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Here’s a look at Kentucky’s projected lineup for 2014.
OFFENSE
QB: Patrick Towles (RJr.): Head coach Mark Stoops said that the best quarterback will earn the starting job this offseason. But all signs indicate that Towles, who assumed the role of starting quarterback all season, will reclaim his title. The redshirt sophomore was fifth in the SEC in passing yards, but faced inconsistency in 2014.
RB: Stanley “Boom” Williams (So.): Williams enjoyed a breakout freshman season as Kentucky’s leading rusher. In 2015, the sophomore must carry the load as the Wildcats feature back for the team to have a shot at respectability.
FB: Jeff Witthuhn (So.)
WR1: Ryan Timmons (Jr.): Timmons led Kentucky with 536 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 45 receptions. As a junior, Timmons must continue his development and provide the Wildcats with a solid No. 1 option at receiver.
WR2: Joey Herrick (Sr.)
TE: Greg Hart (RSo.) or C.J. Conrad (Fr.): Former Nebraska tight end Greg Hart decided to transfer to Kentucky in December. He is expected to receive a hardship waiver, granting him eligibility for the 2015 season. Conrad is Kentucky’s top prospect and could see solid playing time as a freshman.
LT: Kyle Meadows (RSo.)
LG: Zach West (Sr.)
C: Jon Toth (Jr.)
RG: Ramsey Meyers (RSo.)
RT: Jordan Swindle
DEFENSE
DE/LB: Jason Hatcher (Jr.)
DT: Melvin Lewis (Jr.)
DT: Matt Elam (So.): Elam was Kentucky’s top prospect entering the 2014 season. He has the potential to be a dominant SEC defensive tackle, but needs to prove he has the endurance to play in an expanded role.
DE: Jabari Johnson (Sr.) or Farrington Huguenin (Sr.)
DE/LB: Khalid Henderson (Sr.)
MLB: Josh Forrest (Sr.): Forrest led the Wildcats with 110 tackles in 2014. In the absence of Bud Dupree, Forrest must take the reins as Kentucky’s defensive leader.
WLB: Ryan Flannigan (Sr.)
NICKEL: Blake McClain (Jr.)
CB: Fred Tiller (Sr.)
CB: Cody Quinn (Sr.)
S: Marcus McWilson (Jr.): McWilson saw solid production sharing playing time with Ashley Lowery. His role should expand in 2015 with Lowery’s departure.
S: A.J. Stamps (Sr.)
P: Landon Foster (Sr.)
K: Austin MacGinnis (So.)
H: Jared Leet (Sr.)
SNAP: Kelly Mason (Jr.)
KR: Braylon Heard (Sr.) or Mikel Horton (So.): With Williams taking the bulk of carries, either Heard or Horton should assume the role of kick returner.
PR: Ryan Timmons
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
