Sunday Mashup- 4/12/15

[JPFisher]

> To get things started, I think Coach Stoops is lying to us a little bit. If reports from the practice yesterday are any indication, Towles is the starter by a country mile but Barker will be a very capable backup. Now, it could just be that Barker couldn't get a break (funny, because he still performed well) and Towles had an awesome day. I personally hope Towles is that good consistently and can really ramp up our offense with his experience. Anyone know if Towles will go back to em guru this summer or stick around here with Dawson? Brown was okay with the guru but I'm not sure if Dawson will share the sentiment.

> If practice reports are any indication, I think Barker might still get solid playing time this year...

> Lots of injuries and illnesses this spring. It's a damn shame, but it is what it is. I really wish we could see how Long, Walker, Phillips, Timmons and others are coming along. Really is a damn shame.

> Apparently, a few bigguns in our media think the OLine will be one of the most improved portions of our offense. They most certainly look the part and a few people even see Toth popping for the draft if he performs to everyone's expectations this year. Everything I read stated our interior is solid and our tackles are interchangeable but performing well. Swindle has come into his own very nicely. Go get em, trigger man.

> Speaking of our OLine, Boom had some fun yesterday from the sound of it. Kemp missed out because of illness I believe and Hoton missed because of a minor injury, but everything I had heard prior was that all three have been performing incredibly well this spring- especially Horton, who has finally trimmed the extra pounds and runs downhill like a train. God, I can't wait to see these guys play.

> JACOB MF'IN TAMME! You guys remember him? Lots of our media do as well and think Conrad will fit the bill for being our best playmaking TE since #18. This might finally allow our safeties and linebackers some experience defending the middle of the field against a consistent pass threat.

> Jacob Hyde out there levelling people at FB, apparently. I would love to see footage of that.

> Our wide receivers are making plays. Of the guys I heard about yesterday, Bone, Snodgrass, Badet, and TV were the most well represented. Garrett Johnson also had a few mentions, and that should surprise no one. Joey Herrick got a mention as well. Can't wait to see how we look when we have Timmons, Montgomery, and Long back.

> Defensive line is in good hands. Someone said Melvin Lewis was an All-SEC candidate. Huguenin is going to have a great year at end according to Sroops. Ware and Hatcher are also playing very well although Ware is going through growing pains. As per usual. I fully expect our line to take a step forward even though we lost two guys to the draft (one of which is likely a top 10 pick).

> Linebackers are making plays, but again, we need to work on our run support. Pass coverage is great, but I don't like having a weak run D in the conference where running backs reign supreme. On the bright side, everything I've heard is that Forrest and Flannigan are still improving their angles and reads that they were improving on towards the end of last season. That should make a lot of us very happy. Walker and I believe Firios are out for various reasons. Should be interesting hearing how they perform next fall.

> I didn't hear much about our secondary yesterday except that they were being picked apart by Towles. That's either really bad or really good. West and Edwards are big improvements talent-wise and Stamps, McClain, McWilson, and Harmon should perform admirably come September. I want to see how Randolph improves in his second year. Should definitely be fun to watch even if it's marginal. One thing I did hear was about Hytche. Apparently, Hytche said hi to I believe Conrad and introduced him to practice with a big collision. Big size difference there. I'm glad to hear something about Hytche. I really want him to succeed. I also look forward to seeing how a Tucker does. I like him as a prospect and think he can put on some muscle to rough up some routes. My favorite Wildcat is McClain. He's apparently beginning to don the leadership role and I am incredibly happy about that. He can lay the wood and gives 110% every time he's out on the field.

> Other things of note: lots of folks out to watch a scrimmage instead of Keeneland. Lots of electricity in the air and Stoops feels the improvements. Count me as someone who thinks UK can make some noise in the SEC. Maybe even against the dumpster fire that is Florida. God help this Gators fans.

> Kendall popped for the wrong Stoops. If I'm Mark, I slap Bob across the back of his head the next time I see him. I think that'd be funny enough.

