Projected UK Football Depth Chart (247)

[TuckyFB]

QB

Devin Leary
Destin Wade
Kaiya Sheron OR Deuce Hogan

RB

Ray Davis OR JuTahn McClain OR Ramon Jefferson

WR (F)
Tayvion Robinson
Brandon White

WR (X)
Dane Key
Jordan Anthony

WR (Z)
Barion Brown
Dekel Crowdus

TE

Jordan Dingle OR Josh Kattus OR Brendan Bates
OR Izayah Cummings

OL

LT

Marques Cox
Deondre Buford

LG

Kenneth Horsey
Grant Bingham

C
Eli Cox
Tanner Bowles

RG
Jager Burton OR Tanner Bowles

RT
Jeremy Flax
Deondre Buford

Defense

Defensive End
Tre'vonn Rybka
Kahlil Saunders

Nose Guard
Keeshawn Silver OR Jamarius Dinkins OR Josaih Hayes

Defensive Tackle
Deone Walker
Octavious Oxendine

Outside Linebackers
JJ Weaver
Keaten Wade

Middle Linebacker
D'Eryk Jackson
Martez Thrower OR Luke Fulton

Weakside Linebacker
Trevin Wallace
Martez Thrower

Strongside Linebacker
Alex Afari OR Keaten Wade

Cornerback
JQ Hardaway
Maxwell Hairston

Cornerback
Andru Phillips
OR Jantzen Dunn OR Jordan Robinson

Nickel
Vito Tisdale
OR Andru Phillips OR Alex Afari

Strong Safety
Zion Childress
Vito Tisdale

Free Safety
Jordan Lovett OR Jalen Geiger

Kicker
Chance Poore
Jackson Smith

Punter
Wilson Berry

Holder
Wilson Berry

LONGSNAPPER
Clay Perry
Walker Himebauch (Arrives in the summer)

Punt Return
Tayvion Robinson
Barion Brown

Kick Return
Barion Brown
JuTahn McClain

 

[mrschwump]

I think that's 247's best guess, not an official depth chart..

 

[TuckyFB]

I think that's 247's best guess, not an official depth chart..

They said it was a projection based on last years performances. Of course it could change and hopefully it will with some positions during Spring, Fall practices.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Surely we're moving walker to nose. By listening to stoops today, sure sounds like silver will be there somewhere. Hopefully dt.

Also sounded like ox is losing ground

 

[Deeeefense]

You got it about right but I think Buford will overtake Flax at RT. Buford was improving game over game last year while Flax continued to struggle at times.
In the nickel the SAM leaves the game and Afari ( the nickel back) replaces him but Afari isn't the base 3/4 SAM.
I think Fearbry will step into the base SAM spot but that's just a guess

 

[Doodah859]

Surely we're moving walker to nose. By listening to stoops today, sure sounds like silver will be there somewhere. Hopefully dt.

Also sounded like ox is losing ground

Ox was one of only a few he talked about by name and praised him for the work he's put in. If Ox keeps working he will get his. You need to be able to rotate your d line anyway

 

[Rembrandt90]

