Position Changes

[RDF922]

With Spring Practice getting ready to ramp up what position changes do you foresee?

I’ll start:
Cats with Coen back will shakeup the OLine.

Eli Cox back to guard and Jagger Burton to C.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

With Spring Practice getting ready to ramp up what position changes do you foresee?

I’ll start:
Cats with Coen back will shakeup the OLine.

Eli Cox back to guard and Jagger Burton to C.

Most of the OL issues were solved when we got a true LT in the portal. Now we have a logjam inside to an extent.

Cox wasnt nearly as good as c as people expected. Jager was the worst performer on the ol last year. Will be interesting to see if they flip flop.

Buford really needs to take that rt spot. Flax was ok but Buford just has a higher ceiling. In order to get where he needs to be, he needs snaps.

 

[Deeeefense]

Buford really needs to take that rt spot. Flax was ok but Buford just has a higher ceiling. In order to get where he needs to be, he needs snaps.

that's the one to keep an eye on IMO.

 

[K_TIME]

As far as how positions will shake out (not always position changes per se) of interest to me

1. I'm more intrigued at how all these safeties pan out.....(good problem to have)
- Lovett was dang good after getting into start spot....Childress appears to be the other starter going into spring
- Geiger....does he get a job back or is he backup?
- Vito is a hittter....but is he an every down safety?
- Will Afari stick at CB...or go back to Safey (which I'd predict he's a safety not a CB)
2. Dline
- It appears we are rolling with Hayes/Dinkins at NG...then Walker/Ox at DT and Rybka/Saunders at DE....I get it but I don't think Hayes/Dinkins are good enough to have Ox 2nd string. Like to see if Walker can move to NG and Ox forced his way to starting spot.
3. OLine
- I don't see Jager as good enough to play C (unless Cox isn't high IQ at making calls at line)...but Jager was 2nd worst Oline last year behind Flax. Jager needs to hold off Bowles and the kids at guard to me.
- I have never seen why Flax played over Buford....maybe spring will give Flax a chance to seperate himself again.
4. Edge rushers
- Is Wade going to force his way into more snaps as we need edge rushers. Will we go JJ and Wade starting or this 3-3-5 formation. I hope to see Wade take the mantle as best edge rusher on team and even hope to pass up JJ (I thought his 2022 year was below expectation).

 

[maroon79]

As far as how positions will shake out (not always position changes per se) of interest to me

1. I'm more intrigued at how all these safeties pan out.....(good problem to have)
- Lovett was dang good after getting into start spot....Childress appears to be the other starter going into spring
- Geiger....does he get a job back or is he backup?
- Vito is a hittter....but is he an every down safety?
- Will Afari stick at CB...or go back to Safey (which I'd predict he's a safety not a CB)
2. Dline
- It appears we are rolling with Hayes/Dinkins at NG...then Walker/Ox at DT and Rybka/Saunders at DE....I get it but I don't think Hayes/Dinkins are good enough to have Ox 2nd string. Like to see if Walker can move to NG and Ox forced his way to starting spot.
3. OLine
- I don't see Jager as good enough to play C (unless Cox isn't high IQ at making calls at line)...but Jager was 2nd worst Oline last year behind Flax. Jager needs to hold off Bowles and the kids at guard to me.
- I have never seen why Flax played over Buford....maybe spring will give Flax a chance to seperate himself again.
4. Edge rushers
- Is Wade going to force his way into more snaps as we need edge rushers. Will we go JJ and Wade starting or this 3-3-5 formation. I hope to see Wade take the mantle as best edge rusher on team and even hope to pass up JJ (I thought his 2022 year was below expectation).

Faaaaaaaarrr Stoops

 

[mrschwump]

RE OL, Cox stays at C, Burton at RG, Buford will swing between both tackles as backup, Bowles backs up C and both OGs. Questions for me will Hall, Bingham. Rodriguez, Wohlabaugh and true Freshman Keenum step up their game and get into the rotation? Would sure be of great benefit to the program if they start contributing.

 

[K_TIME]

Faaaaaaaarrr Stoops

Great input 😑

Go back to mom's basement.

 

[gamecockcat]

RE OL, Cox stays at C, Burton at RG, Buford will swing between both tackles as backup, Bowles backs up C and both OGs. Questions for me will Hall, Bingham. Rodriguez, Wohlabaugh and true Freshman Keenum step up their game and get into the rotation? Would sure be of great benefit to the program if they start contributing.

I agree with the young OL need to make some strides and push for PT. Will make the line deeper and better.

