MAY 26—Kentucky’s football coaching staff have been working diligently throughout the spring to solve an apparent in-depth problem. And by all indications, the Wildcats are ready for a greatly enhanced campaign this fall.
Of course last year Britain clearly took a step backwards. with a 7-5 overall finish and 3-5 against teams from the Southeastern Conference group with an attacking game that struggles to maintain the standards that head coach Mark Previously set stops
With that in mind, Kentucky jumped onto the transfer portal this spring. with the aim of taking two steps forward instead of stepping back
Since the end of last season, the Cats have added 14 transfers – highlighted by quarterback Devin Leary and running back Ray Davis – and have welcomed back offensive coordinator Liam Coen in hopes of sparking a new season. Some miracle Kentucky produces as it wins 10 games in 2021.
According to 247Sports, the UK transfer class for next season ranks 18th nationally.
Less than two weeks ago, the Cats received another high-scoring transfer with the addition of former NC State teammate Leary running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye. The 6-foot-210-pound kid rushed for 305 yards. with three touchdowns and 12 passes for 148 yards with a single score from six games that was perfectly healthy as a Wolfpack sophomore last year. He chose the United Kingdom over Colorado, Missouri and South Carolina.
Sumo-Karngbaye It will support a running back group headlined by former Vanderbilt puncher Davis, who is expected to be one of the SEC’s top runners this fall.
According to Pro Football Focus, Davis was ranked the fourth-best return in the league behind Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss), Brian Battie (Auburn) and Raheim Sanders (Arkansas) earlier this week. David was awarded as a second-team All-SEC preseason pick by Athlon Sports.
Davis will lead the backfield with veteran backup Jutahn McClain, Ramon Jefferson, a former FBS All American running back from an ACL injury, Lave. Former North Hardin star Elle Wright, former Tennessee player Dee Beckwith, and freshman Jamarian Wilcox.
United also addressed the dismal offensive performance from last season, shuffling several players back into their regular positions in the spring. along with the addition of Tanner Bowles (Alabama), Ben Christman (Ohio State), Marques Cox (Northern Illinois) and Courtland Ford (Southern California) through the transfer portal.
So overall, Stoops and his coaching staff have put together a talented contributor who has a full list of successful teams in the SEC.
The Cats now have a precise pass with solid defensive line Leary and an attacking line that could match Britain’s talented defensive line. And although they didn’t see much action in the spring, Stoops was confident his team’s tight ends would help piece it all together.
Apparently Kentucky entered the offseason with a plan. Since his arrival in Lexington, Stoops’ team has only gotten better, which is what made last year feel like a slump.
With 99 days left before the Cats’ season-opening game against Ball State on Sept. 2, the program excitement is palpable, and there’s no reason to think that the Kentucky football program won’t be back in the fall. this fall