QB

Devin Leary
Destin Wade
Kaiya Sheron OR Deuce Hogan

RB

Ray Davis OR JuTahn McClain OR Ramon Jefferson

WR (F)
Tayvion Robinson
Brandon White

WR (X)
Dane Key
Jordan Anthony

WR (Z)
Barion Brown
Dekel Crowdus

TE

Jordan Dingle OR Josh Kattus OR Brendan Bates
OR Izayah Cummings

OL

LT

Marques Cox
Deondre Buford

LG

Kenneth Horsey
Grant Bingham

C
Eli Cox
Tanner Bowles

RG
Jager Burton OR Tanner Bowles

RT
Jeremy Flax
Deondre Buford

Defense

Defensive End
Tre'vonn Rybka
Kahlil Saunders

Nose Guard
Keeshawn Silver OR Jamarius Dinkins OR Josaih Hayes

Defensive Tackle
Deone Walker
Octavious Oxendine

Outside Linebackers
JJ Weaver
Keaten Wade

Middle Linebacker
D'Eryk Jackson
Martez Thrower OR Luke Fulton

Weakside Linebacker
Trevin Wallace
Martez Thrower

Strongside Linebacker
Alex Afari OR Keaten Wade

Cornerback
JQ Hardaway
Maxwell Hairston

Cornerback
Andru Phillips
OR Jantzen Dunn OR Jordan Robinson

Nickel
Vito Tisdale
OR Andru Phillips OR Alex Afari

Strong Safety
Zion Childress
Vito Tisdale

Free Safety
Jordan Lovett OR Jalen Geiger

Kicker
Chance Poore
Jackson Smith

Punter
Wilson Berry

Holder
Wilson Berry

LONGSNAPPER
Clay Perry
Walker Himebauch (Arrives in the summer)

Punt Return
Tayvion Robinson
Barion Brown

Kick Return
Barion Brown
JuTahn McClain

I think that's 247's best guess, not an official depth chart..

I also happened across the 247 spring depth chart. I'm with Mr. Schwump here. Aaron Gershon is knowledgeable, and I compliment him for trying to construct a spring depth chart before our coaches provide information. That isn't easy to do well. His depth chart contains many assumptions that are obvious, but also some others that are probably not very good guesses.

Alex Afari will almost certainly be the starting nickel if he doesn't win a starting job at an outside CB position. Since I expect JQ Hardaway and Andru Phillips to very likely be the starting CBs, I look for Afari to stay at nickel at the end of the day. Jordan Robinson is also likely to see a lot of spring reps at nickel. Because he is returning from a knee injury, and because he has not put on much good weight while rehabbing, Vito Tisdale is likely to receive most of his spring reps as a S rather than playing closer to the box as a nickel. S will also be Tisdale's best chance to see the field in the fall. Luke Fulton will again be the backup Mike LB. Martez Thrower will again be the backup Will LB but has not seen appreciable time as a Mike. There has been no indication that Keeshawn Silver will be an NT. He might be an NT but, even if he is, he has very little playing experience (and no SEC experience at all). The NT job is Josaih Hayes' to lose. If Hayes loses it, the winner is most likely to be Jamarius Dinkins, not Silver. Silver has a high ceiling, but he is a project for now and could even be a DT. We will see how close Silver is to being in SEC playing shape. Aside from Cummings, all the other TEs listed by Gershon are actually out of spring practice while rehabbing. Competion at TE will be between Cummings and Khamari Anderson. Ramon Jefferson is also missing spring practice. I am not offering this informaation to be critical. Anyone who tries to construct a spring depth chart opens himself or herself to corrections. Congratulations to Gershon for trying.

While we are on the subject, this is as good a time as any to clear up a popular misconception. Alex Afari is not a strongside LB. When was the last time anyone here saw a strongside LB get spring reps at CB, as Afari will receive this spring? Never. Afari is a nickel, possibly moving to CB. The reason some depth charts list Afari together with a true LB at the Sam LB position on the defensive depth chart is that Coach White uses two defenses, a 3-4-4 and a 3-3-5. When the 3-3-5 is used, the Sam LB comes off the field and is replaced by a nickel back. In 2022, the nickel was often Alex Afari. When Coach White uses the 3-4-4, the nickel comes off the field and is replaced by a Sam LB. Afari gets listed as a Sam LB on other websites by writers who don't comprehend he is actually a nickel in the 3-3-5, not a LB.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

A little apprehensive at the LB positions. The two starters are good and make a lot of tackles. Just how good is Thrower and Fulton? They have not played enough to know how good they will do having to play a lot of snaps. If no injuries may be OK but what is the chance of that? A couple of good LB's coming in but a frosh at those positions not ideal. I would feel better with another good experienced LB on the roster.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Ox was one of only a few he talked about by name and praised him for the work he's put in. If Ox keeps working he will get his. You need to be able to rotate your d line anyway

Said he needs to get weight on and get stronger and we are depending on him. He gave him some praise but was clearly trying to motivate him as well.

 

[gobigbluebell]

Man, we gotta replace Flax. That guy was so physically outmatched last year, and flat out whipped….then I saw a video of him right before spring practice and he looked so soft and fat.

Stoops mentioned he’s stepped back in the weight room to get shit right. Said we have to get our identity back. Have to think he’s talking about being a physical football team, and that starts up front. We gotta get mean and nasty again.

