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The ultimate roster breakdown

Cats Illustrated provides one final, comprehensive breakdown of where Kentucky's roster and two-deep stands going into its season opener against Southern Miss. We're running down every player on Kentucky's most recent depth chart, including some who aren't there, and summarizing what coaches have said and where things stand now.

Note: Some players who are not included on Kentucky's two-deep will also be included to provide a more comprehensive picture of the Cats' roster given the possibility of injuries and depth chart fluctuation over the course of the season.

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Stephen Johnson (UK Athletics)
Stephen Johnson (UK Athletics)
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QUARTERBACKS
Player Status going into the 2017 season

Stephen Johnson (Sr.)

He's Kentucky's starter after leading the Cats to seven wins in 2016. Mark Stoops has been careful to say that he wants a quarterback competition like he wants competition everywhere, but the job is Johnson's to lose and he probably keeps it so long as the Cats aren't losing games they're supposed to win.

Drew Barker (Jr.)

Barker is fully healthy following surgery to correct back issues that lingered into last season and ended his 2016 campaign. Darin Hinshaw and the coaching staff have spoken highly of his comeback effort. Recently, Stoops said he would like to work Barker into game action but Hinshaw has said that's not something that has been discussed.

Gunnar Hoak (R-Fr.)

After a strong spring game earlier this year Hoak seems to have settled into the No. 3 spot behind Johnson and Barker. Gran has said it's one thing to play well in the spring, or in an exhibition setting, and another thing to do it in a real game. The staff has said they have seen more consistency from Hoak but want to see further improvement.

RELATED: 3-2-1 on the eve of game day

Sihiem King (UK Athletics)
Sihiem King (UK Athletics)
RUNNING BACKS
Player Status going into the 2017 season

Benny Snell (So.)

Snell is in line to pick up significantly more carries in the 2017 season with Boom Williams' departure. The coaches have pretty much just indicated that, throughout the offseason, Snell has performed as they have come to expect he will.

Sihiem King (Jr.)

The question of who will be the second string back seems to be a distant memory with Eddie Gran forcefully naming King the No. 2 back. He might not get as many carries as Williams did when he was part of UK's 1-2 backfield rotation, but King should become a much bigger part of the offense.

A.J. Rose (R-Fr.)

Rose was a popular choice for breakout candidate of the year over the spring and summer but he seems to have lost ground in the battle for playing time. How much time could he see? He can't be written off, but with King as "definitely" the number two and Koback possibly poised to see time, is the writing on the wall?

Bryant Koback (Fr.)

When Mark Stoops recently ran down a list of true freshmen who could see action against USM, Koback was one of the players he mentioned. That raises the question of whether Koback might be in a position to steal the third string running back spot. He's fully healthy following an offseason rehab program and evidently had a strong camp.

Tavin Richardson (UK Athletics)
Tavin Richardson (UK Athletics)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Player Status going into the 2017 season

Garrett Johnson (Sr.)

With Jeff Badet gone and Dorian Baker injured perhaps no receiver needs to step into the role of major, consistent contributor more than Johnson. He's shown flashes, but can he do it week to week? Gran and other coaches have said they will be moving him around to different receiver positions so he's going to be a focal point of the offense.

Kayaune Ross (Sr.)

Everyone around the program seems hopeful than Ross can be a big scoring threat this season because his size and athleticism could present major problems especially in the redzone. Stephen Johnson is reportedly very excited to throw to Ross this year. But how much can be expected of Ross, who will be looking to make his first major contributions this year?

Blake Bone (Sr.)

Bone hasn't lived up to his four-star billing as a recruit yet, but not long ago Mark Stoops said in the springtime he had a candid conversation with the senior receiver and it seems the talk resonated. Still, Bone isn't a clear cut starter and needs to play well to see time in his last year in the program.

Tavin Richardson (So.)

Richardson started the season strong last year against USM and will have an opportunity to play more than ever before as a redshirt sophomore. He's got size and has shown very nice hands at times.

Charles Walker (Sr.)

Walker looked good in the spring game and he could be one of Kentucky's more underrated offensive players. He's listed as the starter at the "Y" ahead of Clevan Thomas but there are freshmen nipping at his heels trying to get on the field.

Clevan Thomas (Fr.)

Mark Stoops has said that Thomas might get on the field before any other true freshman in the program. The coaches have raved about his competitiveness and maturity since he arrived in the spring for an early semester in the program and he should be a regular player in the slot for Kentucky.

Lynn Bowden (Fr.)

There's no doubt that Bowden will see time as a true freshman, but not even the coaches seem to know how many touches he will get. He's listed as the backup to Garrett Johnson at the "F" but with Johnson set to move around that could free up plenty of opportunity for Bowden. He and Walker are the primary return men according to the depth chart, and the Wildcat is still a possibility.

