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Under new management this year, the Kentucky Wildcats enter 2013 after a 7-6 2012 campaign and a bowl loss to Washington in which the Wildcat defense was hit hard.
Head coach, Joker Philips emphasized his focus on defensive recruiting for the upcoming season as by the time the defense fell apart, many of the offensive recruits had already committed, eating up spots that could have been reserved for defenders.
"We want to focus on high character, high quality recruits. We have a profile that we look for and when we find an athlete that fits that profile, we don't hold anything back," said Philips.
The Wildcats enter the season with Max Smith as the leading quarterback heading into the season. The backfield will be filled with talent as senior Raymond Williams, Junior Jonathan George and Junior Josh Clemons will fight for carries. Injuries the previous few years have given each an opportunity to show their talent and this is by far the deepest position for the Wildcats. The loss of senior La'Rod King (who spent most of the season last year hurt), opens up the WR position. Incoming freshmen Ron Robinson, Bryson Bennett and Jason Mason figure to get plenty of snaps as the OC Randy Sanders looks to open up the playbook a bit to go with a more spread look.
"Yeah, since we're obviously thin at WR, we want to get those guys experience as quickly as possible and we're hoping that'll open up some running lanes for our backs."
The offensive line returns 2 seniors, 2 juniors and a sophomore anchored by senior center Sam Simpson.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats lost a lot on the defensive line and will see freshmen starting at DE. DT will have plenty of experience as 3 Seniors will rotate formation packages. The linebacking corp is young and inexperienced as is the secondary. Two freshman kickers will also be under the gun.
But Philips remains positive.
"We're young, but we feel the talent level and speed can keep up with the rest of the SEC. The great thing about youth is the learning curve. Hopefully, these guys can get us going early and show us they can compete at the top level of college football."
Head coach, Joker Philips emphasized his focus on defensive recruiting for the upcoming season as by the time the defense fell apart, many of the offensive recruits had already committed, eating up spots that could have been reserved for defenders.
"We want to focus on high character, high quality recruits. We have a profile that we look for and when we find an athlete that fits that profile, we don't hold anything back," said Philips.
The Wildcats enter the season with Max Smith as the leading quarterback heading into the season. The backfield will be filled with talent as senior Raymond Williams, Junior Jonathan George and Junior Josh Clemons will fight for carries. Injuries the previous few years have given each an opportunity to show their talent and this is by far the deepest position for the Wildcats. The loss of senior La'Rod King (who spent most of the season last year hurt), opens up the WR position. Incoming freshmen Ron Robinson, Bryson Bennett and Jason Mason figure to get plenty of snaps as the OC Randy Sanders looks to open up the playbook a bit to go with a more spread look.
"Yeah, since we're obviously thin at WR, we want to get those guys experience as quickly as possible and we're hoping that'll open up some running lanes for our backs."
The offensive line returns 2 seniors, 2 juniors and a sophomore anchored by senior center Sam Simpson.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats lost a lot on the defensive line and will see freshmen starting at DE. DT will have plenty of experience as 3 Seniors will rotate formation packages. The linebacking corp is young and inexperienced as is the secondary. Two freshman kickers will also be under the gun.
But Philips remains positive.
"We're young, but we feel the talent level and speed can keep up with the rest of the SEC. The great thing about youth is the learning curve. Hopefully, these guys can get us going early and show us they can compete at the top level of college football."
