2020 Kentucky Wildcats Preview

CFB Saturdays presents its inaugural team previews. Below you will find our comprehensive 2020 Kentucky Football Preview. (Note all recruiting rankings are based upon 247Sports composite rankings).

A Look Back and a Peek Ahead

In 2019 Kentucky finished the season 8 – 5, ending the season on a four game win streak, including a 37 – 30 win over Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl. The team went 3 -5 in conference play and 1 – 3 on the road. The Wildcats lost starting QB Terry Wilson just two games into the season and struggled to find stability at the position until WR Lynn Bowden Jr. took over in the sixth game of the season. The Wildcats became a run heavy offense with many option concepts to utilize Bowden’s athleticism.

The Wildcats had a strong defensive unit which finished ranked #20 in the country in total yards per game allowed (322.2), #14 in points per game allowed (19.3) and #36 in yards per play (5.26). The defense never allowed more than 30 points in a single game and held seven of their opponents to 20 points or less. The defense gave the team a punchers chance in every game.

The offense on the other hand was not so successful. Kentucky ranked 76th in the nation scoring just 27.2 points per game. The major issue was the injury to QB Terry Wilson which led to the Wildcats ranking 127th in the country in passing yards per game (113.7). The running game was the strength of the offense, largely because of the run threat Bowden brought to the QB position, finishing with 278.7 yards per game ranking 4th in the country behind only the three service academies.

The Wildcats will look to have QB Terry Wilson back from his knee injury in 2020 which should return some balance to the offense. The offense will feature a new WR coach in Jovon Bouknight who spent the 2019 working in the same role at Oregon. On the defensive side, Kentucky replaced DL coach Derrick LeBlanc with former player and support staff member Anwar Stewart. The Wildcats also replaced special teams coach and Dean Hood with former support staff member Frank Buffano. These changes should not be too much of a shake up since there is some familiarity with the new defensive coaches. Bouknight is a rising coach and could end up being an upgrade. Kentucky is also bringing in transfer QB Joey Gatewood from Auburn but his eligibility this year is yet to be determined.

2020 Kentucky Wildcats Preview – Offense

Quarterback

The aforementioned Terry Wilson should be recovered from his knee injury and return to lead the Wildcats offense. Wilson is listed at 6’3″ and 205 lbs and is a true dual threat quarterback. He is an excellent athlete who can run past defenders with his speed or make them miss with his change of direction skills. He displays good arm strength and can deliver the deep ball well and has good zip on shorter passes. He has decent accuracy but needs to be consistent in his mechanics to improve his accuracy more.

In 2018, Wilson played in 13 games and was fairly successful completing 67% of his passes for 1,889 yards and 11 TD. His 7.0 yards per attempt leave something to be desired and suggest the completion percentage may be inflated by shorter easier throws. He also threw 8 interceptions which is concerning when you consider he only had 11 passing touchdowns. Wilson was an excellent running threat gaining 547 yards rushing and 4 TDs while averaging over 4 yards per carry. Keeping in mind sacks count against the quarterback’s rushing stats, it is obvious Wilson is a threat to hurt defenses with his legs.

We have to go by Wilson’s 2018 stats because he only played in 2 games in 2019 against Toledo and Eastern Michigan. It’s difficult to draw any conclusions from that small a sample, we don’t know how much Wilson progressed between his sophomore and junior seasons. Wilson did lead Kentucky to a 10 win season in 2018 and was 2 – 0 as the starter in 2019. He has proven he can lead Kentucky to wins and with some development should be a major asset for the Wildcats in 2020.

Behind Wilson there is some depth but not much proven depth. Sawyer Smith will likely be the backup but he was largely ineffective as the initial replacement for Wilson in 2019. He was injured and only attempted 126 passes but completed less than 50% of them. He had some success in 2018 at Troy but there is a leap in competition level from Troy to Kentucky. True Freshman Beau Allen arrives with some fanfare and was the 18th ranked Pro-style QB in the country in the 2020 class, but the local star will need to learn the offense and adjust to the college game before he is ready to play meaningful snaps. The big wild card is Joey Gatewood, he was a top 50 recruit in the 2018 recruiting class and originally attended Auburn, but lost the starting job to Bo Nix and decided to transfer to Kentucky. If he is eligible in 2020 he could be a difference maker for the Wildcats but it is not yet know if he will be eligible.

