Akeem Hayes (SEC Photo)
Sometimes coaches are proud of players for a lot more than what they do on the field. Kentucky offensive coordinator Eddie Gran is that way about sophomore receiver Akeem Hayes. He does have four catches for 54 yards and a score this year and Gran said it was “nice” to see that progress, but the offensive coordinator is just glad he’s still on the team.
“He had done some things academically that were not up to our standard. Quite honestly, he was on his way out,” Gran said. “He turned it around.”
Gran said Hayes has had a 3.0 grade-point averaged two semesters in a row and has got his “act together” academically. He missed the first four games in 2019 due to his academic work.
“He’s contributing now (on offense). He’s getting better every day,” Gran said. “Everybody wants the ball but if you sow seeds things will pay off. He is starting to get a taste of success which has been really good for the young man.”
Gran does anticipate likely having to throw more against Mississippi State Saturday after the way the Bulldogs stopped the run against LSU and Arkansas.
“They are different schematically than anybody we will see on our schedule. It’s a huge challenge up front,” Gran said. “We are going to have to throw the football against these guys. I do believe that.
“We cannot get behind the chains. That is where they thrive. There is not a play where you do not have movement on that defense.”
Kentucky’s passing game could get a boost if Bryce Oliver, who missed the first two games with an undisclosed injury, is able to play as expected.
“If we get him back and have a vertical threat it certainly helps and helps the confidence of (quarterback) Terry (Wilson),” Gran said.
