Football Season Preview
Imagine
by Larry Vaught
a Kentucky football season where most UK fans feel eight wins is the minimum number of victories that coach Mark Stoops’ team should have this season — something the Cats have managed to do only six times since 1951. Of course, two of those came in 2018 (10-3) and 2019 (8-5). The excitement going into this season is evident across the Bluegrass and inside the Kentucky football team. Coaches, players and fans have a quiet confidence about what can happen this season. What has created that optimism? Here are a few reasons to consider: • Chris Rodriguez led the Cats in rushing with 785 yards and 11 touchdowns last season in nine games. He led the SEC in yards per attempt (6.6) last season and is on several preseason award watch lists as the nation’s top running back. • Darian Kinnard was an All-American right tackle in 2020 who is making the move to left tackle. He’s being projected as a potential NFL first-round draft pick, especially with the versatility he’s showing moving to left tackle. He’s also on several preseason award lists. • Defensive coordinator Brad White believes being strong up the middle in a 3-4 defense is a must to compete in the SEC. Kentucky lost nose guard Quinton Bohanna to the NFL, but White says Marquan McCall “knows it is his time and is in as good of shape” as he has been at UK.
September 2021 | TOPSinLex.com
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