Edward Aschoff of ESPN.com’s SEC Blog is running through a series of wrap-ups for each of the conference’s 12 teams, and it was Kentucky’s turn on Tuesday. He provides a complete profile of the team and highlights a few key storylines heading into the fall. The following three things fell under his “Spring answers” category:
1. Finding more playmakers: Coach Joker Phillips feels like he has more firepower to work with on offense again. After struggling mightily to find consistent playmakers on offense in 2011, Phillips left spring with more confidence about players he felt he could rely on going forward. The biggest standout was receiver Demarco Robinson. He became one of the most consistent players at practice and caught nine passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game. Also, freshman receiver Daryl Collins surprised coaches with his playmaking ability. Tight ends Ronnie Shields and Tyler Robinson also stepped up and should help take pressure off of Kentucky’s running game.2. Adjusting to Minter’s defense: Strides were definitely made by Kentucky’s defense in Year 1 with Rick Minter, but it looks like the defense felt even more comfortable in it this spring. While there is still work to do and bodies to replace, Minter has said he sees more aggression and attitude out of this unit. The defensive line also progressed this spring and could finally be the strength of this unit. The goal is for Kentucky’s defense to be a much more physical and tougher group and both Minter and Phillips see it shifting that way.3. Caffey’s move: Kentucky entered the spring trying to replace two starters at cornerback, so the staff moved running back Marcus Caffey there. The experiment appeared to work, as Caffey was one of the more impressive looking players this spring. He caught on quickly at his new position and ended the spring as a starter. He’s also a bigger body and the coaches say he’s very durable. Both will come in handy against bigger receivers in this league.