2020 Outlook: Wilson will be the starter if he is healthy. If he has progressed in the passing game since the 2018 season, he will give the Wildcats an excellent dual threat option that will spark the offense and create plays for others.

Running Back

Bowden led the team in rushing in 2020 but that was mostly from the quarterback position. Kentucky’s three leading running backs all return in 2020. Junior Asim Rose got the most carries of the running backs rushing for 826 yards and 5.54 yards per carry. Freshman runners Kavosiey Smoke (616 yds, 6.1 ypc) and Christopher Rodriguez Jr (533 yds, 7.51 ypc) were also very effective and had their share of big plays on the ground. The trio was very effective and the three headed monster should continue to make big plays for the Wildcats.

Rose is a tough runner who fights for extra yardage. He is an experienced player who provides leadership along with his production. Smoke is a more explosive player with a low center of gravity and good strength. He is difficult to bring down and picks up his share of long runs. Rodriguez is a muscular runner at 5’11” 224 lbs and has good speed and acceleration. All three are quality backs and Rose will probably be the first one in as he is the most experienced, but the two sophomores may be the more explosive players and will get their share of carries.

Kentucky added three new backs in the 2020 recruiting class 4 star Michael Drennen II, and high 3 stars Jutahn McClain and Torrance Davis. Drennen and McClain are listed as all purpose backs and have a versatile skill set. Both could play out of the slot or the backfield and will be able to see the field in a variety of ways. Davis is committed but has not signed yet, and may have some academic issues preventing him from signing. Barring injury none of the three will be immediately counted on as a running back, but they may see some reps to build depth at the position. Also in the mix will be redshirt freshman Travis Tisdale who only rushed for 57 yards on 5 carries in 2019, but he will likely have to wait his turn as well.

2020 Outlook: Rose will be the starter but he will share reps with Smoke and Rodriguez Jr. Barring injury, those three will get the majority of the reps and lead an again formidable rushing attack for the Wildcats.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

While running back returns a wealth of production, there are no pass catchers returning with more than 250 receiving yards in a season. Part of the problem is the injuries suffered at the QB position in 2019, nonetheless, without seeing what the receivers on the roster can do its hard to feel comfortable relying on them in 2020. Kentucky leading receivers coming back are Josh Ali (233 yds, 3 TDs), Justin Rigg (128 yds), Bryce Oliver (111 yds, 1 TD), and Clevan Thomas Jr. (99 yds, 1 TD).

Ali made some plays in 2019 despite the lack of a consistent passing game. Rigg is a big target at 6’6″ 263 lbs and could be used more in the passing game in 2020. Riggs is already a proven blocker and was a big part of the success of the running game in 2019. Beyond that it’s really just a guess, the Wildcats had such a run heavy offense in the 2019 the only thing we can be sure of is the receivers have a lot of practice blocking and should at least be reliable in that regard.

The aforementioned Drennan and McClain are two incoming freshmen could be used as options out of the slot if need be. Earnest Sanders, Kalil Branham and Izayah Cummings are 3 star recruits who could become part of the passing game but will likely not see the field early in the year unless they show out in fall camp. It’s likely that a receiving threat will have to emerge from the returning group of players. The return of Wilson will help the passing game, but the receivers will need to help Wilson as well.

2020 Outlook: Ali and Riggs are likely assured to be starters in 2020 at WR and TE. Behind them it will be a competition to see who compliments Ali and Riggs in 2020. The production of the receivers will be an x factor that could determine how successful the team can be.

Offensive Line

The Wildcats offensive line was a strength in 2019. The line took well to the run the ball all the time offense and really beat up opposing defensive fronts. Four of the five starters return, giving Kentucky continuity going into 2020. Right Tackle Darian Kinnard (#6 OT) was one of the best run blockers in the SEC in 2019 and shows promise as pass blocker. Left tackle Landon Young (#14 OT) was a top 100 recruit coming out of high school and had a strong season in 2019 starting all 13 games. He decided to return to school instead of leaving for the NFL. The two bookend tackles will provide a strong foundation for the offensive line in 2020.

