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2 minute drill: Kentucky can continue building around young playmakers
By Ethan Levine
Published:
The future of the Kentucky football program had a coming-out party in last week’s season opener against UT Martin.
Offensive coordinator Neal Brown wasted no time making use of his new collection of dynamic running backs and receivers, and the result was a 59-point performance built upon 656 total yards of offense.
When Frank Solich’s Ohio Bobcats enter Commonwealth Stadium this afternoon, they’ll be tasked with finding a way to slow those new Wildcats down. Brown won’t hesitate to lean on his freshmen again, especially with tailback Braylon Heard and wideout Javess Blue likely sitting out today’s game with ankle injuries.
Mikel Horton and Boom Williams should see plenty of time at tailback in a rotation with sophomore Jojo Kemp, and UK’s four freshmen receivers should all see the field for the second straight week. Horton rushed for two touchdowns, Williams saw time as a kick returner, and all four wideouts caught passes in last week’s win. One of those receivers, Blake Bone, took a screen pass 29 yards to the house, eluding a crowd of defenders in the process.
The Wildcats can only benefit from the added experience and confidence their freshmen are gaining in these early-season games against teams from outside the power conferences. Look for Kentucky to throw its freshmen on the field early and often, and look for those rookies to make some explosive plays against the Bobcats’ defense.
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