I'm with K-Time re: Buford. Thought he clearly outplayed Flax while subbing for him. He may not be an AA and maybe the staff believe Flax' ceiling is higher but he was a problem last year. Burton had some nightmare plays/series but also had some that were pretty solid. If he improves I think he'll be fine. If not, that's where the young guys need to step up and take some PT.

 

[mrschwump]

I agree with the young OL need to make some strides and push for PT. Will make the line deeper and better.

I'm with K-Time re: Buford. Thought he clearly outplayed Flax while subbing for him. He may not be an AA and maybe the staff believe Flax' ceiling is higher but he was a problem last year. Burton had some nightmare plays/series but also had some that were pretty solid. If he improves I think he'll be fine. If not, that's where the young guys need to step up and take some PT.

Now I see that Nik Hall will miss the spring. UGH!!

 

[catben]

As far as how positions will shake out (not always position changes per se) of interest to me

1. I'm more intrigued at how all these safeties pan out.....(good problem to have)
- Lovett was dang good after getting into start spot....Childress appears to be the other starter going into spring
- Geiger....does he get a job back or is he backup?
- Vito is a hittter....but is he an every down safety?
- Will Afari stick at CB...or go back to Safey (which I'd predict he's a safety not a CB)
2. Dline
- It appears we are rolling with Hayes/Dinkins at NG...then Walker/Ox at DT and Rybka/Saunders at DE....I get it but I don't think Hayes/Dinkins are good enough to have Ox 2nd string. Like to see if Walker can move to NG and Ox forced his way to starting spot.
3. OLine
- I don't see Jager as good enough to play C (unless Cox isn't high IQ at making calls at line)...but Jager was 2nd worst Oline last year behind Flax. Jager needs to hold off Bowles and the kids at guard to me.
- I have never seen why Flax played over Buford....maybe spring will give Flax a chance to seperate himself again.
4. Edge rushers
- Is Wade going to force his way into more snaps as we need edge rushers. Will we go JJ and Wade starting or this 3-3-5 formation. I hope to see Wade take the mantle as best edge rusher on team and even hope to pass up JJ (I thought his 2022 year was below expectation).

Could Vito move to CB? I thought there was talk coming from Stoops about trying him there before the injury.

Beside Wade, could the kid from Delaware whose name escapes me, get any playing time at the edge?

And finally could Hall get some playing time at LT this year in a backup role?

 

[Doodah859]

Could Vito move to CB? I thought there was talk coming from Stoops about trying him there before the injury.

Beside Wade, could the kid from Delaware whose name escapes me, get any playing time at the edge?

And finally could Hall get some playing time at LT this year in a backup role?

Noah Matthews. He looks the part for an edge rusher. Be interesting to see if he can make some noise

 

[Rembrandt90]

With Spring Practice getting ready to ramp up what position changes do you foresee?

I’ll start:
Cats with Coen back will shakeup the OLine.

Eli Cox back to guard and Jagger Burton to C.

Alex Afari will get some reps at CB, but remains to be seen if the move will be permanent. Ken Horsey from LT to LG. Jager Burton from LG to RG. Eli Cox will stay at C. Vito Tisdale will get reps at S and NB.

Coach Stoops announced Nik Hall is missing contact work this spring due to an injury. The nature of his injury was not mentioned.

 

[mrschwump]

Alex Afari will get some reps at CB, but remains to be seen if the move will be permanent. Ken Horsey from LT to LG. Jager Burton from LG to RG. Eli Cox will stay at C. Vito Tisdale will get reps at S and NB.

Coach Stoops announced Nik Hall is missing contact work this spring due to an injury. The nature of his injury was not mentioned.

Feeling bummed out about the Hall news. Was hoping he could use this Spring to make a move thru the OL rotation.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Feeling bummed out about the Hall news. Was hoping he could use this Spring to make a move thru the OL rotation.

Yes, absolutely. We obviously need more depth at OT, and Hall is an excellent candidate with size and pedigree, who played in a top hs conference in TX.

We have another young OT named Josh Jones, who came out of Central hs in Phenix City, AL. Nobody knows about this guy. Van Hiles and Anthony White admitted they have never heard of him. Jones missed the 2022 season with a knee injury. You can tell Jones has not been very active because he ballooned up to 343#. On a 6'6" frame, that is a fixable problem. But Jones will have to work himself back into shape. Why do I bring this up? Because Jones, who has at least 2 seasons of eligibility left and probably a COVID season as well, had offers from at least 6 SEC schools including LSU, AR, and TN. If he is healthy and if he gets in shape, he can help our OL.