 

[yes_takeaside]

Backup QB seems to be a weakness imo.

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Backup QB seems to be a weakness imo.

Yes I see it as a big weakness. We should pray Leary doesn't get injured. It could wreck our season.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Yeah, that is one thing that hinders us at getting to the next level. The very best teams seem to always have at least one backup QB that can come in and play well. While our guys may have some talent, unless you are one of the best in college in this league the team will not be near as good if they have to play.

 

[K_TIME]

Yeah, that is one thing that hinders us at getting to the next level. The very best teams seem to always have at least on backup QB that can come in and play well. While our guys may have some talent, unless you are one of the best in college in this league the team will not be near as good if they have to play.

If Keron isn't able to be competent backup QB this year.....then he's a bust as far as I'm concerned. He'll be in his 3rd year of the program....2nd year with Coen. I don't know what to make of Wade....he didn't show me a run threat in Music City bowl and his throwing is a work in progress.

We need to hit a grand slam in 2023 class at QB.

 

[cathouse]

I think RT is Tanner Bowles position for the taking.

I think he eventually will be our starting RT and Burton will be starting center.

Or Bowles will move to starting center if Burton can't cut it there and we try to get a RT out of the portal after spring practice ends if we have no clear cut starter emerge at RT.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

If Keron isn't able to be competent backup QB this year.....then he's a bust as far as I'm concerned. He'll be in his 3rd year of the program....2nd year with Coen. I don't know what to make of Wade....he didn't show me a run threat in Music City bowl and his throwing is a work in progress.

We need to hit a grand slam in 2023 class at QB.

I thought Sheron looked like he had potential against SC. The things I am talking about are things like his intensity, scrambling, control and confident looking considering it was his first start. Will be interesting to see with a new OC and OL to work with.

 

[Crankdatmustard]

Looking at that we def should have a top 15 defense once again this year

 

[cathouse]

I thought Sheron looked like he had potential against SC. The things I am talking about are things like his intensity, scrambling, control and confident looking considering it was his first start. Will be interesting to see with a new OC and OL to work with.

Sheron will look entirely different under Coen.
Scangs offense and blocking schemes made Will Levis look pedestrian.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Sheron will look entirely different under Coen.
Scangs offense and blocking schemes made Will Levis look pedestrian.

Your observation will probably be true, because Coen has more talent and eye for technique and detail than Scangarelo showed while he was here. Also, our players enjoy learning from Coen, while I am not convinced they always felt that way about Scangarello.

But I watched Sheron closely when we played SCar, and the thing that stood out to me was his slow feet. That isn't insurmountable. Brady never had quick feet. But it is a problem unless a QB has Brady's football IQ. Say whatever you will about Destin Wade, but Destin does not have slow feet. By comparison, Sheron almost looked like he was standing in mud. After watching them play, I think Destin has a lot more athletic talent but is still behind Sheron and Hogan in understanding technical nuances of playing QB at this level. If Destin ever learns to master presnap reads of defensive calls and coverages, he could have considerable upside. Levis still hasn't learned to read coverages but has enough arm strength to complete passes to well covered receivers anyway, especially an elite, quick receiver like Wandale. I think that is Levis' real problem, although Scangarello and the OL were not much help either.

I don't think Sheron is necessarily a bad QB, but he will never be able to win SEC games IMO because he doesn't have that level of athetic talent. I am not talking about arm strength. I am talking about the twitch, coordination, and feet needed to command an SEC pocket and get the ball out accurately during that tight window when it has to happen. Sheron probably ought to transfer. Hogan has some arm talent, some coordination, and can probably be an effective backup QB if he can master the offense. Destin Wade is a boom or bust type of player. If Destin ever catches up to the speed of SEC football and learns how to read SEC coverages, he could have a lot of upside. The interesting part here will be watching whether Coen can develop Destin.

At the end of the day, TX hs football > TN hs football > KY hs football in terms of competitive level. That is a bit of an oversimplification, but it is relevant in general terms. Kentuckians may not wish to hear it that way, but we do need to understand the recruiting impact of it.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Whatever QB is on our roster I would say they will have to beat out the best available QB we can get in the portal for now. We expect Leary to be really good, and if he has a great year that will just attract some top QB's even more because of Levis and Leary success. But it also looks like Coen may be able to go a level up on his next high school QB, so the talent level at that position should start rising some with what we have been used to seeing.

