Aaron pointed out that there are other key players to watch for the upcoming year as well (at least that is what he told me to say ; )) which when making lists is always the case.
Anyways, here is the next 5 players on offense to watch for the upcoming year.
1. LaRod King-- Why? At times, he looked like he was really coming on with the CATS. In fact a couple of times, it looked like he and Captain Morgan Newton were really on the same page. Look for LaRod to get the nod in 3 receiver sets. The big question, "Will he continue to improve?
2. Sam Simpson-- Why? (Because Aaron said so?) No! Sam is a real talent. The Center position should be one of the most contested positions for the upcoming year. The redshirt year really put Sam in a great place for the future and he will make his mark in UK Lore before he leaves. The big question, "When will his on the field career begin at UK?" If he is not the starter this year, then look for him to start for the '11 season.
3. Matt Smith-- Why? Matt has some on the field experience backing up Big Jorge last year and looks to lay hold of a position that he thinks should be his. If he does not start at Center look for him to be a key backup at an one of the 3 interior line positions. The big question, "How much has he improved this off season?"
4. Anthony Kendrick-- Why? He has redshirted and has a year in the system. Great talent and can catch the ball. He is seen as a player in the Tamme mold which if it is true, he will turn out to be a "Real Player" for UK. The TE competition comes down to him, Ryan Wallace and Alex Smith. The big question, "Can he win the TE battle straight out?"
5. Dave Ulinski-- Why? He has shown that he is a bull in the running game, but the staff seems unsure about him in the passing game. He should play, and play a lot. Wherever he lines up, (either OLT or ORT) he should play a lot. The big question "Has his pass blocking improved enough for him to play OLT in the future?"
**Disclaimer-- we all really know that the real competition on the Offensive Side,this year is at the QB position which should go without saying. The Offensive lists should take that into account and probably be renumbered (yes there are people that are really that touchy about issues such as this)
Really interesting stuff here, Aaron.
ReplyDeleteI think King is potentially one of the biggest surprises on UK's offensive unit. I would not even be shocked if LaRod beats out Chris Matthews for a starting assignment. Right now, Matthews is the better blocker but King is already the better receiver of the two. Although young, LaRod runs great routes and catches everything in his vicinity. He has huge hands and a high football IQ. He's a future SEC star IMO.
Ulinski has a chance to win the starting LT job this spring, but it's an uphill climb. David is big and strong, with a mean streak. He has all the tools to become a great SEC OT. He is already a trememdous drive blocker. David is a prototypical RT, but that starting job has already been sewn up by senior Brad Durham. So David will get a look at LT in a spring competition with Billy Joe Murphy. Murphy is the better pass blocker right now, so David needs a great month of drills in April. David is already a favorite of Joker Phillips. If he can't beat out Murphy in the drills, David will return to RT and be groomed to replace Durham in 2011 after Brad graduates.
Smith and Simpson will compete in April for the starting center job. Both are former all-state HS players in the Commonwealth. Smith has the inside track to the starting job because of more experience. But Smith's advantage isn't overwhelming at this point, because Simpson has the higher performance ceiling in the long run. There have been some rumors that Jake Lanefski could get into the center competition. But Jake underwent reconstructive knee surgery in September, so his contact work will have to be limited in April. Realistically, I think the center competition is between Smith and Simpson. Simpson will need a great month of drills to take it away from Smith.
I do not see Anthony Kendrick as a key offensive performer in 2010, although Kendrick will get his chances. Kendrick is a former WR at Seven Lakes HS. He is being groomed as a "flex receiver". He has good hands, but his lanky body has not filled out yet. He runs pretty well, but is very green. He did not really have a standout redshirt season last fall. My people on campus say Alex Smith and Ryan Wallace will control the TE position in 2010. Joker has talked publicly about Kendrick several times, and this is largely about motivation. They want Anthony to step up and work harder. Because of his length and athleticism, he can become a good D-1 receiver. But I will be pleasantly surprised if he catches ten passes in 2010.
We have not talked about Larry Warford, Donald Russell, and Jon George, all of whom could become key players in 2010. Warford is UK's new starting RG as long as he keeps his weight under control. If he can do that, I think Warford has a chance to become UK's best offensive lineman in two decades. He is another prototypical drive blocker.
Russell had UK's longest run from scrimmage in 2009 (79 yards vs. EKU), but played sparingly as a true freshman. He is a skilled RB with good speed and athleticism. With Alfonso Smith graduated and Moncell Allen practicing at two positions, Russell and George will see significant action. If Derrick Locke continues to prove injury-prone, Russell or George could even see some starts in 2010. George is a former track and wrestling star at Lincoln HS. He is still very green, and his skills are not as developed as Russell's. But Jon's combination of strength and speed has impressed the staff. Neither George nor Russell are jets, but both run very well with good vision and cutback skills at the second level. Both need to improve as pass receivers and blockers, but both can become solid SEC RBs in the years ahead.
Messenger, you rock. Thanks for posting what amounts to another entire article. I really enjoy your thoughts and appreciate the time it must take to compose them!
ReplyDelete