Projected Depth Chart (Aaron Gershon, 24/7)

[TuckyFB]

OFFENSE:

QB - Zach Calzada
QB - Cutter Boley
QB - Stone Saunders
QB - Brennen Ward

RB - Dane Dowdell
RB - Jamarion Wilcox
RB - Jason Patterson

WR -(X) - Tru Edwards
J.J. Hester

WR (Y) - Ja'Mori Maclin
Fred Farrier II

WR (Z) - Troy Stellato
OR Kendrick Law

TE (Y) - Josh Kattus
Henry Boyer

TE (F) - Willie Rodriguez
Mikkel Skinner

LT - Shiyazh Pete
Wallace Unamba

LG - Jalen Farmer
Jager Burton

C - Evan Wibberly
Jager Burton OR
Hayes Johnson

RG - Joshua Braun
Jager Burton

RT - Alex Wollschlaeger
Malachi Wood OR
Wallace Unamba

DEFENSE:

DE - Mi'Quise Grace
Jerod Smith II

NG - Jaden Williams OR
Josaih Hayes
Kendrick Gilbert

DT - David Gusta
Kahlil Saunders

OLB - Kameron Olds
Sam Greene OR
Steven Soles Jr

MLB - Landyn Watson
Alex Afari

WLB - Daveren Rayner
Alex Afari

SLB - Alex Afari

BCB - JQ Hardaway
Terhyon Nichols OR
Jantzen Dunn

SS - Ty Bryant
Martels Carter Jr

FS - Jordan Lovett
Cam Dooley

FCB - DJ Waller Jr
Jantzen Dunn OR
Kevis Thomas

Special Teams:
Kicker: Jacob Kauwe

Kickoff: Aidan Laros
Jacob Kauwe

Punter: Aidan Laros
Wilson Berry

PR: Kendrick Law
Ja'Mori Maclin

KR: Kendrick Law
Quintin Simmons Jr

 

[gamecockcat]

Seems like we're thin at RB and LB. I mean, Afari as backup to MLB and WLB? He's not but 215 lbs, right? Didn't we have several Smiths recruited the past couple of cycles that were Edge/LBs that aren't showing on the depth chart? I'm guessing this depth chart does NOT include incoming FR, correct? I'm pretty sure we have a few WRs coming on board and, of course, we have no idea at this point where they may fit and play.

 

[CatPatrick13]

Seems like we're thin at RB and LB. I mean, Afari as backup to MLB and WLB? He's not but 215 lbs, right? Didn't we have several Smiths recruited the past couple of cycles that were Edge/LBs that aren't showing on the depth chart? I'm guessing this depth chart does NOT include incoming FR, correct? I'm pretty sure we have a few WRs coming on board and, of course, we have no idea at this point where they may fit and play.

Don’t we usually add a few after spring practice to plug a few gaps?

 

[TuckyFB]

Don’t we usually add a few after spring practice to plug a few gaps?

Yeah, I expect them to add more in April when the portal opens back up.

 

[trueblujr2]

Seems like we're thin at RB and LB. I mean, Afari as backup to MLB and WLB? He's not but 215 lbs, right? Didn't we have several Smiths recruited the past couple of cycles that were Edge/LBs that aren't showing on the depth chart? I'm guessing this depth chart does NOT include incoming FR, correct? I'm pretty sure we have a few WRs coming on board and, of course, we have no idea at this point where they may fit and play.

I think Wilcox ends up being the number 1 back. Wilcox has 1000 yard potential if given 20 carries a game. Have to see what Dowdell can do. He's promising, but I think Wilcox has the bigger upside. Dowdell is a big back so I see him as more of the third down, between the tackles kinda guy. Wilcox can be a Boom Williams type if given the lead role.

