Josh Ali is UK's top receiver but overall former all-SEC running back Anthony White gives the receivers an F this season. (SEC Photo)
Kentucky’s passing game has been at or near the bottom of the Southeastern Conference this season and has struggled all year to make big plays. Former UK all-SEC running back Anthony White gave out his position group grades during our show on Sunday AM Sports Talk on WLAP. Today we look at how he graded the quarterbacks and receivers.
Quarterback: D.
White says part of the grade is on offensive coordinator Eddie Gran for not letting Terry Wilson and Joey Gatewood develop more.
“I think they hold the ball too much. Throw it up. Even if it gets intercepted, then the receiver knows it was his bad for not fighting harder. We are not taking risks on the RPO (run-pass option). We got to make guys miss one on one. We fumble. I could have given an F but I do not know what Gran is doing to help develop their skills,” White said.
Receiver: F.
“The highest grade I could find was an F. Eddie Gran is responsible for everybody under him getting opportunities,” White said.
White agrees with former UK receivers coach Lamar Thomas who blamed UK’s passing woes on a lack of practice preparation in the passing game.
“They run wrong routes. They run half routes,” White said. “Their is absolute lack of effort at times whether running a route or blocking.”
White said with UK throwing so seldom, he’s not sure how any receiver could not run a route full speed.
“We also don’t show the effort on blocking or receiving. I have not seen anything we are doing to get better. Lot of room for improvement,” White said.
Coming Wednesday: White’s grades for the defensive line and linebackers.
