Post-practice interview with Mark StoopsThe back-and-forth between Kentucky’s two units continued on Wednesday, with the offense bouncing back during what Neal Brown called a “really good, spirited” practice. “Pretty good work today,” head coach Mark Stoops said. “Good energy. Offense responded a little bit. Monday defense got after a little bit. Had good energy. Good enthusiasm. Probably had the upper hand in team drills, today the offense responded a little bit, a little more balanced.”That continues a trend that’s lasted through the week and a half of spring practice with the Wildcats showcasing offseason improvement. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a long road ahead.”I like what I see,” Stoops said. “Guys are working hard and getting better. But like I always say, we have miles to go. But I like their attitude, their energy and their work ethic. We’re improving.”Brown echoed that sentiment, singling out his linemen for praise.”I like the energy we got, especially up front with our offensive line,” Brown said. “We’re starting to get some leadership up there with Jordan Swindle and Darrian Miller and Jon Toth really coming along.”In the backfield, UK got a boost with the return of Jojo Kemp and Braylon Heard. The two running backs have sat out recently with minor injuries, but were back in action on Wednesday.”We’re getting more depth at that position,” Stoops said. “Mikel (Horton) is getting a bunch of work. Josh (Clemons) being back a little bit has been helpful. He’s a tough physical presence in there. It’s been good. We need to get a bunch of guys.”Clemons has been a particularly pleasant surprise after missing each of the last two seasons, the first while rehabbing a knee injury suffered as a freshman and the second after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury in preseason workouts.”I can’t even explain it, really,” Clemons said, asked how much he’s enjoying being back on the field. “I’m just happy to be back out here with the guys and getting better instead of just sitting around watching all the time.”Clemons, however, was doing more than just sitting during the time he missed, working hard in the weight room and making sure his injured knee and ankle are back at full strength. And now, looking much like the player who led UK in rushing through the first six games of his freshman year, Brown says Clemons is an example to his teammates.”Toughness and perseverance, without question,” Brown said. “He really attacked his rehab. He looks better now than any time that I’ve seen him.”If Clemons sustains that form, he could be a valuable piece for an offense that needs as many running backs as possible. For now, he’s excited just to have the chance to compete.”It’s a lot of talent, a lot of talent,” Clemons said. “We’re out there competing each day, pushing each other and we’re getting better as we go.”Neal Brown interview