 

[Cobb4uk]

Seems like we're thin at RB and LB. I mean, Afari as backup to MLB and WLB? He's not but 215 lbs, right? Didn't we have several Smiths recruited the past couple of cycles that were Edge/LBs that aren't showing on the depth chart? I'm guessing this depth chart does NOT include incoming FR, correct? I'm pretty sure we have a few WRs coming on board and, of course, we have no idea at this point where they may fit and play.

Don't forget about Mizell, he's 100% healthy after rehab fir a year. In HS he was a load running and catching the ball. He's 215 and speed very similar to Wilcox, he should help.

 

[vhcat70]

One of the attractions of CFB for me has been getting to know the players over several seasons - vs. CBB one & dones. I hardly know any of those people. Net, making it hard for me to get involved.

 

[sieken]

I think Nichols and Wilcox end up #1 at their spots to start the year.

 

[bthaunert]

One of the attractions of CFB for me has been getting to know the players over several seasons - vs. CBB one & dones. I hardly know any of those people. Net, making it hard for me to get involved.

I agree with you. I was a diehard college basketball fan for years and then really started transitioning over to more of a college football fan in the mid 2000's. I still really enjoy college football, as whole, more than college basketball, but the aspect of "knowing your team" is out the window, which takes a little bit out of it.

 

[Soupbean]

Seems like we're thin at RB and LB. I mean, Afari as backup to MLB and WLB? He's not but 215 lbs, right? Didn't we have several Smiths recruited the past couple of cycles that were Edge/LBs that aren't showing on the depth chart? I'm guessing this depth chart does NOT include incoming FR, correct? I'm pretty sure we have a few WRs coming on board and, of course, we have no idea at this point where they may fit and play.

Yeah the vaunted Smith Brothers from Corbin adn Brian Robinson were our big timers I thought we'd hear a lot about coming into year two but only Jerod Smith is listed on the two deep. They were talking like Robinson was the next special athlete to come around but havent heard much yet. I know it takes times and I'll try to be patient but seems like we've had several of these that we get excited about and sometimes their gone before they see any real action. Anderson the TE is one of those.

 

[TuckyFB]

Yeah the vaunted Smith Brothers from Corbin adn Brian Robinson were our big timers I thought we'd hear a lot about coming into year two but only Jerod Smith is listed on the two deep. They were talking like Robinson was the next special athlete to come around but havent heard much yet. I know it takes times and I'll try to be patient but seems like we've had several of these that we get excited about and sometimes their gone before they see any real action. Anderson the TE is one of those.

This is just a projection from a pundit on 247. We really won't know what the depth chart will look like until spring/fall practices end.

Edit: Some of the guys who aren't on the 2-deep right now may work themselves into a starter or backup role.

 

[Bereacat420]

Seems like we're thin at RB and LB. I mean, Afari as backup to MLB and WLB? He's not but 215 lbs, right? Didn't we have several Smiths recruited the past couple of cycles that were Edge/LBs that aren't showing on the depth chart? I'm guessing this depth chart does NOT include incoming FR, correct? I'm pretty sure we have a few WRs coming on board and, of course, we have no idea at this point where they may fit and play.

We left off several guys that should be in there. No alba selm on the line, but put Hayes Johnson on there? Grant Godfrey will play at LB. Depending on how they developed they have a few RS fresh LB that aren’t on there. He left off Mizell at RB.

 

[catben]

Yeah the vaunted Smith Brothers from Corbin adn Brian Robinson were our big timers I thought we'd hear a lot about coming into year two but only Jerod Smith is listed on the two deep. They were talking like Robinson was the next special athlete to come around but havent heard much yet. I know it takes times and I'll try to be patient but seems like we've had several of these that we get excited about and sometimes their gone before they see any real action. Anderson the TE is one of those.

I was puzzled by this also. Robinson was the biggest omission to me. The kid puts up training videos all the time on Twitter and he looks like he has no baby fat anymore. He should be ready to contribute. And most of the defensive recruits in that class should be ready to play, even as backups or spot duty next season, IMHO.

