Question about Keaton Wade and JuTahn McClain

[gamecockcat]

Wade: supposedly an elite edge guy which we desperately need but I rarely see him around the QB and he plays quite a few snaps. Am I missing something? Seems like he's on the field in a lot of passing situations, but I haven't seen much of any pressure he's been able to apply.

McClain: can we please see more of DSK and Jefferson? JM tries but he's not fast enough to turn the corner, not big enough to break/carry tackles, nor shifty enough to get him the ball in space. His fumble would have been a disaster had it not bounced right back to him. Surely someone else in the RB room deserves some touches. I just don't see that he brings much of anything to the table and never have seen it.

 

[YaketySax]

Tend to agree on the RBs

Wade plays behind Afari who seems capable of pass rush or coverage whereas Wade does just the one. Depth chart lists as OR but I think Afari is just better barring short yardage package. I think Wade moves to the other OLB position next year given his measurements. A lot will depend on the development of Weavers backups there this year.

 

[HYTCHYE ISLAND]

I ain’t gonna sit here and lie….I’m CONCERNED about our entire team. I know it’s very early but we just don’t seem to want it at all?

 

[HYTCHYE ISLAND]

As far as the Wade twins specifically….I pray that I’m dead ass wrong but I don’t see anything special with either of them.

 

[mrschwump]

Wade: supposedly an elite edge guy which we desperately need but I rarely see him around the QB and he plays quite a few snaps. Am I missing something? Seems like he's on the field in a lot of passing situations, but I haven't seen much of any pressure he's been able to apply.

McClain: can we please see more of DSK and Jefferson? JM tries but he's not fast enough to turn the corner, not big enough to break/carry tackles, nor shifty enough to get him the ball in space. His fumble would have been a disaster had it not bounced right back to him. Surely someone else in the RB room deserves some touches. I just don't see that he brings much of anything to the table and never have seen it.

McClain was 7 touches for 25 yards yesterday, runner/receiver combined, hardly instills confidence especially if Davis misses extended time. Where's Wilcox? He was called a "dynamic playmaker" when signed but hasn't seen the field. My biggest concerns are with the running game and the Secondary. And the need to stop all the self-inflicted wounds.

 

[megablue]

McClain was 7 touches for 25 yards yesterday, runner/receiver combined, hardly instills confidence especially if Davis misses extended time. Where's Wilcox? He was called a "dynamic playmaker" when signed but hasn't seen the field. My biggest concerns are with the running game and the Secondary. And the need to stop all the self-inflicted wounds.

Good points. My biggest concern is clearly the secondary, especially if we cannot pressure the QB.
It seems to me, that quality, high-level linemen and defensive backs are always the toughest spots to fill on rosters everywhere in college football ... and they are KEY components to winning football games.

 

[dallasg23]

As far as the Wade twins specifically….I pray that I’m dead ass wrong but I don’t see anything special with either of them.

Well you have really only seen one play any meaningful snaps except for a BS now game that nobody expected to win. You just have an unrealistic expectation for 2 19 year olds just because they were highly rated. Just because players are highly rated out of high school doesn’t mean they are going to be day 1 successes.

 

[K_TIME]

Wade: supposedly an elite edge guy which we desperately need but I rarely see him around the QB and he plays quite a few snaps. Am I missing something? Seems like he's on the field in a lot of passing situations, but I haven't seen much of any pressure he's been able to apply.

McClain: can we please see more of DSK and Jefferson? JM tries but he's not fast enough to turn the corner, not big enough to break/carry tackles, nor shifty enough to get him the ball in space. His fumble would have been a disaster had it not bounced right back to him. Surely someone else in the RB room deserves some touches. I just don't see that he brings much of anything to the table and never have seen it.

Agreed on both points.....

Wade is in his 2nd year and I think he is fine vs the run and needs to add strength to push the edge on pass rush. He isn't out of the box ready to play prime time yet but JJ is back and that allows Wade more time.

McClain on the other hand....he is so small and was expecting when he plays to be way more wiggle/explosive but he has not shown this in 3 seasons. So I don't get why he's 2nd team. Hope they need Jefferson more time to knock the rust off and obtain backup RB to Davis and DSK takes the roll of pass catcher out of backfield.

 

[catben]

Wade was in the backfield several times yesterday, but got hung up inside and lost containment(his #1 priority) and he is HORRIBLE when they drop him back into coverage. He is more than athletic and strong enough to make plays, he just needs more reps and attention to detail.