> Kentucky is in on several good QB pospects and we will have to wait and see if we're able to reel one in. Barker, Towles, and Phillips are great, but their eligibility runs out some time. We have to get a new prospect in this year or else things might get dicey in a few years.

That's all for this mashup, folks. One of the more enjoyable ones to write up if I'm honest. Lots to cover here.



*** Mashup Question: Who's our QB in 2015? Why? If the past is any indication, this question will blow up below. Let the Civil War commence. Lol



Have a great Sunday, BBN. Have a nice week and GO BIG BLUE!

 

[hmt5000]

i think towles is our starter. too much experience and even if everything else is even... that's not changing. i dont think we run 2 qb's this year per se but i bet they try to get barker as many snaps as they can. if.... and its a big if.... towles puts up gaudy #'s and starts getting nfl looks... he could be gone. dont think he'll make that much of a move this year but you got to think if he finishes the year as the top 1 or 2 qb's in the sec, its gonna be question mark???

sounded like they were a little upset about their ability to get short yardage runs (could be good or bad). sounds like db is still not were it needs to be as the wr's were apparently making a lot of plays (could be good or bad). sounded like lb's are way better and way deeper this year and should still improve through the summer and fall so we may be in good shape their this year even if love is not cleared this year. o line is gonna end up being good this year i think. after being horrible in year 1 and disappointing in year 2... we might finally be patting this group on the back after some games this fall.

 

[mrschwump]

Originally posted by JPFisher:
> To get things started, I think Coach Stoops is lying to us a little bit. If reports from the practice yesterday are any indication, Towles is the starter by a country mile but Barker will be a very capable backup. Now, it could just be that Barker couldn't get a break (funny, because he still performed well) and Towles had an awesome day. I personally hope Towles is that good consistently and can really ramp up our offense with his experience. Anyone know if Towles will go back to em guru this summer or stick around here with Dawson? Brown was okay with the guru but I'm not sure if Dawson will share the sentiment.

> If practice reports are any indication, I think Barker might still get solid playing time this year...

> Lots of injuries and illnesses this spring. It's a damn shame, but it is what it is. I really wish we could see how Long, Walker, Phillips, Timmons and others are coming along. Really is a damn shame.

> Apparently, a few bigguns in our media think the OLine will be one of the most improved portions of our offense. They most certainly look the part and a few people even see Toth popping for the draft if he performs to everyone's expectations this year. Everything I read stated our interior is solid and our tackles are interchangeable but performing well. Swindle has come into his own very nicely. Go get em, trigger man.

> Speaking of our OLine, Boom had some fun yesterday from the sound of it. Kemp missed out because of illness I believe and Hoton missed because of a minor injury, but everything I had heard prior was that all three have been performing incredibly well this spring- especially Horton, who has finally trimmed the extra pounds and runs downhill like a train. God, I can't wait to see these guys play.

> JACOB MF'IN TAMME! You guys remember him? Lots of our media do as well and think Conrad will fit the bill for being our best playmaking TE since #18. This might finally allow our safeties and linebackers some experience defending the middle of the field against a consistent pass threat.

> Jacob Hyde out there levelling people at FB, apparently. I would love to see footage of that.

> Our wide receivers are making plays. Of the guys I heard about yesterday, Bone, Snodgrass, Badet, and TV were the most well represented. Garrett Johnson also had a few mentions, and that should surprise no one. Joey Herrick got a mention as well. Can't wait to see how we look when we have Timmons, Montgomery, and Long back.

> Defensive line is in good hands. Someone said Melvin Lewis was an All-SEC candidate. Huguenin is going to have a great year at end according to Sroops. Ware and Hatcher are also playing very well although Ware is going through growing pains. As per usual. I fully expect our line to take a step forward even though we lost two guys to the draft (one of which is likely a top 10 pick).

> Linebackers are making plays, but again, we need to work on our run support. Pass coverage is great, but I don't like having a weak run D in the conference where running backs reign supreme. On the bright side, everything I've heard is that Forrest and Flannigan are still improving their angles and reads that they were improving on towards the end of last season. That should make a lot of us very happy. Walker and I believe Firios are out for various reasons. Should be interesting hearing how they perform next fall.

