Portal Tracker. Positions of need
QB – The plan was always to have Cutter sit for two years. The fact he played, and even started showed that he is ahead of schedule. The staff believe that Cutter and Saunders are the future at the QB position. However, in a must rebound year experience is key to an offense that finished in the 120’s in total offense. Maalik Murphy is currently on a visit. We would expect them to also look at 1-2 others but could change after this visit. Murphy has a big arm and threw for over 2900 yards. With the talent UK is getting on the O-Line…plus the WR and RB room expected upgrades. It could be a very ideal spot for someone like Murphy. The ONLY issue we see is that he is not a QB who likes to run. If Bush has an offense more set up for a pocket QB, the match is there.
QB Update – The visit with Murphy went well. Believe there is mutual interest on both sides. Zach Calzada will visit UK tomorrow. In terms of Calzada, he has SEC experience, some may say his playing style actually fits the system better. In terms of upside, you would think Murphy has the upper hand. Think the staff will do their due dilligence on both. Can’t completely rule out another QB taking a visit either unless Murphy or Calzada emerge as a clear #1 choice.
RB – Ahmad Hardy is planning on taking a visit this week (Could change Ole Miss is really in on him). Would expect them to look at other options here as well and not throw all their chips into Hardy. If he comes, UK has a deadly fast 1-2 punch. If not, possibly could look at a bigger back as a thunder and lightning combo.
RB Update – Bleed Blue Network has learned that Kentucky has emerged as a top contender for transfer RB Dante Dowdell. The 6’2 225 power back is one of the top backs in the portal and had 12 touchdowns as a sophomore last season.
WR – Horatio Fields visited last week, OU Transfer WR JJ Hester should be visiting this week. Believe they like him but UK will do due diligence here and get the best one or two options they can. Not saying Fields ins’t that.
WR Update – Ball State WR Justin Bowick has a visit scheduled this week. He has a few other schools interested in him. He has great size and speed, but there is a chance an offer comes in he can’t turn down before he gets to campus. Stay tuned here.
Right Tackle – Alex Wollschlaeger COMMITTED. The ALL MAC Tackle has NFL potential.
Guard – Joshua Braun COMMITTED. A massive guard with a lot of SEC Experience.
Center -Crystal Ball, Evan Wibberley
Left Tackle – Gunnar Hansen has cancelled his visit to UK and is reported to be committing to FSU. UK has other options at the LT position they will be pursuing.
Defense
Linebacker – Landyn Watson COMMITTED. Could possibly bring in another here as well. LB depth should be something Kentucky does address.
Edge – Sam Greene COMMITTED, Expect UK to be active here. One more two more commitments would not be surprising.
Corner – Not sure where we sit here. Haven’t heard a ton of buzz around CB visits. Have depth and skill returning. We do find it interesting there has been no announcement by Max Hairston on going to the NFL yet. Could be come back? Seems unlikely…but if he does the already talented room could be one of the best in the SEC. If UK does bring in a player, expect it to add depth to a room that has a good amount of that already.
Interior Line – With Silver gone, this is a position of needed depth. UK should return Gilbert, Hayes and Saunders so there is experience there. We are sure UK is working on guys. No one close enough to feel comfortable commenting on.
Interior Line Update – Wyoming transfer Jaden Williams, a 6’4 290 pound sophomore transfer DT will be visiting UK this weekend.
