MOCK DEPTH CHART: What Kentucky's spring offensive two-deep could look like
At the end of spring practice, just a few months from now, UK is likely to release a depth chart.
It won't lock the coaches into anything, but it will be a good indicator of who has impressed the coaches to date.
Cats Illustrated projects Kentucky's spring depth chart in this way-too-early feature that's informed by what's happened, what's been said and what we're hearing.
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QUARTERBACK
1 - Stephen Johnson, Sr.
2 - Gunnar Hoak, RS-Fr.
Notes: This isn't to say that Drew Barker will be unable to play in 2017, but given his recent surgery it's wise to assume that Stephen Johnson will return as the starter and redshirt freshman Gunnar Hoak, who has no such injury issues, will be the primary player backing him up or pushing him for the job. Depending on Barker's rehab and overall health, even if it's Johnson and Hoak in the spring that could change later.
RUNNING BACK
1 - Benny Snell, So.
2a - A.J. Rose, RS-Fr.
2b - Sihiem King, Jr.
Notes: It's safe to say Snell will return as the overwhelming favorite to win the starting position even if Mark Stoops says there's always competition at every position. The big question, and one that we've recently tackled, is who the number two back will be. Rose has the superior physical abilities but King has been in the program a lot longer and has a better grasp of the offense.
WIDE RECEIVER (1)
1 - Jeff Badet, Sr.
2 - Blake Bone, Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER (2)
1 - Garrett Johnson, Sr.
2 - Charles Walker, Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER (3)
1 - Dorian Baker, Sr.
2 - Tavin Richardson, So.
WIDE RECEIVER (4)
1 - Clevan Thomas, Fr.
2 - David Bouvier, Jr.
Notes: Noticeably absent are Kayaune Ross and Jabari Greenwood, but this projection is purely speculation and Kentucky will rotate a lot of receivers, so it's not a stretch to think that those two, with another year under their belts, will see plenty of time, especially with the staff wanting to get them valuable experience for the 2018 season, when a mass exodus of receivers will force them to step up even more. The Clevan Thomas pick is a bit outside the box, but he fits the mold of a slot that Kentucky is looking for. If Kentucky adds Lynn Bowden then two freshmen slot receivers could see significant time in 2017.
TIGHT END
1 - C.J. Conrad, Jr.
2a. - Greg Hart, Sr.
2b. - Justin Rigg, So.
Notes: Will Rigg be eligible for a redshirt? He played in two games this year. Either way, sources raved about him and he could push for time.
LEFT TACKLE
1 - Cole Mosier, Sr.
2 - Landon Young, So.
RIGHT TACKLE
1 - Kyle Meadows, Sr.
2 - George Asafo-Adjei, Jr.
LEFT GUARD
1 - Logan Stenberg, So.
2 - Luke Fortner, RS-Fr.
RIGHT GUARD
1 - Nick Haynes, Sr.
2 - George Asafo-Adjei, Jr.
CENTER
1- Jervontius "Bunchy" Stallings, Jr.
2 - Drake Jackson, RS-Fr.
Notes: Given that Kentucky only loses Jon Toth on the line it seems like it would be relatively easy to project how things will shake out, but there's always some mixing and matching. There will be some points of contention here. Can Landon Young, Kentucky's first five-star recruit in the Rivals.com era, unseat senior Cole Mosier? The latter didn't do anything to jeopardize his starting spot this year, but Young could very well improve a lot between his first and second year, considering he didn't benefit from early enrollment. Asafo-Adjei will continue to provide valuable depth at both the tackle and guard positions. Tate Leavitt didn't play as he was expected to this year but a good offseason could shake up the tackle position and help him get time somewhere there.