3-2-1: Room for optimism, room for improvement

In this week's installment of our new 3-2-1 series Cats Illustrated finds there's plenty of room for both optimism and improvement.

Our format is simple. Three things we've learned, two questions we're asking, and one bold prediction for the week ahead as our grand finale.

1. We were right about the running backs.

Last week our one bold prediction was that the running backs would start to draw praise from the coaches. That happened. Benny Snell, according to our sources, scored a pair of touchdowns in Saturday's scrimmage. Eddie Gran believes he's been of the standouts on offense. Kentucky has fantastic depth at running back and the depth is as good as ever following the revelation that Mikel Horton was back and practicing on Monday following an ankle injury scare over the weekend.

2. The offense is ahead of the defense.

This isn't a shock at all and, in fact, it's been widely expected for many months now. Last year the defense had to carry Kentucky's football team at times. This year, the offense will have to do its share (and maybe more than its share) of the heavy lifting. The offense scored at least seven touchdowns in the scrimmage on Saturday, and while the defense only gave up one explosive play, they wore down and weren't exactly stifling. Whether you're more optimistic about the offense or pessimistic about the defense is totally up to you, but it might say more about your general disposition than anything.

3. Adrian Middleton's starting to step up.

One of our poll questions at the House of Blue in recent days was on this topic: Who will be Kentucky's third-best defensive lineman (behind Matt Elam and Courtney Miggins). All indications now seem to be that it's Adrian Middleton - at least for now. Mark Stoops said Middleton has made big progress recently. Alvonte Bell has done some good things, Stoops also said, but he's got to become more consistent. With Middleton stepping up that could be very good news for a defensive line in need of answers.

1. What will Kentucky's rotation ultimately be at receiver?

This is a safe question, in some respects, because there's no question Kentucky has enough receivers - which is something Kentucky's coaches couldn't have said upon arrival. They have star power, balance and potentially great depth on the outside. It's probably safe to say that Dorian Baker and Garrett Johnson are Drew Barker's top two pass-catching options at receiver. Jeff Badet is just behind those two. It's very likely that Charles Walker will be a big part of the rotation. Ryan Timmons didn't have a lot of passes thrown his way in the scrimmage on Saturday, but the coaches have been high on him.

But what about beyond that? Jabari Greenwood and Tavin Richardson have, evidently, had their ups and downs. They've done well but they've also looked young. Kayaune Ross started a little slower but he scored two touchdowns in the scrimmage and has immense potential.

2. Where's the pass rush going to come from?

There's only been one scrimmage so let's preface this with a disclaimer: This isn't a prediction that there won't be a pass rush. It's just a statement. There's a question as to where it's going to come from. Will Denzil Ware start making big steps forward in camp? Will another Jack step up? Will one of the defensive linemen get better penetration in the next scrimmage? Where's the pressure going to come from?

Landon Young will finish camp strong.

There have been whispers that Young has done some good things lately. He's probably not in a position to unseat Cole Mosier or Kyle Meadows as a starter, at least at the beginning of the year. But he might be moving into the number two spot at left tackle. Don't be surprised if the coaches start talking him up sooner rather than later. Eddie Gran mentioned him in passing last week, and we think he'll continue to be a topic of conversation.