McClain on the other hand is pedestrian at best running the football. He is NOT a zone scheme RB. He misses the running lanes and doesn't have the vision or lateral quickness needed to do what we need. If they would get him the ball in space, he can catch it and get up field much better than running between the tackles.

 

[gamecockcat]

Wade was in the backfield several times yesterday, but got hung up inside and lost containment(his #1 priority) and he is HORRIBLE when they drop him back into coverage. He is more than athletic and strong enough to make plays, he just needs more reps and attention to detail.

McClain on the other hand is pedestrian at best running the football. He is NOT a zone scheme RB. He misses the running lanes and doesn't have the vision or lateral quickness needed to do what we need. If they would get him the ball in space, he can catch it and get up field much better than running between the tackles.

I noticed on the dump pass to the RB that went for long yardage, that was Wade's responsibility and he let the guy slip right past him. I really thought he would have earned more snaps because of his ability to pressure the QB but evidently that was premature. Still should have a bright future but needs to step up as the season progresses.

 

[mrschwump]

I noticed on the dump pass to the RB that went for long yardage, that was Wade's responsibility and he let the guy slip right past him. I really thought he would have earned more snaps because of his ability to pressure the QB but evidently that was premature. Still should have a bright future but needs to step up as the season progresses.

Thought we might see Noah Matthews some, did vs BS, but don't think he even played vs EKU. Maybe he was dinged, don't know.

 

[trueblujr2]

McClain was 7 touches for 25 yards yesterday, runner/receiver combined, hardly instills confidence especially if Davis misses extended time. Where's Wilcox? He was called a "dynamic playmaker" when signed but hasn't seen the field. My biggest concerns are with the running game and the Secondary. And the need to stop all the self-inflicted wounds.

Not sure about Wilcox, but I recall Benny Snell not sniffing the field until the third game before he became…well…Benny Snell. I don’t profess to know enough about Wilcox to know where he stands in on potential in relation to guys like Snell, Rodriguez or even Boom Williams.

 

[mrschwump]

Not sure about Wilcox, but I recall Benny Snell not sniffing the field until the third game before he became…well…Benny Snell. I don’t profess to know enough about Wilcox to know where he stands in on potential in relation to guys like Snell, Rodriguez or even Boom Williams.

Wilcox is more Boom-like. I'd hoped Lavell Wright could be a Snell/CRod type but he can't stay healthy long enough to develop.

 

[cathouse]

As for Wilcox, Coen has mentioned in a press conference they are hoping to RS him and only play him in 4 games. Hopefully, they are holding him out for SEC games that really matter.

Jefferson should be getting half the snaps at RB and JTM needs to be relegated to ST play. Davis is not sturdy enough nor big enough to carry the ball 15-20 times, especially in the SEC games. If he doesn't get injured he will definitely wear down as season goes on.

D. Wade needs to be moved to inside LB asap. Can't get pressure on QB and definitely doesn't have the speed to cover RB or slot receiver which he is asked to do more than he should be.

Wallace needs to be moved to OLB, rush the passer, and speed to cover receivers.

JJ should also be moved inside somewhere and try someone else outside. 6th year Senior is not going to get any better at rushing the QB or pass coverage.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Afari was the highest rated defender the first game. The coaches have talked to Wade about taking the next step this season. And I know his HS coach said he has talent you just don't see a lot of at his size. He has the right size and speed. Has to be a mental thing. Probably just thinking too much. We need more than Weaver pass rushing. I thought with two 4 stars in Wade and Fearby we would be OK on the edge.

 

[CatPatrick13]

I think they are working RJ in to become the number 2 back... 3 carries prob moves up this coming week to say 6 carries.....

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Davis is not sturdy enough nor big enough to carry the ball 15-20 times, especially in the SEC games

He did fine for vandy. More than fine. We need him back. That rb room is not up to par since we completely changed our identity on the ground.

Purely jmo but I think Keaton is mentally effected by his brother likely being unhappy slipping to third string QB and with splitting time with afari.

He doesn't look as effective this year. He let the rb burn him in the one TD. Then didn't really show great effort on the QB scramble to either. Very concerning

 

[502 Wildcat]

I haven't formed much of an opinion/conclusion yet on Keaton Wade (potential is there), but I agree with everyone on McClain. I don't understand why he gets so many snaps when you have Ramon Jefferson and DSK on the team as well. Davis is rightfully RB1, but we gotta get him some rest too...can't have our best back taking so many snaps every single game.