 

[mrschwump]

Your observation will probably be true, because Coen has more talent and eye for technique and detail than Scangarelo showed while he was here. Also, our players enjoy learning from Coen, while I am not convinced they always felt that way about Scangarello.

But I watched Sheron closely when we played SCar, and the thing that stood out to me was his slow feet. That isn't insurmountable. Brady never had quick feet. But it is a problem unless a QB has Brady's football IQ. Say whatever you will about Destin Wade, but Destin does not have slow feet. By comparison, Sheron almost looked like he was standing in mud. After watching them play, I think Destin has a lot more athletic talent but is still behind Sheron and Hogan in understanding technical nuances of playing QB at this level. If Destin ever learns to master presnap reads of defensive calls and coverages, he could have considerable upside. Levis still hasn't learned to read coverages but has enough arm strength to complete passes to well covered receivers anyway, especially an elite, quick receiver like Wandale. I think that is Levis' real problem, although Scangarello and the OL were not much help either.

I don't think Sheron is necessarily a bad QB, but he will never be able to win SEC games IMO because he doesn't have that level of athetic talent. I am not talking about arm strength. I am talking about the twitch, coordination, and feet needed to command an SEC pocket and get the ball out accurately during that tight window when it has to happen. Sheron probably ought to transfer. Hogan has some arm talent, some coordination, and can probably be an effective backup QB if he can master the offense. Destin Wade is a boom or bust type of player. If Destin ever catches up to the speed of SEC football and learns how to read SEC coverages, he could have a lot of upside. The interesting part here will be watching whether Coen can develop Destin.

At the end of the day, TX hs football > TN hs football > KY hs football in terms of competitive level. That is a bit of an oversimplification, but it is relevant in general terms. Kentuckians may not wish to hear it that way, but we do need to understand the recruiting impact of it.

I'm with you, it'll be interesting watching what/how Wade develops. Some here were ready to flush Wade after the poor showing in the bowl but I think we have to throw those results out, the deck was stacked too heavily against him. Let's not forget Coen cared enough about Wade the first time around to offer him a scholarship(yes, I get the argument about tying up his brother). The day is here where we see what progress can be made.

I'm also intrigued by Hogan. He came out of last Spring apparently as QB2, got to fall camp and disappeared. Why? Injury? Others just passed him by? He was a 4* coming out of good TX HS football with solid offers. What's the deal? With Leary apparently on a pitch count there should be ample opportunity for Stoops/Coen to give others ample work to make solid evaluations. Very, very important work ahead.

 

[JHB4UK]

Whatever QB is on our roster I would say they will have to beat out the best available QB we can get in the portal for now. We expect Leary to be really good, and if he has a great year that will just attract some top QB's even more because of Levis and Leary success. But it also looks like Coen may be able to go a level up on his next high school QB, so the talent level at that position should start rising some with what we have been used to seeing.

My dream scenario, we flip that Texas kid committed to Florida now. He was personally offered by Coen right after his rehire was officially announced. We can sell him on starting day 1, throwing to 3rd year Barion/Key/Kattus.

 

[23jumpboy]

Surely we're moving walker to nose. By listening to stoops today, sure sounds like silver will be there somewhere. Hopefully dt.

Also sounded like ox is losing ground

Ox will definitely play on passing downs. Best pass rusher of the group if healthy

 

[Rembrandt90]

My dream scenario, we flip that Texas kid committed to Florida now. He was personally offered by Coen right after his rehire was officially announced. We can sell him on starting day 1, throwing to 3rd year Barion/Key/Kattus.

Sorry, not happening.

But I do think Coen will be able to recruit talented QBs here.

 

[doc4UK]

Putting all their eggs in the Boley basket for 2025. Will promise him starting position as a true Freshman . They will get another one year portal transfer for 2024.

 

[maysvilleky]

Putting all their eggs in the Boley basket for 2025. Will promise him starting position as a true Freshman . They will get another one year portal transfer for 2024.

Sounds like Boley is not the first QB choice for 2025 per other thread.