> I didn't hear much about our secondary yesterday except that they were being picked apart by Towles. That's either really bad or really good. West and Edwards are big improvements talent-wise and Stamps, McClain, McWilson, and Harmon should perform admirably come September. I want to see how Randolph improves in his second year. Should definitely be fun to watch even if it's marginal. One thing I did hear was about Hytche. Apparently, Hytche said hi to I believe Conrad and introduced him to practice with a big collision. Big size difference there. I'm glad to hear something about Hytche. I really want him to succeed. I also look forward to seeing how a Tucker does. I like him as a prospect and think he can put on some muscle to rough up some routes. My favorite Wildcat is McClain. He's apparently beginning to don the leadership role and I am incredibly happy about that. He can lay the wood and gives 110% every time he's out on the field.

> Other things of note: lots of folks out to watch a scrimmage instead of Keeneland. Lots of electricity in the air and Stoops feels the improvements. Count me as someone who thinks UK can make some noise in the SEC. Maybe even against the dumpster fire that is Florida. God help this Gators fans.

> Kendall popped for the wrong Stoops. If I'm Mark, I slap Bob across the back of his head the next time I see him. I think that'd be funny enough.

> Kentucky is in on several good QB pospects and we will have to wait and see if we're able to reel one in. Barker, Towles, and Phillips are great, but their eligibility runs out some time. We have to get a new prospect in this year or else things might get dicey in a few years.

That's all for this mashup, folks. One of the more enjoyable ones to write up if I'm honest. Lots to cover here.



*** Mashup Question: Who's our QB in 2015? Why? If the past is any indication, this question will blow up below. Let the Civil War commence. Lol



Have a great Sunday, BBN. Have a nice week and GO BIG BLUE!

I think Stoops is being coy with the QB situation to keep guys motivated. The coaches and the team know who the likely choice at QB will be. They see practice and know who is performing. As for Towles, the QB guru and all...I hope all QBs and WRs stay on campus and work on routes, recognizing coverages, getting to know each other. Watching film too(gasp Calipari!). Working together will help them all.

Lots of guys missed practice for various reasons. Illness? Don't they have antibiotics available? Geez.

Don't know what to make of the OL situation. They've moved natural inside guys Mosier and GAA outside. That could be bad, could mean Krok, Haynes and Meadows aren't getting it done or it could be a signal guys like R Meyers, Richardson and Bunchie are progressing. We'll see.

LB depth is paper thin, hell...tissue thin. Sure would've been good if Firios could've practiced.


Hoping CBs get better but some guys who just aren't SEC level are apparently still getting major minutes. Scary.

QB will be Towles, go with the most experienced guy. Still, Barker will see lots of minutes. But the bottom line is...if UK hope for a better '15 the D MUST get markedly better.

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

I was not there at the scrimmage yesterday. My girlfriend had surgery and I'm having to drive her around or I would've been. With that said I was basically getting a play by play on Twitter since I follow damn near every media member in attendance yesterday. The people that are acting like the competition isn't close are kidding themselves. Drew had two picks yesterday because his passes were tipped and Towles had three passes tipped that by chance didn't happen to fall in Forrest's lap. The scrimmage was much closer than some of you are saying it was. I am 100% wanting Towles to start and I think there is little doubt that he will. Our QB's are performing very similarly so the coaches have to go with experience. That isn't a knock on Towles it's a credit to Drew and the future at QB when Towles is gone.

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

Originally posted by mrschwump:

Don't know what to make of the OL situation. They've moved natural inside guys Mosier and GAA outside. That could be bad, could mean Krok, Haynes and Meadows aren't getting it done or it could be a signal guys like R Meyers, Richardson and Bunchie are progressing. We'll see.

LB depth is paper thin, hell...tissue thin. Sure would've been good if Firios could've practiced.


Hoping CBs get better but some guys who just aren't SEC level are apparently still getting major minutes. Scary.