Also want to say, I have really liked what I have seen out of DSK thus far as a pass catcher out of the backfield...but IMO we can't use him that way every time he's on the field. Part of having success with a guy like that is mixing it up to keep the D honest. Through 2 games, defenses know, when he is in the game, if he touches the ball, it's going to be from a pass. Gotta have him take some handoffs too.

 

[gamecockcat]

He did fine for vandy. More than fine. We need him back. That rb room is not up to par since we completely changed our identity on the ground.

Purely jmo but I think Keaton is mentally effected by his brother likely being unhappy slipping to third string QB and with splitting time with afari.

He doesn't look as effective this year. He let the rb burn him in the one TD. Then didn't really show great effort on the QB scramble to either. Very concerning

If what you think is true about KW, that's very concerning to me. His brother's 'slip' may be an indication that his brother is perhaps not quite good enough to be a starter in the SEC (not sure Sheron is, either, for that matter, but that's another topic). It's understandable that his brother's unhappiness might affect him but not giving full effort on every snap you're on the field is on him. If Afari is taking some of his snaps, maybe man up and get better. Or, if Edge isn't his best position, talk to Mike Stoops and see if there's snaps to be had playing inside if that's his best option for his skillset. Letting a RB run right by you and get wide open and not pursuing a QB as hard as you can when you're on the field is on KW, not his brother. And, again, if true (a big if, of course, as you mentioned) that would be very concerning if I'm a UK defensive coach.

 

[K_TIME]

He did fine for vandy. More than fine. We need him back. That rb room is not up to par since we completely changed our identity on the ground.

Purely jmo but I think Keaton is mentally effected by his brother likely being unhappy slipping to third string QB and with splitting time with afari.

He doesn't look as effective this year. He let the rb burn him in the one TD. Then didn't really show great effort on the QB scramble to either. Very concerning

Great post on some potential insider issues.

I will say this....ever since last year in those early games CRod had to sit out....our RB room is not SEC talent level. I have no idea WTH is going on with Lavell Wright. Then trying to get so insistent on outside zone RB.....I think all we've done since 2021 is now we have neither inside or outside zone RB. I hope Wilcox can get straight and see what he can give to the backfied. BUt it feels we are resigned to RSing Wilcox which I hate to see.

 

[mrschwump]

Great post on some potential insider issues.

I will say this....ever since last year in those early games CRod had to sit out....our RB room is not SEC talent level. I have no idea WTH is going on with Lavell Wright. Then trying to get so insistent on outside zone RB.....I think all we've done since 2021 is now we have neither inside or outside zone RB. I hope Wilcox can get straight and see what he can give to the backfied. BUt it feels we are resigned to RSing Wilcox which I hate to see.

Thought Wright had an injury that would require surgery, hasn't that been mentioned in the last week or 2?

 

[gamecockcat]

Thought Wright had an injury that would require surgery, hasn't that been mentioned in the last week or 2?

Yes. Wright is out for the year, unfortunately. If there ever was a season that he could've earned some snaps, it seems like this one is the one.

 

[K_TIME]

Thought Wright had an injury that would require surgery, hasn't that been mentioned in the last week or 2?

Well i was talking about how poorly he played last year when CRod was suspended....and to hear zip of him in spring and fall camps.....just feels like he is vanishing when he was primed to be the man post CRod. Very disappointing to see him not take the bull by the horns.

 

[mrschwump]

Well i was talking about how poorly he played last year when CRod was suspended....and to hear zip of him in spring and fall camps.....just feels like he is vanishing when he was primed to be the man post CRod. Very disappointing to see him not take the bull by the horns.

Seems as if the injury could've had something to do with that.

 

[K_TIME]

Seems as if the injury could've had something to do with that.

Lavell wasn't injured last year in our first 4 games that I was aware of.....and he played like hot mess. I don't know what the injury is....feel like it has been relatively not publicized for odd reasons.

But it just feels like Lavell is not part of our RB room's future. Wilcox and Mizelli will be part of it...and I'd bet Stoops will hit up transfer portal for another body this offseason when Davis/Jefferson leave after this season

 

[mrschwump]

Lavell wasn't injured last year in our first 4 games that I was aware of.....and he played like hot mess. I don't know what the injury is....feel like it has been relatively not publicized for odd reasons.