Center Drake Jackson will be a fifth year senior in 2020, he was a top 150 recruit in 2016 and also turned down the opportunity to leave for the NFL. Jackson has started since taking over in 2017 and started every game the last two seasons. His leadership and experience is a valuable asset at the Center position. Senior Luke Fortner will also return, he has a ton of experience and is a versatile player that can play either guard position. The lone opening is at Left Guard where Logan Stenberg has moved on the NFL (4th round pick of the Detroit Lions). The Wildcats will have several options to fill the opening in 2020.

The competition will likely be between 4 star JuCo commit Jeremy Flax, and sophomore Kenneth Horsey. Flax is a talented prospect but has not been at Kentucky the last two seasons like Horsey has. Although Horsey has not played much yet, he has practiced with the team for two years and is familiar with the schemes. Horsey has a leg up right now but the Wildcats have options in case he cannot hold on to the position. In addition to Flax another player who could play guard is sophomore Quintin Wilson.

It is difficult for true freshman to contribute on the offensive line, but 4 star recruit John Young is a talented prospect who may get some reps in mop up duty. Young enrolled early, but did not get the full advantage of that early enrollment as Co-Vid 19 has shut down football activities across the country. The other newcomer we expect to have a shot to contribute is Flax, as he is a JuCo transfer and has experience playing at the junior college level. Maybe if the guards struggle Young may find his way on the field, but it is more likely one of the three mentioned above takes the job and runs with it.

2020 Outlook: The offensive line will be a position of strength for the Wildcats, the continuity cannot be overstated and the returning players are talented blockers. The line will lead a strong Kentucky run game in 2020, and help ease Wilson’s transition back onto the field.

2020 Kentucky Wildcats Preview – Defense

Defensive Line

The Wildcats were strong on the defensive front in 2019 and return most of the main contributors in 2020. The two departures are DE Calvin Taylor Jr (9.5 TFL and 3 FF) and DE TJ Carter (6 TFL). Both were contributors for Kentucky but neither is irreplaceable and the Wildcats have many experienced options to replace them.

At nose tackle the Wildcats return senior Quinton Bohanna (3 TFL) and junior Marquan McCall (4 TFL). Both players weigh in at over 350 lbs and were the main contributors at nose tackle in 2019. Bohanna and McCall are good athletes for their size and are more than just space eaters. At the three technique Phil Hoskins (3.5 TFL in 2018) was granted an extra year of eligibilty after missing the entire 2019 season with an injury. Hoskins played well in 2018 and the Wildcats are hopeful he can make up for lost time in 2020. Hoskins will be backed up by Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald, a physical specimen at 6’6″ 290 lbs, who was a reserve in 2019 but should continue to develop into a more impactful player.

Junior, Josh Paschal (6’3″ 284 lbs) will be the starter at strong side defensive end. He played at the Jack position for Kentucky in 2019 which is designed for more for a hybrid end/LB who can rush the passer, Paschal is more suited for the strong side end position but still managed 9.5 tackles for loss in 2019. Paschal is an athletic and versatile player who has good strength and quickness. He will be a leader on the defensive line for the Wildcats in 2020. Senior Kordell Looney (6’3″ 292 lbs) will be the primary reserve on the strong side. Looney played as a reserve in 2019 tallying 2 TFL and 2 FF in 2019. Looney is an experienced player who provides good depth.

At the aforementioned Jack position, junior Jordan Wright (6’5″ 242 lbs) emerged as the year went on collecting 4 of his 6 tackles for loss in the final six games of the season. He will be looked at to provide a consistent pass rush in 2020. His primary backup will likely be JJ Weaver (6’5″ 237 lbs) who played in three games (1 TFL) while red-shirting in 2019. The duo has the speed and acceleration Kentucky likes at the position which combined with Paschal’s move to the strong side should help improve the pass rush in 2020.