Meadows has been starting at RT, Krok has been hurt, Mosier started at RG, Haynes started at LG, and GAA is playing second team RT because he's too talented not to have on the field and versatile enough to play outside. Meyers is backing up Toth at center. Richardson has also looked good and I think is backing up Mosier at RG. None of the concern you brought up exists tge OL has been the most improved unit on the field and has legitimate depth to play SEC football now

Ideally we'd like to have more LBs but I think we can go two deep and be fine at each position. Jordan Jones has been sharp early and will only get better with more weight training and fall camp. Firios is going to be a beast and Josh Forrest should be on an all-SEC team. The coaches have raved about Flannigan. Kobie Walker has been very impressive too playing in an OLB/Safety hybrid role but he's banged up. When we get everyone back healthy we'll be fine

Randolph is playing corner now to sure up the position. Baity, Marcus Walker, and Westry are expected to play corner year 1

 

[mrschwump]

Originally posted by CATFANFOLIFE87:

Originally posted by mrschwump:

Don't know what to make of the OL situation. They've moved natural inside guys Mosier and GAA outside. That could be bad, could mean Krok, Haynes and Meadows aren't getting it done or it could be a signal guys like R Meyers, Richardson and Bunchie are progressing. We'll see.

LB depth is paper thin, hell...tissue thin. Sure would've been good if Firios could've practiced.


Hoping CBs get better but some guys who just aren't SEC level are apparently still getting major minutes. Scary.

Meadows has been starting at RT, Krok has been hurt, Mosier started at RG, Haynes started at LG, and GAA is playing second team RT because he's too talented not to have on the field and versatile enough to play outside. Meyers is backing up Toth at center. Richardson has also looked good and I think is backing up Mosier at RG. None of the concern you brought up exists tge OL has been the most improved unit on the field and has legitimate depth to play SEC football now

Ideally we'd like to have more LBs but I think we can go two deep and be fine at each position. Jordan Jones has been sharp early and will only get better with more weight training and fall camp. Firios is going to be a beast and Josh Forrest should be on an all-SEC team. The coaches have raved about Flannigan. Kobie Walker has been very impressive too playing in an OLB/Safety hybrid role but he's banged up. When we get everyone back healthy we'll be fine

Randolph is playing corner now to sure up the position. Baity, Marcus Walker, and Westry are expected to play corner year 1

87, a couple of things. Toth's backup is Zach Myers, not Ramsey Meyers. Ramsey Meyers was the starting RG for much of '14. Mosier started off and on at LG in '14. Have heard nothing about Ramsey Meyers this spring, yea or nay good or bad. Haynes backed up at several spots in '14.

Certainly hope the freshmen CB guys are good but playing freshmen vs SEC WRs is a tough, tough way to make a living.

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

Originally posted by mrschwump:

Originally posted by CATFANFOLIFE87:

Originally posted by mrschwump:

Don't know what to make of the OL situation. They've moved natural inside guys Mosier and GAA outside. That could be bad, could mean Krok, Haynes and Meadows aren't getting it done or it could be a signal guys like R Meyers, Richardson and Bunchie are progressing. We'll see.

LB depth is paper thin, hell...tissue thin. Sure would've been good if Firios could've practiced.


Hoping CBs get better but some guys who just aren't SEC level are apparently still getting major minutes. Scary.

Meadows has been starting at RT, Krok has been hurt, Mosier started at RG, Haynes started at LG, and GAA is playing second team RT because he's too talented not to have on the field and versatile enough to play outside. Meyers is backing up Toth at center. Richardson has also looked good and I think is backing up Mosier at RG. None of the concern you brought up exists tge OL has been the most improved unit on the field and has legitimate depth to play SEC football now

Ideally we'd like to have more LBs but I think we can go two deep and be fine at each position. Jordan Jones has been sharp early and will only get better with more weight training and fall camp. Firios is going to be a beast and Josh Forrest should be on an all-SEC team. The coaches have raved about Flannigan. Kobie Walker has been very impressive too playing in an OLB/Safety hybrid role but he's banged up. When we get everyone back healthy we'll be fine

Randolph is playing corner now to sure up the position. Baity, Marcus Walker, and Westry are expected to play corner year 1

87, a couple of things. Toth's backup is Zach Myers, not Ramsey Meyers. Ramsey Meyers was the starting RG for much of '14. Mosier started off and on at LG in '14. Have heard nothing about Ramsey Meyers this spring, yea or nay good or bad. Haynes backed up at several spots in '14.

