Gran Likes Depth of UK Offense
The 2020 Kentucky offense returns a number of names that fans will recognize, including quarterback Terry Wilson, running backs A.J. Rose and Kavosiey Smoke, receiver Josh Ali and the Big Blue Wall offensive linemen Luke Fortner, Drake Jackson, Darrian Kinnard and Landon Young.
Those players will be making plays for the UK offense this season without a doubt. But there are a number of others that offensive coordinator Eddie Gran likes and has confidence in as the Cats approach the season opener at Auburn in less than two weeks.
Among the players that Gran singled out after Tuesday’s practice were 6-6, 356-pound freshman Jeremy Flax and 6-1, 294-pound redshirt sophomore Quintin Wilson.
“Jeremy Flax, just here in the last three days, is really coming along. I really like where he’s at right now,” Gran said. “And then Quinitin Wilson, I think we could put him at any time and he can relieve at the center position and guard position so, really been impressed with those guys right now.”
Another offensive lineman who has made a big jump during camp is Belfry, Kentucky, native Austin Dotson.
“Austin has had his best camp since he’s been here,” Gran said. “He’s pass protecting a lot better. He’s one of those guys who has worked his way up to be a guy who will play and play a lot. His technique has really changed. I really love where he’s at.”
A 6-6, 313-pound junior, Dotson is glad to finally have a chance to play, after waiting behind more experienced players.
“I had a lot of really good players in front of me when I got here,” Dotson said. “It just took a while to find my rhythm. It was a whole new style of offense for me. When I finally started figuring it out, I just ran with it and continued to work. I’m going to continue to do that.”
At the skill positions, Gran notes that a few players have been able to make strides as the 2020 season approaches.
“I think one of them would be Demarcus Harris. He’s come on and done a really good job,” Gran said. “Bryce Oliver is one, he’s been working his tail off. JuTahn McClain, he’s a guy that, every day, he brings its. He’s a guy that could be tough to leave off the field. We’ll see how it goes.”
Harris saw some action last season but did not catch a pass. Oliver played in 12 games, catching six passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. McClain is a 5-9 freshman from Fairfield, Ohio, who came to UK as a four-star running back.
While the familiar names on the UK offense will certainly be productive this season, the depth that the team has this season could be important, especially during a 10-game, all-SEC schedule.
