Three Takeaways From Kentucky’s Spring Game
Kentucky played their sixth spring game under Mark Stoops with the Blue squad or the offense beating the White squad or the defense 45-32. The game was contested under a slightly confusing scoring system where the defense could score points other than a touchdown. While it sometimes is difficult to judge things solely on this contest here are Three Takeaways From Kentucky’s Spring Game.
The Quarterback Situation Won’t Be Resolved Anytime Soon
Before the game Stoops said he won’t decide on a starting quarterback until summer. All of the players vying for the job showed some good things during the spring game.
Sophomore Gunnar Hoak completed 14-25 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. Hoak looked confident in the pocket leading the offense. The familiarity with offensive coordinator Eddie Gran’s system definitely showed.
Meanwhile Cat fans got their first look at Terry Wilson, the junior college player from Kansas. Wilson went 10-24 passing for 131 yards with an interception. However the pick wasn’t really his fault when the pass tipped off his receivers’ fingers and into Mike Edwards‘ hands. In addition Wilson showed off his running ability on a couple of designed plays. Under normal game conditions this would have gone for a touchdown.
https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/984934645321093120
The other two players competing for the spot did some good things as well. Danny Clark went 5-8 passing for 46 yards and Walker Wood threw for a late touchdown.
Following the game Stoops reiterated he is in no hurry to name a starter. Furthermore he took it a step farther hinting at a possible platoon.
Stoops: “I need to see both of them in a game.” The seed has been planted. We might have two QBs playing when the season starts.
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) April 14, 2018
A.J. Rose Was The Game MVP
After leaving the the 2017 game due to injury Rose made the most of his opportunity in 2018. With Benny Snell seeing limited time and Sihiem King not playing because of concussion protocol Rose rushed for 134 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught a couple of passes. Rose took some major strides in the battle to be the second back.
AJ Rose is the future of Kentucky’s backfield after Benny leaves. Proved that tonight at the Spring Game.
— The Kentucky Vault™️ (@KentuckyVault) April 14, 2018
Stars In The Making On Defense
As we continue with Three Takeaways From Kentucky’s Spring Game it’s time to focus on the other side of the ball. Two linebackers stood out for Matt House’s defense.
Paintsville native Kash Daniel had eight tackles, forced a fumble and had a pass deflection. In doing so Daniel served notice he wants to be the heir apparent to the graduated Courtney Love at middle linebacker.
Another player who impressed on defense is true freshman DeAndre Square. Stepping in for the injured Jordan Jones, Square was credited with five tackles. Not bad for someone who should be getting ready for his senior prom right now.
Square came to Kentucky as an early enrollee in January. The Detroit native has been turning heads all spring and showed why during the game.
Before an announced crowd of 36,090 at Kroger Field this was the best a Kentucky football team has looked under Stoops in a spring game. Whether that translates into a breakthrough season in 2018 remains to be seen. The Wildcats have 18 starters returning including ten on defense.
Thanks for checking out Three Takeaways From Kentucky’s Spring Game here at Last Word On College Football. Stay tuned for more about the Wildcats throughout the summer leading up to the opener against Central Michigan on September 1st.