 

[Soupbean]

This is just a projection from a pundit on 247. We really won't know what the depth chart will look like until spring/fall practices end.

Edit: Some of the guys who aren't on the 2-deep right now may work themselves into a starter or backup role.

True

 

[megablue]

I am not familiar with all of our roster to know, but does this depth chart include any new Freshmen from last year ??
Where are the twins from Corbin, who switched to us from Michigan (I think ??) ... are they on the depth chart ??
Thanks, in advance.
GO CATS !!

 

[K_TIME]

I was puzzled by this also. Robinson was the biggest omission to me. The kid puts up training videos all the time on Twitter and he looks like he has no baby fat anymore. He should be ready to contribute. And most of the defensive recruits in that class should be ready to play, even as backups or spot duty next season, IMHO.

And when you start stacking portal kids on top of depth chart....this is what causes younger/potential kids to leave.

This is why portal kids are best to plug certain spots that are glaring (Levis, Wandale) but not wholesale roster turnover like we are seeing this year.

 

[42058]

With that roster and our coaches, I project a lot of losses.

 

[satcheluk]

Seems like we're thin at RB and LB. I mean, Afari as backup to MLB and WLB? He's not but 215 lbs, right? Didn't we have several Smiths recruited the past couple of cycles that were Edge/LBs that aren't showing on the depth chart? I'm guessing this depth chart does NOT include incoming FR, correct? I'm pretty sure we have a few WRs coming on board and, of course, we have no idea at this point where they may fit and play.

He was listed at 222 before the season and the Smiths were true freshman this year, RSF in 2025 and at least Jerod and Brian are expected to contribute this year.

 

[rick64]

What's the over/under on how many receptions for TEs this season? 😆

 

[maysvilleky]

What's the over/under on how many receptions for TEs this season? 😆

I’ll take 25 combined!

 

[TuckyFB]

https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/longformarticle/kentucky-football-2025-roster-guide-245811456/#2601080

I just noticed David Gusta's brother, Devon, is on the football team now.

 

[Cat_Man_Blue]

Don't forget about Mizell, he's 100% healthy after rehab fir a year. In HS he was a load running and catching the ball. He's 215 and speed very similar to Wilcox, he should help.

I didn't know he was that fast.

 

[secrules3]

Who the f are 3/4 of these guys???

We're in SERIOUS trouble...

 

[ganner918]

Who the f are 3/4 of these guys???

We're in SERIOUS trouble...

Look at our team last year, if you saw the same names again we were in serious trouble. I'm not jazzed about the wide receivers (brought in several washouts from major programs who never contributed) but otherwise we pretty much put together an all star team of mid major and even AA guys. Who knows how well it works, but running it back wasn't going to work.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Steven Soles Is one to watch, IMO, this spring and fall.

I also recall someone telling me that one of the Smith LBers has incredible speed and will be an impact player. Not sure which Smith now, however n

 

[Tskware]

With that roster and our coaches, I project a lot of losses.

TBH, that was my first thought as well. Looks like a really weak lineup to me, unless a WHOLE LOT of those transfers turn out to be stellar players.

 

[satcheluk]

OFFENSE:

QB - Zach Calzada
QB - Cutter Boley
QB - Stone Saunders
QB - Brennen Ward

RB - Dane Dowdell
RB - Jamarion Wilcox
RB - Jason Patterson

WR -(X) - Tru Edwards
J.J. Hester

WR (Y) - Ja'Mori Maclin
Fred Farrier II

WR (Z) - Troy Stellato
OR Kendrick Law

TE (Y) - Josh Kattus
Henry Boyer

TE (F) - Willie Rodriguez
Mikkel Skinner

LT - Shiyazh Pete
Wallace Unamba

LG - Jalen Farmer
Jager Burton

C - Evan Wibberly
Jager Burton OR
Hayes Johnson

RG - Joshua Braun
Jager Burton

RT - Alex Wollschlaeger
Malachi Wood OR
Wallace Unamba

DEFENSE:

DE - Mi'Quise Grace
Jerod Smith II

NG - Jaden Williams OR
Josaih Hayes
Kendrick Gilbert

DT - David Gusta
Kahlil Saunders

OLB - Kameron Olds
Sam Greene OR
Steven Soles Jr

MLB - Landyn Watson
Alex Afari

WLB - Daveren Rayner
Alex Afari

SLB - Alex Afari

BCB - JQ Hardaway
Terhyon Nichols OR
Jantzen Dunn

SS - Ty Bryant
Martels Carter Jr

FS - Jordan Lovett
Cam Dooley

FCB - DJ Waller Jr
Jantzen Dunn OR
Kevis Thomas

Special Teams:
Kicker: Jacob Kauwe

Kickoff: Aidan Laros
Jacob Kauwe

Punter: Aidan Laros
Wilson Berry

PR: Kendrick Law
Ja'Mori Maclin

KR: Kendrick Law
Quintin Simmons Jr

I vaguely remember hearing(though can't find it in print) that Tru Edwards hadn't shown up to campus by the add/drop deadline. Can anyone confirm his presence with the team?
Edit: Just read on KSR that he has not been officially announced as having enrolled. I just Tweeted at him to see if he's in Lexington. Will update if he replies.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Don’t we usually add a few after spring practice to plug a few gaps?

Yes. Inevitable. There will also be a few more exits after spring practice by players who have been displaced in their rotations by incoming transfers. This has become the new norm.

 

[docholiday51]

Yes. Inevitable. There will also be a few more exits after spring practice by players who have been displaced in their rotations by incoming transfers. This has become the new norm.

It would seem to me that we are due for a few good breaks in these entry/exit situations, especially at the QB position. The O-line has no place to go but up, if the defense could get more help from the offense maybe we have a chance to be competitive to the tune of 6-6 or 7-5.

I think we are ok at RB, how do you see that position? Do we take a step back in talent on the D-line?

 

[Rembrandt90]

I think we are ok at RB, how do you see that position?

Like any other position, injuries cannot be anticipated before the fact. But experience teaches us that RBs get hurt. We know Stoops did not stop trying to recruit RBs out of the portal after Dowdell committed. That tells me he probably still wants one more, but it would have to be the right guy.

Dante Dowdell is being talked about as a "short yardage specialist". But I have watched film and that is not accurate. Dowdell was one of the most effective RBs in the country in short yardage. Thus the short yardage label. On film, though, Dowell is a "one-cut runner" with a second gear. I'm not saying he is a speed merchant. But he can accelerate at the second level and make LBs miss. But it boils down to your OL. If our OL opens running lanes, Dowdell will be very effective. He has proven to be durable, so I am optimistic. Wilcox has had a fumble problem, but he was a freshman. Boulware is a solid coach. Freshmen get better as sophomores. I expect significant improvement playing behind a better OL. Patterson was hurt last year, but his performance at Sneads hs was spectacular and he is very fast. Mizell was once sought by GA so I don't doubt he is for real. But Mizell, Patterson, and Wilcox have injury histories. So maybe they add one more in the spring. If they don't, they are one injury away from being thinner than in 2024.

Do we take a step back in talent on the D-line?

I don't think so. Of course, that point of view is supported by the loss of Walker. But Walker underachieved last year, and it will hurt him in the draft. Silver was a bust at NC and an underachiever and locker room problem at UK. We will miss Rybka and Oxendine. But Hayes, DHY, and Gadson are healthy now. Saunders and Gilbert are back. Gusta and Grace were two of the better defensive players in the portal. I believe Brian Robinson and Jerod Smith are future stars. Austin Ramsey has been moved to DT and has a chance to be a contributor. Ramsey is as strong as an ox and has a big frame. The true freshman Edwards is another physical monster. I expect Javeon Campbell and Nick Smith to redshirt in 2025 but both will be very good players when the time comes.