But it just feels like Lavell is not part of our RB room's future. Wilcox and Mizelli will be part of it...and I'd bet Stoops will hit up transfer portal for another body this offseason when Davis/Jefferson leave after this season

Have no idea, you could be right. My comment was based on somebody else's comment that Wright was hoping his injury would heal without surgery but that surgery was now "inevitable." You know as well as I that Stoops is closed mouth when it comes to injuries. I doubt Wright ever plays another meaningful down of UK football. I just hope that going forward, meaning the rest of this season, Jefferson has something left in the tank or that Wilcox is ready to contribute because I doubt we see Davis with more than 15 touches a game and I hate to think the balance will be made up by McClain.

 

[Justwantadecentteam]

Stoops is slow footed when comes, to replacing starters. Snell and Drake Jackson I thought should've been starters sooner, than the staff did. If my memory serves me I thought they both made an immediate impact. I remember telling the tv, to insert both of them by their second games

 

[grevey35]

Davis is not sturdy enough nor big enough to carry the ball 15-20 times, especially in the SEC games.

• Ran for 1,042 yards on 232 carries while playing in all 12 games
• Eclipsed 100 rushing yards in five games, including three straight in November against South Carolina, Kentucky and Florida
• Finished sixth in the SEC at 100.92 all-purpose yards per game
• Ranked fourth in the SEC and 32nd nationally in rushing yards
• Ran for 129 yards and a score in win over Kentucky
• Posted 122 yards in victory over Florida

 

[cathouse]

• Ran for 1,042 yards on 232 carries while playing in all 12 games
• Eclipsed 100 rushing yards in five games, including three straight in November against South Carolina, Kentucky and Florida
• Finished sixth in the SEC at 100.92 all-purpose yards per game
• Ranked fourth in the SEC and 32nd nationally in rushing yards
• Ran for 129 yards and a score in win over Kentucky
• Posted 122 yards in victory over Florida

Our run game would be non-existent without Ray Davis.

Certainly glad he is a Cat. But to expect him to run 20 times per game against SEC defenses and not get dinged up and worn down is unrealistic.

He had a serviceable back-up RB who helped carry the load, even at Vandy.

The 3rd and 1,2 3 plays that CRod excelled at by taking tacklers head on is what concern me if we expect Ray to be a battering ram on 3rd downs or short yardage plays.

 

[ganner918]

Wade was in the backfield several times yesterday, but got hung up inside and lost containment(his #1 priority) and he is HORRIBLE when they drop him back into coverage. He is more than athletic and strong enough to make plays, he just needs more reps and attention to detail.

McClain on the other hand is pedestrian at best running the football. He is NOT a zone scheme RB. He misses the running lanes and doesn't have the vision or lateral quickness needed to do what we need. If they would get him the ball in space, he can catch it and get up field much better than running between the tackles.

He goes down if hit by a stiff breeze, he doesn't have lateral quickness, he doesn't have vision.... pretty much a bust imo.

 

[tomrain]

Wilcox is more Boom-like. I'd hoped Lavell Wright could be a Snell/CRod type but he can't stay healthy long enough to develop.

I was wondering whats happened to Wright? Is he still on the team or hurt?

 

[ganner918]

I was wondering whats happened to Wright? Is he still on the team or hurt?

I haven't seen an official announcement but many on here saying he's hurt

 

[mrschwump]

I was wondering whats happened to Wright? Is he still on the team or hurt?

Unknown injury that supposedly requires surgery, don't know if surgery has occurred.

 

[jauk11]

Tend to agree on the RBs

Wade plays behind Afari who seems capable of pass rush or coverage whereas Wade does just the one. Depth chart lists as OR but I think Afari is just better barring short yardage package. I think Wade moves to the other OLB position next year given his measurements. A lot will depend on the development of Weavers backups there this year.

I think Afari is going to be a real star.

 

[jauk11]

Stoops is slow footed when comes, to replacing starters. Snell and Drake Jackson I thought should've been starters sooner, than the staff did. If my memory serves me I thought they both made an immediate impact. I remember telling the tv, to insert both of them by their second games

And what was your tv's answer?

Sorry, just being a smartass.

 

[maroon79]

The more U think about it, UK def needs another RB. Either a transfer or a freshman

Maybe one of each. The RB Room is dearth or talent

 

[maroon79]

Thanks for clarifying this up

 

[JHB4UK]

Keaton Wade is coming on, playing great. Taking snaps from Wiggins, that tells you what the coaches think. So his "mentality" must be fine!

And yeah, Ray is "sturdy" enough for 20 carries a game. I say give it to him 30, rushing and receiving! Obviously our most dependable skill player by far.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Its hard to get motivated for Ball St and Akron.
“These guys are human you know, not robots.”
John Calipari

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Last two games Wade is really showing something. Completely different player. Glad the light bulb went on