There are many young players trying to crack the rotation on the D line at Kentucky. There is not much playing time available but in case of injury one of them maybe called upon. One of the options is red-shirt freshmen, defensive tackle Isaiah Gibson (6’3″ 300 lbs) a high 3 star recruit in 2019. Two much heralded true freshman will also vie for playing time in 2020. Tackle Justin Rogers (6’2″ 311 lbs) is a Top 60 recruit out of Michigan and the crown jewel of the 2020 class. He is a strong interior player with good quickness, with some experience he will be a valuable contributor for the Wildcats. Samuel Anaele (6’4″ 243 lbs) is also a 4 star recruit at defensive end who enrolled early and will be counted on in the near future.

2020 Outlook: The defensive line has good proven depth and will be a strength of the team in 2020. Paschal and Wright will be a good combination at end, while the tackles are stout with good depth to boot.

Linebacker

The linebacker group will also return most of it’s production from 2019. Kash Daniel is the major departure from the group. He was third on the team with 58 tackles 4 tackles for loss and 1 interception. Despite his departure there will be a strong returning group of linebackers in 2020.

DeAndre Square (6’1″ 217 lbs) will be a junior and will start at one outside linebacker. The speedy Square made 69 tackles had 4 tackles for loss and 1 interception in 2019. He should continue his growth and be a leader for the defense. Chris Oats (6’3″ 227 lbs) will also be a junior starter at middle linebacker, he compiled 46 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2019. He is a good athlete that can run sideline to sideline. The staff is expecting him to grow into a full time starter as a junior and provide high quality play in 2020. Jamar Watson (6’3″ 242 lbs) will start on the outside as well, he also performed well in 2019 racking up 11.5 tackles for loss on his 36 tackles. He will be a senior leader in 2020. He is a good pass rusher from the backer spot and will be counted on to continue his strong play.

The reserves will be led by Jamin Davis (6’4″ 224 lbs) who was 9th on the team in 2019 with 32 tackles. The junior will be a key depth piece to get guys a rest or if there is an injury to one of the starters. He is the most experienced of the reserves but there is talent available. Sophomore Xavier Peters (6’4″ 235 lbs) was once a 4 star recruit who transferred in last year. He has physical tools but has yet to put it together on the field, he played in only four games last year allowing him to red-shirt in 2019. Marquez Bembry (6’3″ 217 lbs) also played sparingly in 2019 but will hav an opportunity as a junior in 2020. One player to keep an eye on is red-shirt freshman Jared Casey (6’3″ 232), the former 4 star recruit only played in three games in 2019. He has the talent to be an impact player at Kentucky and should see more time as a reserve in 2020, setting him up to be a key contributor going forward.

Most of the players at linebacker are young and there was not a great need at the position in the 2020 recruiting class. Kentucky did sign 3 star D’Eryk Jackson, but we do not expect him to play a major role in 2020. There won’t be enough reps to go around with all of the players ahead of him on the roster.

2020 Outlook: Square, Oats and Watson will lead a solid experienced group in 2020. Davis will play a good amount as well, providing good depth. The group needs one of the four to take the next step and become a star to be truly great, but overall will be a good group.

Defensive Backs

Continuity is a theme for the Wildcats defense in 2020. At defensive back there is only one departure from last seasons starting group. Safety Jordan Griffin exhausted his eligibility and will no longer be roaming the secondary for the Wildcats. On the other hand nickle-back Davonte Robinson will return from injury and should bring stability to the position in 2020. Kentucky’s pass defense was good in 2019 but Robinson was missed as the nickle defender.

The outside corner spot will bring some intrigue going into the 2020 season. Brandin Echols (5’11” 174) earned the starting spot on one side and played well (54 tackles, 9 pass break ups). He will likely man one outside corner spot. The spot opposite him will likely belong to LSU transfer Kelvin Joseph (6’1″ 195 lbs). Joseph was not eligible in 2019, but is a talented defender who is highly thought of in Lexington. Joseph was a top 50 recruit coming out of high school and should be an impact player in the secondary. Sophomore Jamari Brown (6’1″ 195 lbs) played a lot in 2019 and had 25 tackles and 7 pass break ups. Senior Cedric Dort Jr. was a starter at times during 2019 as well and tallied 16 tackles and 5 pass breakups.