 

[Bereacat420]

As far as how positions will shake out (not always position changes per se) of interest to me

1. I'm more intrigued at how all these safeties pan out.....(good problem to have)
- Lovett was dang good after getting into start spot....Childress appears to be the other starter going into spring
- Geiger....does he get a job back or is he backup?
- Vito is a hittter....but is he an every down safety?
- Will Afari stick at CB...or go back to Safey (which I'd predict he's a safety not a CB)
2. Dline
- It appears we are rolling with Hayes/Dinkins at NG...then Walker/Ox at DT and Rybka/Saunders at DE....I get it but I don't think Hayes/Dinkins are good enough to have Ox 2nd string. Like to see if Walker can move to NG and Ox forced his way to starting spot.
3. OLine
- I don't see Jager as good enough to play C (unless Cox isn't high IQ at making calls at line)...but Jager was 2nd worst Oline last year behind Flax. Jager needs to hold off Bowles and the kids at guard to me.
- I have never seen why Flax played over Buford....maybe spring will give Flax a chance to seperate himself again.
4. Edge rushers
- Is Wade going to force his way into more snaps as we need edge rushers. Will we go JJ and Wade starting or this 3-3-5 formation. I hope to see Wade take the mantle as best edge rusher on team and even hope to pass up JJ (I thought his 2022 year was below expectation).

I heard and it came from a coach that talent wise Buford was their best lineman. His problem was last year he couldn't get his assignments down in the scheme they were running. Hopefully that changes with Coen back. They also said they felt they got about 60% of what Cox was capable of at Center. They said his biggest issue was the guards beside him. With Horsey back and hopefully Burton improved and at RG he should really excel this year.

 

[Marine_In_VA]

I agree with the young OL need to make some strides and push for PT. Will make the line deeper and better.

I'm with K-Time re: Buford. Thought he clearly outplayed Flax while subbing for him. He may not be an AA and maybe the staff believe Flax' ceiling is higher but he was a problem last year. Burton had some nightmare plays/series but also had some that were pretty solid. If he improves I think he'll be fine. If not, that's where the young guys need to step up and take some PT.

Flax seemed like a walking false start all year. Not sure what his deal was.

 

[Dead Cat Bounce]

They also said they felt they got about 60% of what Cox was capable of at Center. They said his biggest issue was the guards beside him. With Horsey back and hopefully Burton improved and at RG he should really excel this year.

100% this. I expect Cox will look a lot stronger at C this year with stronger play across the line. I expect whoever plays RT will have to win that position in the spring.

 

[secrules3]

I think they would be crazy to move Cox after a full season at Center. That's just too much experience to throw away and have to have someone else learn on the fly all the intricacies of the position.

Flax just seems weird to me. One play he smashes his guy and the next he gets bullied. Hopefully we can find a better option.

Practice doesn't prove what a player is made of in a real game and I believe regardless how good Flax looks in practice, he's proven that he's not the answer IMO.

 

[mrschwump]

Yes, absolutely. We obviously need more depth at OT, and Hall is an excellent candidate with size and pedigree, who played in a top hs conference in TX.

We have another young OT named Josh Jones, who came out of Central hs in Phenix City, AL. Nobody knows about this guy. Van Hiles and Anthony White admitted they have never heard of him. Jones missed the 2022 season with a knee injury. You can tell Jones has not been very active because he ballooned up to 343#. On a 6'6" frame, that is a fixable problem. But Jones will have to work himself back into shape. Why do I bring this up? Because Jones, who has at least 2 seasons of eligibility left and probably a COVID season as well, had offers from at least 6 SEC schools including LSU, AR, and TN. If he is healthy and if he gets in shape, he can help our OL.

Yeah, it's easy to forget Jones. He was a nice find by Sumrall, hoping he can get healthy, hit the S&C program hard and contribute. Time is on his side.

 

[ekywildcat]

What's the deal with Grant Bingham? I was hoping to see him get some PT.

 

[Rembrandt90]

What's the deal with Grant Bingham? I was hoping to see him get some PT.

Bingham had a good offseason and will probably make the playing rotation at LG behind Horsey. Nice player with a promising future.

 

[mrschwump]

What's the deal with Grant Bingham? I was hoping to see him get some PT.

Young guy needing S/C time. He'll eventually contribute.

 

[yoshukai]

Faaaaaaaarrr Stoops

These types of posts are just bizarre. And quite frankly, make me question the posters intelligence .

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Could Vito move to CB? I thought there was talk coming from Stoops about trying him there before the injury.