Certainly hope the freshmen CB guys are good but playing freshmen vs SEC WRs is a tough, tough way to make a living.

You're right got my Meyers/Myers mixed up. Westry I'm not sure about yet but I legitimately think Baity and Walker are good enough to play well this year. They'll have growing pains but I think they can contribute about the same way Randolph and McClain were able to as freshmen

 

[mrschwump]

Originally posted by CATFANFOLIFE87:


You're right got my Meyers/Myers mixed up. Westry I'm not sure about yet but I legitimately think Baity and Walker are good enough to play well this year. They'll have growing pains but I think they can contribute about the same way Randolph and McClain were able to as freshmen

87, do you feel Westry will end up at Safety? Just don't see a lot of 6'4" CBs.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Towles making no major mistakes, Does Stoops not want to give him a comfort level for the job or keep Barker going as hard as possible? Yep. Conrad is a major major player, ability to catch in heavy traffic.

Really need that one linebacker that hates and wants to kill people. Have good athletes there, is it that hard to find one guy that hates life and hates people with a mental problem or two that can run?

 

[Blue Decade]

Originally posted by mrschwump:

Originally posted by CATFANFOLIFE87:

You're right got my Meyers/Myers mixed up. Westry I'm not sure about yet but I legitimately think Baity and Walker are good enough to play well this year. They'll have growing pains but I think they can contribute about the same way Randolph and McClain were able to as freshmen

87, do you feel Westry will end up at Safety? Just don't see a lot of 6'4" CBs.

Westry was recruited to play corner.

 

[WildCard]

I was there even though CFFL87 thinks I should have been at the Card's scrimmage.

Since there have been few "eyewitness reports" I'll offer a few observations on several of your comments...

First of all, it was tough to see. Fans were pushed back between players and media and guests and that was a lot to try to look through or see over. Much of the time I only saw the start or the finish of play (i.e., the pass or the catch).

> It may not be by a country mile but I think Towles will be your guy. Both QBs made some plays and missed some plays but Towles seemed to move the chains better and worked the middle of the field and possession plays better. It would be nice to see the stats and a break down as to whether it was 1s on 1s or 1s on 2s. In another thread CFFL87 took me to task for not using superlatives in discussing QB. I have no idea how Dawson "uses" his QB but, assuming Towles starts, Barker is a very capable #2. I'll add this; they are comparable players. Some years UK has had totally different talents at the QB position. There will be no changes necessary if one guy replaces the other.

I'll say again, with Dawson UK gets a real QB coach who really seems to know what he wants so I don't think any outside help is necessary.

> I'm not sure what a media big gun is but O-line seemed to protect well most of the time; I can think of only a few times that would have been a sack in live action. But again, only saw those plays that originated in my "viewing" window. I could not get a read on the running game as the scrimmage seemed to emphasize the passing game.

> Conrad had a nice snag (and YAC) on what looked like a deep slant. Don't know if he caught anything else.

> Hyde was in a "loaded pistol" set on one series; I had a good look at that. He had 2 nice blocks but on the backside of the run and a 3rd block on the play side. I'm not sure whether they made 1st down yardage on that sequence and it was against some reserves (or at least some defensive players I was unfamiliar with)

> Bone made the catch of the day but I think Badet was the real possession guy most of the day. Nothing spectacular just steady. I don't think I saw any drops but again there were many plays where I could not see the finish.

> Melvin Lewis may actually be bigger than Elam.

I could not get a read on the run blocking or the run defense.

> Regarding WRs on DBs, overall, it appeared the WRs had the better of it.

CAVEAT ON PASSING GAME: QBs and receivers always "look better" when the QB is not live. For example, on his long TD throw to Snodgrass, Barker would have been lit up by a free rusher (#25 I believe) if the QB was live. He throttled down last 2 or 3 steps and simply let Barker throw it. I did not see this live action but it is very evident in the video snippet embedded in the scrimmage story on the UK athletics site.

