn't know much about it and worried about his own backyard. No control over that.
Will Levis' draft night wait - how surprised were you and how did it impact Will?
Stoops: Obviously difficult sitting through that. Just was there supporting him through it. Has a tremendous family he's very close to that was right there with him. They were part of that support system. Levis will "come out on the other side. That's just a little blip on the radar." Lots of respect for the Titans organization and they fit his mentality. Expects a long NFL career and will look back and say it wasn't fun, but a blip. Going to a good team early in the 2nd round. Mentions Jalen Hurts not going in the first round "and look at the great career he's had..." Will just needs to be who he is. Doesn't need to prove anything, just play ball.
Was there a moment you realized you wanted Coen back?
Stoops: Yes, there was a moment but it's hard dealing with the NFL guys and their season getting over so late. Like the year before, he wasn't able to be hired by L.A. until a couple of weeks after the Super Bowl. And that's very late now. The timing part of it can be challenging. He'd rather not get into the timelines out of respect for everybody involved. He had to work through everything he was dealing with at Kentucky and then opened it up for all options.
Has your recruiting strategy evolved? Went into Ohio and Florida. And your thoughts on KY HS football.
Stoops: Has always stressed importance of Kentucky. Have to win their own backyard. Then dipping into southern or central Ohio early in tenure, it just made sense, and with quantity of players less in Kentucky. Does believe KY HS football has evolved with better coaching and hopefully UK FB had a big part of it. Might not be as many in quantity as other places but they have good quality. They've continued recruiting at a high rate the guys they're really targeting in Kentucky.
In your games against Georgia you've limited them from scoring. How?
Stoops: Let's not talk about it, we don't need to aggravate them. They're the type of team that will make you look bad if you challenge them. You can't put your finger on any one thing. We know they're capable of going off against anybody and creating explosive plays. Just watch them in the playoffs against good teams. They're capable of that. Gives a lot of credit to Brad White, staff, and players. "But close isn't good enough." Is proud of how they've competed but need to put it all together and try to win the game.
With Texas and OU joining the league down the road, has it changed recruiting at all right now for good or bad?
Stoops: It's a fair question and if you research it that's probably the case in some circumstances. UK hasn't deviated too far from where they recruit but you never know. Some is based on relationships and where they're at. Does think it will impact it to some expect.
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