Beside Wade, could the kid from Delaware whose name escapes me, get any playing time at the edge?

And finally could Hall get some playing time at LT this year in a backup role?

I think we'll see a safety move to nb or cb and we'll stay zone. If it's zone anyway, it won't make much difference. It just means we won't really be able to mix in man like we usually do

 

[catben]

I think they would be crazy to move Cox after a full season at Center. That's just too much experience to throw away and have to have someone else learn on the fly all the intricacies of the position.

Flax just seems weird to me. One play he smashes his guy and the next he gets bullied. Hopefully we can find a better option.

Practice doesn't prove what a player is made of in a real game and I believe regardless how good Flax looks in practice, he's proven that he's not the answer IMO.

I agree on Cox. He needs to stay at C and the incoming Freshman can hopefully take his place next season.


Flax is definitely strong enough, his problem is BALANCE. He struggles keeping his feet under him. But as others have said, Buford should be ready if Flax hasn’t improved.

 

[maroon79]

These types of posts are just bizarre. And quite frankly, make me question the posters intelligence .

1. You understand it’s a joke right?
2. You understand that some were wanting just that out of the gate with CMS right
3. I was one of the few telling everyone back in the day that everything would be ok w CMS right?
4. So yes, I am making fun of some of the people who thought that others were the answer ie Leach, Petrino etc. could they have done better possibly, but I doubt it

Thanks for the opportunity to explain my position to you

 

[K_TIME]

I agree on Cox. He needs to stay at C and the incoming Freshman can hopefully take his place next season.


Flax is definitely strong enough, his problem is BALANCE. He struggles keeping his feet under him. But as others have said, Buford should be ready if Flax hasn’t improved.

Well Flax....maybe strong enough...but his foot speed to block edge rush and block at 2nd level is poor....and he is a walking penalty machine.

- Feels like he was pretty good recruit 3 years ago
- Then we bought a year 2 years ago when Dare Rosenthal popped up on Ky radar late in pre season
- I was expecting a ton more last year and to be blunt...on the worst Oline unit since Stoops first year...he was the worst Oline of the bunch IMO.

I hope he improves but he'd have to improve a ton to be decent. So I'm hoping Buford just wins the job outright and Flax can be depth is what I hope to see.

 

[Bereacat420]

These types of posts are just bizarre. And quite frankly, make me question the posters intelligence .

Meth is bad on the brain

 

[RDF922]

I agree on Cox. He needs to stay at C and the incoming Freshman can hopefully take his place next season.


Flax is definitely strong enough, his problem is BALANCE. He struggles keeping his feet under him. But as others have said, Buford should be ready if Flax hasn’t improved.

Apparently Liam Coen thinks differently

Jager to C
Eli C to G

 

[yoshukai]

1. You understand it’s a joke right?
2. You understand that some were wanting just that out of the gate with CMS right
3. I was one of the few telling everyone back in the day that everything would be ok w CMS right?
4. So yes, I am making fun of some of the people who thought that others were the answer ie Leach, Petrino etc. could they have done better possibly, but I doubt it

Thanks for the opportunity to explain my position to you

Okay. But it had absolutely zero relevance to the topic. Of course I would have gotten the “joke” if someone was criticizing Stoops . Just didn’t make any sense when discussing position changes .

 

[K_TIME]

1. You understand it’s a joke right?
2. You understand that some were wanting just that out of the gate with CMS right
3. I was one of the few telling everyone back in the day that everything would be ok w CMS right?
4. So yes, I am making fun of some of the people who thought that others were the answer ie Leach, Petrino etc. could they have done better possibly, but I doubt it

Thanks for the opportunity to explain my position to you

Was there any discussion on this thread about criticizing Stoops ?

Just a silly comment unless I’m missing a post wanting to fire Stoops

 

[Rembrandt90]

Could Vito move to CB? I thought there was talk coming from Stoops about trying him there before the injury.

Beside Wade, could the kid from Delaware whose name escapes me, get any playing time at the edge?

And finally could Hall get some playing time at LT this year in a backup role?

Coming back from surgery and an injury year, Tisdale's quickest and best path to getting on the field will be to focus on playing S. He won't start there in September, but he could make the playing rotation. CB would be a new position for him, and this would be a tough time to take that on. Jantzen might have a better time learning the CB position right now than Tisdale. I like Hardaway, Phillips, Hairston, Reed, and Anglin at CB, with the caveat that Afari will also get some CB reps this spring.