Mashup Question: Looks like Towles to me (and most of the fans I was chatting with)

CFFL87, hope your girl friend is doing well.

Peace

 

[fromthe25ydline]

Is Walker, the walk on WR from Louisville getting any mentions? Folks raved about his fall camp.

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

Originally posted by Blue Decade:

Originally posted by mrschwump:

Originally posted by CATFANFOLIFE87:

You're right got my Meyers/Myers mixed up. Westry I'm not sure about yet but I legitimately think Baity and Walker are good enough to play well this year. They'll have growing pains but I think they can contribute about the same way Randolph and McClain were able to as freshmen

87, do you feel Westry will end up at Safety? Just don't see a lot of 6'4" CBs.

Westry was recruited to play corner.

Yep boundary corner. Listed at 6'4" 180 lbs they think he has the size, length, speed, and hips to be a great corner

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

WildCard thanks for the well wishes for my girlfriend. I'm assuming you've been to a UL scrimmage and/or practice too. How do you feel about your QB situation? Does Fergusen overtake Bonnafon or is Petrino moving to using more mobile QBs? There were times last year when he left Reggie in longer than I thought he should have and he's talked about him more after practice than the other guys it seems. I'm getting the impression that it's part of a change in philosophy. His recruitment of Jackson, Jawon Pass, and Tylin Oden is another reason I think he'll stick with Bonnafon.

You all signed a ton of JUCOs til fill holds at WR, OL, and in the secondary. Were they early enrollees? I've wondered how those units have looked in practice with so many new faces

 

[Blue Decade]

Originally posted by hmt5000:
i think towles is our starter. too much experience and even if everything else is even... that's not changing.

Out of all the major spring questions, this 1 is the easiest to answer for exactly the reason you gave.

 

[JHB4UK]

Towles will be the starter, but I think they will get Barker out there for a series or 2 every game. Both to get him experienced so he is ready in case of injury later in the season so that he doesnt go in completely green, and to give Patrick a little bit of a break from the pounding of a season. Young man I believe tapered off in 2014 because he was just beaten up and skittish from all the hits both in the pocket and from being overused as a runner.

I think the offense will be even more improved and better come August when they can add back in the injured receivers who sat out this Spring.

Dangerous to look ahead, but based on the reports out of their Springs UK has a fantastic opportunity in the early weeks to start the season like gangbusters (assuming a win over a dangerous Ragin Cajun team in week 1). South Carolina looks to still be struggling, and can't identify a QB. And Florida is going to be out & out dreadful in 2015. We win against a very good quality opponent in the first weekend (ULL has won a lot of games & their coach will be a top mentioned candidate for openings), go on the road & win at South Carolina, then finish the deal at home against a beatable Gators to bolt out to 3-0 (2-0 SEC). The formula for beating both USCjr & UF will be the same IMO, stack 8 in the box and make their questionable shaky new quarterbacks beat us. Early last season Stoops & Elliot did a fantastic job disguising UK's limits on defense with lots of pressure, until SEC coaches got lots of film on us and started carving us apart.

Early wins against long established teams would be the perfect injection of confidence for a young team finding its way, and reinvigorate a fanbase downtrodden after the 6 game season-ending losing streak & some recruiting stumbles. And THEN, in week 4, the 2 time defending SEC East champ Mizzou for another home game that would (and should) result in an absolutely awesome atmosphere and excitement. What a frustrating opponent they are though, like Miss St one you think UK has equal talent and should win but never seems to happen.

After Mizzou is EKU in the bar brawl revenge game (lol). Then a week & a half before the 1st Thursday night primetime game in Commonwealth Stadium history. Can you imagine the week leading up to that one if UK is 4-1, or even 5-0? This entire state would be INSANE. What a night that could be, to show off our $130M+ stadium improvements, lots of camera time for the $50M practice facility improvements, a night home crowd that ought to be the craziest ever against likely a top 15 or even top 10 Auburn team.

oh well, lots of ifs & buts no doubt, but this could be a damned exciting season for our beloved UK Wildcats if we catch some breaks, improve in areas we have been lacking, and stay healthy!!

