Kentucky Football: Mark Stoops has Wildcats ready to compete in 2018
Offense
We don’t know for sure who’s going to play quarterback for Kentucky. It may not matter. The Wildcats were as run-heavy as anybody last season because they had several great backs and no real passing attack. Quarterback Stephon Johnson is gone, but the quarterback in his place will likely be a very similar player.
The main battle at quarterback is between Gunnar Hoak and Terry Wilson. Wilson, a transfer from Oregon, is much more of a dual-threat, while Hoak is a true passer. When looking at Kentucky’s offense, and their usage of the quarterback in the past, Wilson seems like the obvious pick. Johnson was used as a runner quite a bit last year, and I expect the same with Wilson this year. Even if he’s not a great passer, he doesn’t really need to be.
That’s because of how dominant these backs are. Benny Snell is one of the best backs in the country and could be in for a Heisman level season. Behind him, Sihiem King and Asim Rose have both flashed big-play potential. This could be one of the best backfields in the conference, if not the country.
The receivers have far more questions, though it still may not be a huge deal. Garrett Johnson is gone, as is Kayaune Ross, but neither of them was great last year. In their place, Dorian Baker, Tavin Richardson, and tight end CJ Conrad should be serviceable. None of them have a ton of experience, but each of them has looked solid in the past when they did play.
Baker will need to lead the group. The senior missed last season and serves as the primary target for whoever the quarterback will be. If he’s good, Kentucky should be fine. Because of their run-heavy attack, they don’t really need to pass a ton, and as long as they have two good receivers and a tight end, they should be fine. I think they have that.
Four returning linemen will help this offense a lot too. A team that runs this much will need a lot of blocking, and this group should be able to do that. They were really good up front last year, and while left tackle Landon Young has big shoes to fill, I think he’ll be just fine. As long as there are no big struggles up front, this offense should be even better than it was last year.
Spark plug?
Kentucky may have a trick up their sleeves this season. Slot receiver/h-back/running back Lynn Bowden is just a sophomore, but he could be the key to Kentucky’s success this year. He flashed a ton of big-play ability last year, and seems to be able to make an impact at any position. He was used primarily as a receiver last year, and with a space to be filled in the slot, he’s the likely choice.
His explosiveness could add another facet to Kentucky’s offense, and give them a true playmaker at receiver. That’ll be a huge deal.