Robinson should return to hold down his nickle position and there is depth available from junior Tyrell Ajian and freshman MJ Devonshire. Devonshire only played in three games in 2019 while red-shirting, but Ajian did accumulate 17 tackles, 1 pass break up and 1 interception. There is a drop off after Robinson, but the cupboard is not bear, and with some progression the position will be a strength for the Wildcats in 2020.

Junior Safety Yusuf Corker (6’0″ 192 lbs) is a leader in the defensive backfield. He led the team with 74 tackles in 2019 and had 4 pass breakups as well. He will be looked at to continue his strong play with the loss of his counterpart Griffin. Senior Quandre Mosely (6’2″ 180 lbs) will likely get the first shot to fill the vacant safety spot. He played in all 13 games in 2019 and recorded 24 tackles and 3 pass break ups. The competition will come for red-shirt freshman Moses Douglas (6’2″ 204 lbs) who only played in three games in 2019 but was a four star recruit signed in the 2019 class. Douglas possesses the physical traits required in a safety and should push Mosely in 2020. Taj Dodson (6’1″ 190 lbs) will provide depth at safety as well.

Like the rest of the defense the backfield is loaded with experienced depth, leaving little playing time for true freshman. 4 star recruit Joel Williams, an athlete from Louisiana, is the most likely to see some playing time. It will likely be in mop up duty to gain experience for the future, but the talented freshman may be able to push his way onto the field.

2020 Outlook: The secondary was a strength in 2019, and there is no reason for that to change. The key contributors are all returning and an influx of talent is joining the fold. The Wildcats’ secondary should lead a strong defense in 2020.

Special Teams

Placekicker Matt Ruffolo will be a senior this coming season. He has limited experience but was 4/5 in 2019 on field goals and 18/20 on extra points. He is at the very least competent. Senior Max Duffy will return as the starting punter, he averaged over 48 yards per punt in 2019and will be expected to continue his strong kicking. Bowden was the primary return man, and it remains to be seen who will take over in that role for the Wildcats. They do have a stable of athletic running backs who may be able to fill in. Talented redshirt freshman Travis Tisdale may see the field in this regard.

2020 Outlook: The punting will be strong with Duffy returning. It remains to be seen if Ruffolo can be an asset in the kicking game. It will be difficult to replace Bowden as a returner but Kentucky does have good options.

Outlook in 2020

It’s hard to project the Wildcats offense in 2020. Last year the attack became very one dimensional due to injuries. The supremely talented Bowden created running lanes for everyone else with his big play ability. Terry Wilson will return, and with him bring some balance to the offense. The Offensive line is experienced and has played well, Wilson should have good protection and the run blocking will be excellent. A stable of experienced and talented running backs will keep the running game rolling. The big question is if the receivers are good enough to help Wilson take the next step as a passer. The offense should be more diverse in 2019, and the threat of a passing attack will add a new element which will lead to better production in 2020.

The defense was very good in 2019 and returns almost all of the key contributors. Replacing only one starter at each level of the defense, the continuity on defense will be a strength. The key additions of transfer Kelvin Joseph and the return of Davonte Robinson and Phil Hoskins from injury will provide an added boost. This defense should be one of the best in the SEC in 2020.

The out of conference schedule is not overly challenging, though the Wildcats do play rival Louisville on the road this year. In conference a crossover match-up at Auburn will be a challenge. The Wildcats also travel to Florida and Tennessee this year, but get Georgia and Mississippi State at home. Kentucky has the defense to stay in any game this season, but if the offense can take a step forward they will be a dangerous team.

We expect Kentucky to win 8 games again in 2020, with a chance to push higher with an improved passing game. The defense and running game will keep the Wildcats in every game. We wouldn’t predict Kentucky to win the SEC East, because we don’t think they are better than Georgia, but if things fell the right way it could happen. Coach Mark Stoops has brought the program to new heights and we expect the Wildcats to continue to grow.

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131109-Z-GN092-247 Image taken by Kentucky National Guard is licensed under CC BY 2.0.