 

[Jdhays21]

I think Marcus Walker is Safety all the way.

 

[JPFisher]

Well said, JHB.

I'm honestly surprised that so many people are sticking with Towles. Where are the folks clamoring for Barker because Towles was the worst QB UK has ever had the displeasure of putting on the field?

Marcus Walker looks the part of safety to me as well. However, Stoops likes recruiting guys who can play either position. I wouldn't be surprised if Stoops likes Walker's mobility in practice one day and gives him a shot at corner. He should be able to play both but I think he'll fill out to more of a safety.

 

[C1180]

I want some players on defense that bring the thunder when they hit like the players on Jerry Claiborne's defense's. I remember SEC teams dreading to play UK because of the pounding they knew they were going to receive.

Improve tackling will go a long way toward giving UK a chance to stop being run over by the rushing games of their opponents. Arm tackling is not going to cut it in the SEC and there was way too much arm tackling by UKs defense last year. The UK defense must get tougher and meaner. I like Forrest and he is very athletic. I am afraid however he does not have the right mentality to bring the thunder from his MLB position. I would like to see him become about 30 or 40 percent meaner. Knock some people down and try to drive them into the ground. Please Forrest no more Mr. Nice Guy. Show the LBs some tapes or film of Jeff Snedagar who IMO had the attitude you want in your LBs. I am not advocating murder but a little mayhem would be good.

 

[JHB4UK]

Understand what you are saying about the tackling C1180, but I wouldn't necessary go to the past for changes here. Both the Seattle Seahawks and now Ohio State have recently implemented tackling techniques they picked up from rugby. Haven't read or studied up enough on what is involved here, but apparently both think it is the wave of the future for the sport. that it is a style that is both safer on defenders to avoid head injuries while also being very effective to prevent the failed arm tackles we all see that is so frustrating.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Towles will be the starter. Like last season, Stoops and Co. put up their guise of a QB competition. Like last year it was false.

I really believe their plan on Day 1 was that season 1 would be a throw away season anyway, so RS Towles and let him start the remainder of his career.

 

[Bagdmd]

What is the status of LaRubbio? He was an absolute mauler in HS. Has he gotten any PT this spring? I really suspected he may step up in the OL rotation.

 

[WildCard]

Originally posted by CATFANFOLIFE87:
WildCard thanks for the well wishes for my girlfriend. I'm assuming you've been to a UL scrimmage and/or practice too. How do you feel about your QB situation? Does Fergusen overtake Bonnafon or is Petrino moving to using more mobile QBs? There were times last year when he left Reggie in longer than I thought he should have and he's talked about him more after practice than the other guys it seems. I'm getting the impression that it's part of a change in philosophy. His recruitment of Jackson, Jawon Pass, and Tylin Oden is another reason I think he'll stick with Bonnafon.

You all signed a ton of JUCOs til fill holds at WR, OL, and in the secondary. Were they early enrollees? I've wondered how those units have looked in practice with so many new faces

You are more than welcome. Unless I'm trying to make some point or comparison I avoid Card talk over here.

However, since you asked I'm happy to respond (although I certainly expect some negative responses from The Usual Suspects)!

As I mentioned before I think it has been a two horse race (Bonnafon and Bolin and I personally gave a slight edge to Bolin) but that might have ended Saturday. As you know I missed Saturday's scrimmage but I have heard Bonnafon made a big step forward, I mean literally...with his legs. There is no doubt that Bonnafon is, far and away, the best runner of the trio.

I heard they ran 1s v 1s for at least part of the scrimmage and that usually offers more insight than spring games which have been 1s v 2s. In the previous practice sessions there was so much substitution going on you really could not get a "feel" for what was actually a 1st unit.

CBP allowed the QB to be live beyond the LOS and Bonnafon predictably made some nice runs. I don't think the QB run will be as anywhere near as big a part of Card's offense as it was for the Cats last season but Bonnafon has the feet and the skills to run all 3 variants of the option (speed, zone read and triple). I have always believed that showing some option in your offense introduces another worry point for the defense.

