It was clear in Saturday’s win over UT Martin that Mark Stoops’ Kentucky Wildcats have way more talent than last season.

The Cats displayed dynamic athleticism on both sides of the ball in racking up 656 total yards and 59 points on offense to match a dominant performance by the defense.

Stoops called out a few of his new playmakers and praised their performances Saturday, all while keeping the opponent, circumstances and rate of development in perspective.

“Part of me was relieved that I know there are some playmakers coming up,” Stoops said in his Monday press conference.

Here’s what he had to say about a few of his new toys:

On safety A.J. Stamps, who had a tackle for loss and a spectacular one-handed interception against UT Martin:

He has the ability. He can run. He has great ball skills, as you saw. I think what impresses me most is that comfort level, the instincts he has. Sitting there when you have to read, when you’re in a run‑pass conflict, you’re sitting there reading it, you’re darn near 100% when you’re playing run or playing pass. Those are things that are very difficult to coach, all those minute little points. … We saw a lot of good things when we recruited him. We loved him, had to work hard to get him. There were some good schools that saw that in him, as well. I’m awfully glad we won that battle because he helps us.

On 375-pound true freshman Matt Elam, who played most of the second half:

Matt did some good things.  Just like we’ve been talking about all practice.  How you practice is how you play.  There are times when he was inconsistent, times when he got high, times when he played very well and was dominant and disruptive in there.  Just got to continue to work to get him better.

On defensive back Kendall Randolph, who forced a fumble the Cats would return 89 yards for a touchdown: 

Well, that was the ninth play he played when he came in on the sideline and caused that fumble for a touchdown. He has great energy. He plays fast. He’s fearless. We need to get him in the mix.

On Blake Bone, who took a screen pass 29 yards for a touchdown in his first career game:

It was very good to see. Sitting there during the game that part of it was fun for me to see plays like that (referring to Bone’s touchdown catch-and-run).

On wide receiver Ryan Timmons, who began his sophomore season with a team-high three catches for 75 yards:

Timmons was very good with the ball in his hands. Again, we have to continue to work with him when he doesn’t have the ball on blocking and things like that.

On redshirt freshman Kyle Meadows, who filled in at right tackle in his first career game with Darrian Miller suspended:

I was impressed with Kyle. Kyle did a nice job. He was assignment-sharp for a young guy. That was important because we know he’s a talented guy. A little bit inexperienced obviously making his first start. But he was assignment-sharp, which was an area we were a little concerned about with him.