Kentucky Football Notebook (Aug. 6)
Kentucky offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan met the media following Tuesday’s practice, covering a number of topics.
Camp Physicality
Hamdan believes that both the offense and defense have proven to be very physical early in the camp calendar.
“I think so. Obviously, there’s always room to grow but these guys have had a physical camp on both sides of the ball,” Hamdan said. “Certainly, it starts up front. They’re really doing a nice job of taking the next step each day.”
Farrier Continues to Impress
After a big day in front of the fans on Saturday, wide receiver Fred Farrier had a number of impressive catches. The Frankfort native, who transferred to Kentucky from UAB, is someone Hamdan is keeping an eye on. The UK offensive coordinator is not surprised by Farrier because of how hard he is working.
“I don’t know if surprised is the right word. I just think it’s so interesting for so many of these guys, it’s the football part of it, it’s that consistency over intensity day in and day out,” Hamdan said. “Fred is one of those guys that I’m not necessarily mentioning in the media every day. For him, I think he’s just been able to put his head down and go to work for three or four months. And I think he, of all the guys on this offensive roster, is a guy that we have been tremendously proud of for those reasons. His situation may not be exactly what he wants it to be right now but he’s working like the number one guy and, as you know, you’ve got to be ready when you’re number is called.”
Finding Ways for Wimsatt
Owensboro native Gavin Wimsatt transferred to Kentucky from Rutgers in the offseason and has done a lot of good things in practice so far this fall. Hamdan and his staff are trying to work the veteran quarterback into the offensive attack.
“I think, you were able to see during (fan day) practice, some of the things he’s able to do,” Hamdan said. “We think he’s one of the best ball carriers we have as well. So, it’s on us to be creative, making sure it’s a package he can handle but also can handle going in and being the full-time quarterback if needed there. It’s something we’re working on.”
Offensive Staff Looking for Consistency from Anderson
There’s little doubt that Khamari Anderson looks impressive on the field. The tight end has size and speed and looks like someone who could make an impact. Hamdan wants Anderson to have a more even effort.
“Just consistency,” Hamdan said. “He’s one of those guys, he’s got all of the ability in the world. He’s got size, he’s got athleticism. Certainly, at that position, it’s going to take a consistent brand of ball play in and play out but he’s a guy we’re looking to really lean on this year.”
Patterson Quietly Making Presence Felt
Freshman running back Jason Patterson was a highly-rated recruit out of Florida who the Kentucky staff was able to get to Lexington. What has Hamdan seen in Patterson so far in camp?
“I think he’s in that same mold as Fred Farrier. He’s been quiet, continually working,” Hamdan said. “In July, he would be in my office with his pads on just getting catches on these Jugs machines here at about six o’clock at night. That’s a guy who doesn’t say a lot. We always know what those upperclassmen are, the guys we do a lot of media coverage with, but it’s those younger guys who can step in with a little bit less experience that are going to be game changers for us.”
