Kentucky's quarterback room is a lot healthier now than it was during the 2020 season.

There are many reasons for that.

Terry Wilson is returning to health. Sawyer Smith has already healed up. And there's also redshirt freshman Nik Scalzo, who spent his true freshman season getting back into playing condition.

Scalzo, No. 16, is next up in our CI Roster Rundown series.

Background: Cats Illustrated first had the opportunity to watch Scalzo throw at a Kentucky summer camp a couple of years ago and in time he ended up verbally committing to the Wildcats. Amani Gilmore was UK's other quarterback signee from the 2019 class, but he recently announced a transfer to North Texas. When Scalzo picked Kentucky the Wildcats were on a bit of a hot streak recruiting in South Florida which had spanned a couple of classes, led by Eddie Gran.

While Scalzo's size was a knock on him as a prospect, Kentucky liked his ability to move around in the pocket and his accuracy. As a high three-star prospect he came with some pedigree as well.

Scalzo hasn't had the best injury luck in recent years with knee troubles his senior year of high school and then a torn ACL during camp before the 2019 Kentucky season.

His high school career was very impressive both in terms of stats, accolades (first team all-state), and winning.

2020 Outlook: Interestingly enough, Darin Hinshaw told Cats Illustrated this offseason that Scalzo probably would have played in live game action for Kentucky last year if he hadn't been injured. Some of that was due to the wreckage on the depth chart, but it probably also says something about how the coaches felt about him coming in and in the limited practice action he had.

Scalzo returns to a program with a lot more competition at quarterback than existed before Lynn Bowden assumed the job behind center. He won't be expected to be the starter this season but will be vying for a spot on the depth chart with players like Smith, Joey Gatewood, and Beau Allen.

The most important thing for Scalzo this season will be to be durable and build up his strength in his leg since he has suffered the same injury twice. That's the reason the coaches have been bringing him along slowly. If he can do that and continue to work then his time could eventually come.