As a personal assessment I am surprised at how well Bonnafon plays the position given the fact he played (varsity) QB only as SR at THS. And that was a very mediocre season by THS standards. I have said on many occasions no telling how good he might have been now if he had been a full time QB in a major HS program. I think the lack of experience at the HS level has "held him back" a little up to this point. He has all the athletic ability in the world but sometimes comes up short in the "intangibles".

If a guy is a good enough passer I do think CBP prefers the dual threat guy; remember Stephan Lefors was his his QB at Louisville his first 2 years. Lefors netted about 30 YPG rushing during his 2 years as starter and that was as a complement to a very good group of RBs (Bush, Shelton, Gates, Smith). Lefors was also a very high percentage passer. Some QB running game places so much more pressure on the defense IF that QB can still produce a solid passing game, e.g., Jackson and Pass. That's probably more than you wanted to hear about QB.

I think 4 of 7 JUCOs (just too many IMO) are on campus. Despite HUGE losses at WR I think they are good there. They get 2 former 4* transfers (aTm transfer and a summer JUCO) and a former starter from UAB. t-FR Treveon Samuels has just come off the injured list and looked really good last week; very fast (think Timmons but with better hands). Won't start but should see time. Quick has been moved to the slot and has had a nice spring. No Devante Parker but there are not too many like him around. All in all, despite HUGE losses in numbers and productivity the WR and TE spots looks good.

In summary, IMO, this team will be pretty similar to last year's team. By that I mean they will be pretty good on defense (big numbers losses but return some good LBs and DLs and add some talented transfers to the totally depleted secondary) and basically be as good on offense as their O-line will let them be (but I'm pretty scared there). I MO, it will be hard to be a 9 game winner this year.

Peace






This post was edited on 4/13 6:24 PM by WildCard

 

[hmt5000]

Originally posted by Bagdmd:
What is the status of LaRubbio? He was an absolute mauler in HS. Has he gotten any PT this spring? I really suspected he may step up in the OL rotation.

i believe he's been injured. i dont think it was serious but seems like they expect him back in a few weeks.

 

[timocee]

I was there at scrimmage and Firios played. I don't know why people thought he didn't.

 

[JPFisher]

Originally posted by timocee:
I was there at scrimmage and Firios played. I don't know why people thought he didn't.

Probably because he WAS out for a while earlier in spring and because there was no mention of him from what I could see. Saddening, because he's supposed to be a mauler.

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

Originally posted by Jdhays21:
I think Marcus Walker is Safety all the way.

Safety is definitely his natural position but I've read that Stoops has talked to Walker about trying out at field corner when he arrives. Walker could play any position in the secondary but field corner is one that we need help at most. We're pretty stacked at safety for this season with West and Edwards both playing well

 

[Deeeefense]

Originally posted by fromthe25ydline:
Is Walker, the walk on WR from Louisville getting any mentions? Folks raved about his fall camp.

I saw him mentioned in the injuries list.

 

[Deeeefense]

Originally posted by JHB4UK:


After Mizzou is EKU in the bar brawl revenge game (lol). Then a week & a half before the 1st Thursday night primetime game in Commonwealth Stadium history. Can you imagine the week leading up to that one if UK is 4-1, or even 5-0? This entire state would be INSANE. What a night that could be, to show off our $130M+ stadium improvements, lots of camera time for the $50M practice facility improvements, a night home crowd that ought to be the craziest ever against likely a top 15 or even top 10 Auburn team.

Instant adrenalin spike!!!

 

[JHB4UK]

If you are a close watcher of the sport, as I assume everyone on this particular message board is, you know crazy, crazy games happen on college football Thursday nights. sure hope UK & Stoops Troops add to the tradition on 10/15/2015.

 

[bluescat92]

Let's hope that when the season starts both quarterbacks are ready and capable to lead our team. With only two quarterbacks we need both ready to be able to step into a game and not loose anything. How many seasons have we used one qb the entire year.