SDS continues its series of predicting the game one starters for all 14 SEC teams. Next up, the Kentucky Wildcats.

Kentucky opens the season at home against UT Martin, and here is our projected starting lineup:

Offense Defense
QB Patrick Towles DE Alvin Dupree
RB Jojo Kemp DT Cory Johnson
WR Javess Blue DT Matt Elam
WR Jeff Badet DE Za’Darius Smith
WR Ryan Timmons OLB TraVaughn Paschal
TE Steven Borden MLB Khalid Henderson
LT Darrian Miller OLB Blake McClain
LG Zach West CB Nate Willis
C Jon Toth CB Fred Tiller
RG Ramsey Meyers SS Ashley Lowery
RT Jordan Swindle FS AJ Stamps

Takeaways:

  • The quarterback battle continues with Patrick Towles, Drew Barker, Max Smith and Reese Phillips, but Towles had the lead entering fall camp. The coaches are staying mum on the position overall.
  • Jojo Kemp and Nebraska transfer Braylon Heard will both play running back, and Heard could easily start game one.
  • The Cats return four of five offensive lineman, and this is a position that has to drastically improve for the offense to make progress.
  • Defensive end is set with Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith, and defensive tackle will be an interesting position to keep an eye on. Freshman Matt Elam could start the first game of the season.

Predicted starters for every SEC team’s first game: