Photo by Jacob Noger - UK Football
Kentucky’s receivers have to be anxious to start this season Saturday at Auburn. The Cats won eight games last year but receivers did not get a chance to make a lot of big plays after starting quarterback Terry Wilson went out with an injury in game two and receiver Lynn Bowden turned into a running quarterback.
“I feel good about where they are at,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said Thursday when I asked him about the receivers. “They are hungry and want to help. They want to prove their worth to their teammates.
“They know it is challenging and we will be playing a great defense. But they are very hungry and motivated and I am excited for them.”
Stoops said UK’s receivers must continue to develop and make competitive catches on 50-50 balls.
“I feel like our guys have worked really hard and are very competitive and want to take it to another level. They were all for doing the things that were necessary to help us win football games a year ago. They were all in. They bought in and I’m so grateful for that, however, they’ve worked hard and want to get the ball in their hands this season,” Stoops said.
“We have to create space. We have to get guys open. You have to work leverage and the quarterback has to throw it in small windows. We play 10 SEC games and I can promise you you’re not going to see that stuff where there is green grass all over the place, easy throws and guys running wide open. We’re not going to see that.”
Guess who else feels good about the receivers? Wilson.
“They look perfect. They look fine,” Wilson, has not taken a hit since the first half of game two in 2019, said. “We are still working and getting the rust off.
“I think they are going to do fine in the game. We are all excited to get out there. They are ready, confident and just going to prove it on Saturday.”
Offensvie coordinator Eddie Gran noted earlier this week that freshmen receivers Izayah Cummings and Tae Tae Crumes, both of Louisville, had a “tough camp” because so many things were put into the offense.
“That made it harder for those guys. It was tough on both of them. We are trying to develop and get them to where they can play by midseason,” Gran said.
With so many returning starters back off last year’s 8-5 team, Stoops should have a good idea about what to expect Saturday. Or does he?
“Certainly as I mention each and every year the first game is a bit different,” Stoops said. “You think you know what you have in your football team but you have to prove it and go out and do it.
“When you are playing such a quality opponent on the road there is no room for error. But it is always a question mark rolling into the season for the first game.”