 

[cathouse]

Sounds like Boley is not the first QB choice for 2025 per other thread.

Boley is UT's top target. We can't or won't be able to match their NIL offer.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

On the DL Stoops said that Silver looks pretty good so far. He said he likes the look of Walker 6-6 348 and Silver 6-4 332 next to each other. Silver said him and Walker together means destruction. And the coaches like that Silver has an attitude of wanting to get better and has been listening well. Along with experienced guys like Rybka, Ox, Hayes, Dinkins and Saunders we can easily substitute in and out freely.

 

[creeksman]

Bump. Projecting the depth chart always gets me pumped. Lots of nice pieces to shuffle around. Spring ball and the portal have shaken things up a little since that 247 prediction.

My best guess at the starters as of today, probably loaded with mistakes:

QB - Leary
RB - Davis OR Jefferson
WR - B. Brown
WR - Key
WR - Robinson
TE - Dingle
LT - M. Cox
LG - Horsey
C - Burton
RG - E. Cox
RT - Ford

NG - Silver OR Hayes
DT - Walker
DE - Rybka OR Saunders
OLB - Weaver
OLB - Afari OR Wade
ILB - Wallace
ILB - Jackson
CB - Philips
CB - Hardaway OR Hairston
SS - Childress OR Geiger
FS - Lovett
Nickel - Afari

 

[Verbal Kint II]

Who does Destin Wade have photos of?

 

[JHB4UK]

Boley is UT's top taeget. We can't or won't be able to match their NIL offer.

Hahaha

 

[Rembrandt90]

By the time Coach Stoops is through accepting spring transfers, there could be room at several positions for starting jobs to change hands in August. I am thinking spring was mainly an opportunity for Coach Coen to get a look at the returning offensive players but August will be when he chooses some of his starters. On defense, Coach White's starters appear to be set except possibly at NT, nickel, and CB.

 

[cathouse]

Hahaha

Laugh all you want. TN has the top rated ( most money available) NIL Collective in all of college sports.

If money is the determining factor and UT wants him, he will be a Vol.

On3's top 20 most ambitious NIL collectives

Collectives are the norm in college sports. Yet, some are more successful than others. Here are On3’s top 20 most ambitious NIL collectives.

www.on3.com

 

[maysvilleky]

Interesting that UK has a NIL ranked in the top 20.

 

[billoliver40]

Being in the top 20 NIL is like being top 30 in the nation in recruiting but 11th in the SEC.

Lotta football crazy schools we are in with.

 

[SPECT imaging]

Being in the top 20 NIL is like being top 30 in the nation in recruiting but 11th in the SEC.

Lotta football crazy schools we are in with.

And we are doing just fine.

 

[Deeeefense]

Laugh all you want. TN has the top rated ( most money available) NIL Collective in all of college sports.

If money is the determining factor and UT wants him, he will be a Vol.

On3's top 20 most ambitious NIL collectives

Collectives are the norm in college sports. Yet, some are more successful than others. Here are On3’s top 20 most ambitious NIL collectives.

www.on3.com

Interesting that UK is following the purpose and intent of NIL which is to allow SAs and corporations to negotiate deals not to rely on private donations and they are apparently doing this quite successfully.

However I would be curious as to how they arrived at these rankings since there is no requirement to publish NIL deal terms.

 

[creeksman]

Really hoping Fearbry can break through and get some meaningful snaps this year.

 

[mrschwump]

Really hoping Fearbry can break through and get some meaningful snaps this year.

And Noah Matthews.

 

[cathouse]

Interesting that UK is following the purpose and intent of NIL which is to allow SAs and corporations to negotiate deals not to rely on private donations and they are apparently doing this quite successfully.

However I would be curious as to how they arrived at these rankings since there is no requirement to publish NIL deal terms.

Not sure how they gathered their data, but players are required to file for taxes on anything more than $400 in NIL money.

As for UT, Bama, TA&M, South Carolina and Georgia, they wear their NIL collective dollars available to purchase players like a badge of honor.

They literally advertise to the players and the public how much money they have available to hand out to recruits.

P.S. Sports Illustrated has TA&M #1 and TN #2, and state their numbers are based on data the collectives have shared publicly. (May be inaccurate??)