Noah Matthews is the edge player from DE. If Coach White plays a lot of 3-4, then Fearbry and Matthews should see the field due to need. If Coach White plays a lot of 3-3-5, then that will be difficult because Weaver and Wade are ahead of them. I have gotten the feeling that Coach White really likes the 3-3-5. Coach White and Chris Partridge at Ole Miss used the 3-3-5 more in 2022 than anyone else did. It allows us to match up with spread offenses and avoid covering a slot receiver with a S or a LB.

Nik Hall is missing spring practice with an injury. That will put him behind. But Hall has length and pedigree. He might be needed next fall, especially if there are injuries.

 

[deuces r wild]

Apparently Liam Coen thinks differently

Jager to C
Eli C to G

I think this is Coen cross training, but if I'm Jager I would definitely run with the opportunity to move to a different position, as he was really bad at G last season and I don't see him holding of guys like Bingham moving forward.

 

[JHB4UK]

Love the interior lineup of Horsey & Eli Cox as guards, Jager as C. All 3 played the wrong positions in 22. LT is nailed down with the other Cox. Just got to get RT figured out! Man, feels like we said that for the last 14 months!!

 

[Soupbean]

I heard and it came from a coach that talent wise Buford was their best lineman. His problem was last year he couldn't get his assignments down in the scheme they were running. Hopefully that changes with Coen back. They also said they felt they got about 60% of what Cox was capable of at Center. They said his biggest issue was the guards beside him. With Horsey back and hopefully Burton improved and at RG he should really excel this year.

yeah I was 100% convinced Eli was made for center and would be a great one, he's built for it and is athletic and a bull dog. I too was wondering if the parts around him were holding him back. Seemed like he wasnt able to concentrate on his job only and he lost some aggression in the process. So its comforting to hear the coaches say that.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Brooks saying we are much better than last year as a solid ten deep on the OL is good to hear.

 

[coachcombs57]

As far as how positions will shake out (not always position changes per se) of interest to me

1. I'm more intrigued at how all these safeties pan out.....(good problem to have)
- Lovett was dang good after getting into start spot....Childress appears to be the other starter going into spring
- Geiger....does he get a job back or is he backup?
- Vito is a hittter....but is he an every down safety?
- Will Afari stick at CB...or go back to Safey (which I'd predict he's a safety not a CB)
2. Dline
- It appears we are rolling with Hayes/Dinkins at NG...then Walker/Ox at DT and Rybka/Saunders at DE....I get it but I don't think Hayes/Dinkins are good enough to have Ox 2nd string. Like to see if Walker can move to NG and Ox forced his way to starting spot.
3. OLine
- I don't see Jager as good enough to play C (unless Cox isn't high IQ at making calls at line)...but Jager was 2nd worst Oline last year behind Flax. Jager needs to hold off Bowles and the kids at guard to me.
- I have never seen why Flax played over Buford....maybe spring will give Flax a chance to seperate himself again.
4. Edge rushers
- Is Wade going to force his way into more snaps as we need edge rushers. Will we go JJ and Wade starting or this 3-3-5 formation. I hope to see Wade take the mantle as best edge rusher on team and even hope to pass up JJ (I thought his 2022 year was below expectation).

0% chance of Walker moving to NT. Its a waste of his ability to have his sole purpose in life be eating double teams. And that is what the job of the NT is in UKs defense.

 

[mrschwump]

0% chance of Walker moving to NT. Its a waste of his ability to have his sole purpose in life be eating double teams. And that is what the job of the NT is in UKs defense.

Some don't realize that Rogers was so effective at occupying 2 OL that created opportunities for Walker. Moving him would be a mistake. Not to say he won't line up over C every now and then but he's primarily a DT.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Apparently Liam Coen thinks differently

Jager to C
Eli C to G

Sure enough, Liam Coen talked today about looking at Eli Cox at RG and Jager Burton at C. Coen wasn't here in 2022, of course, but the impetus for this seems to be that Coen liked the way Cox played at RG when he was here back in 2021. I get that. But I hate to see yet another new C. I gladly defer to Coen, though. It's great to have him back, and I'm glad to hear he is paying attention to the OL early in spring practice.

 

[coachcombs57]

Some don't realize that Rogers was so effective at occupying 2 OL that created opportunities for Walker. Moving him would be a mistake. Not to say he won't line up over C every now and then but he's primarily a DT.

Precisely. Look at the stats from college of our NTs that our currently in the nfl now. Its nothing crazy bc it wasn't their job. Walker has 10+ sack potential from the DT spot. Moving him to NT cuts that in half at least