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New UK OC Eddie Gran talks QB competition, offense installation
By Nick Cole
Published:
New Kentucky offensive coordinator Eddie Gran did not name a starting quarterback during his media session on Thursday.
But he sure had some nice things to say about competition front-runner Drew Barker.
Gran says Barker "wants to be great" and "locked in" and "has a chance to be a really good QB in this league." https://t.co/XScdhYdd7Y
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 7, 2016
GRAN: Today, I thought Drew made some steps. He is looking more comfortable in the pocket. He hit a couple of check downs in the redzone.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 7, 2016
GRAN: (Drew) is getting pushed by Stephen, whichi is a great thing. Good to see those guys in competition.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 7, 2016
While it sure does sound like Gran is leaning towards Barker over Stephen Johnson at this point in the spring, he did indicate that Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops will be the ultimate decision-maker at the position:
On whether or not a starting QB should be named by summer, Eddie Gran said he will leave that decision to Stoops.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) April 7, 2016
Quarterbacks aside, Wildcats fans are anxious to see Gran’s approach to the offense at the spring game on April 16.
Gran did offer some addition insights about how things are going on that side of the ball during the session. Here are the highlights:
All install is done as of today, Gran said. Now they're stressing fundamentals, consistency.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) April 7, 2016
GRAN: Fundamentals and technique. We have to get better at finishing. Getting tougher and executing.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 7, 2016
GRAN: (Jojo) started out really well the first couple of weeks. Then he got hurt. He tweaked his hamstring a little bit. He showed toughness
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 7, 2016
GRAN: Moving (Big George) inside the guard is huge. He is someone who can be really good for us. It is good for him too.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 7, 2016
Tempo not where Gran wants it to be, but he said it was good in the two-minute drill. Tempo was good there.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) April 7, 2016
Gran says JUCO OT Leavitt has been "inconsistent, kind of up and down." But not athleticism issues, just knowledge. https://t.co/XScdhYdd7Y
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 7, 2016
Eddie Gran said he's comfortable playing true freshmen offensive line.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) April 7, 2016
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