Isaiah Epps (Fr.)

When Epps committed to Kentucky he might have seemed like a project because he was so new to football, relative to many other players. But he has impressed since his arrival this summer and is one of the true freshmen with a chance to take advantage of the void left by Badet and Baker.

Josh Ali (Fr.)

Ali has the kind of explosive, take it to the house ability that Kentucky will be looking for this year and that's one reason he's an intriguing option as Lamar Thomas works to iron out his rotation at receiver. He and Epps are in a similar spot battling for the backup to Richardson at the "Z".

C.J. Conrad (UK Athletics)
C.J. Conrad (UK Athletics)
TIGHT ENDS
Player Status going into the 2017 season

C.J. Conrad (Jr.)

Conrad will be a focal point of the passing game and believes that he and Johnson will have better chemistry this season going into another year with the same offensive system. He should be one of the SEC's better tight ends.

Greg Hart (Sr.)

Hart is one of the team's leaders and beyond that a capable backup who performed well during the preseason. The playbook doesn't change when he's in the game although he is a clear cut No. 2 behind Conrad.

Justin Rigg (So.)

After an injury-shortened freshman season that started with promise, Rigg is healthy and the No. 3 tight end. However, the depth chart could clear out quickly for him in 2018 and 2019, so the coaches might want to work Rigg onto the field for experience whenever they can. He has impressed as a pass catcher but the coaches have said he needs to prove his mettle in a blocking role.

Logan Stenberg (UK Athletics)
Logan Stenberg (UK Athletics)
Table Name
Player Status going into the 2017 season

Kyle Meadows (Sr.)

Meadows has extensive starting experience as Kentucky's right tackle but with Cole Mosier's injury he is now listed as a possible starter at left tackle along with Landon Young. His athleticism and footwork make him a good potential fit here and going into a road opening game John Schlarman may be banking on experience on the left side.

George Asafo-Adjei (Jr.)

Asafo-Adjei has always been used interchangeably as a guard or tackle and it's likely he will see time at both spots in 2017. However, the Mosier injury, which led to Meadows moving to left tackle, has increased the likelihood of Asafo-Adjei playing or even starting at right tackle. Eddie Gran said he was having a strong camp weeks ago.

Landon Young (So.)

Young seemed to be in line to be Mosier's obvious replacement at left tackle but now he's battling with Meadows for the starting position. That may be much ado about nothing, because Schlarman has said both are going to play and Young is going to get plenty of time as part of the rotation.

Naasir Watkins (Fr.)

Watkins has been one of the surprises among the summer arrivals from the 2017 class. The former Good Counsel tackle is in the mix to become part of the rotation after showing up better and more prepared than most expected.

Jervontius Stallings (Jr.)

Stallings has long been considered the replacement for Jon Toth and that is still a likely role for him but now he is listed interchangeably with Haynes as either the starting center or starting right guard. Either way, he will be a mainstay on the interior of Kentucky's offensive line after grading out well in 2016. Center is a natural fit for him but his previous SEC experience has been at guard.

Nick Haynes (Sr.)

Haynes' struggle to maintain his weight with Type 1 diabetes has been well documented and his weight dipped to 260 from a previous high of 320 in the offseason. Schlarman has downplayed the significance of the weight loss, saying his intelligence and experience will serve him well. Pro Football Focus' college operation listed Haynes as a preseason 1st team All-SEC offensive line selection.

Logan Stenberg (So.)

Stenberg was a strong performer especially as a run blocker for Kentucky last season and he returns to hold down the left guard position, where he should see most of the reps as one of the Cats' better offensive linemen.

David Baumer (Jr.)

Baumer was a surprise inclusion on the game week depth chart, showing up as Stenberg's backup at the left guard position. The 6'5, 311-pound junior doesn't have much experience. He saw game action against Charlotte in 2015 but just practiced last year.

Mason Wolfe (So.)

On an earlier depth chart Wolfe showed up as a second string right guard, but the line shuffling has probably bumped him down the line in the rotation. He is likely one of the players Schlarman has referred to as needing to prove he belongs in the rotation, after the first seven or so that have the confidence of the staff. He is listed as the No. 3 right guard, but that could mean he's basically a second teamer with both Stallings and Haynes likely to play a lot between center and guard.

Drake Jackson (R-Fr.)

Jackson appears as the third string center but that says more about Kentucky's depth potential there especially with Stallings and Haynes now listed interchangeably on the top line.

RELATED: Four Downs lists the questions heading into UK's season opener

Matt Elam (UK Athletics)
Matt Elam (UK Athletics)
DEFENSIVE LINE
Player Status going into the 2017 season

Adrian Middleton (Jr.)

Hopes are high that Middleton can emerge as a legitimate top-tier defensive lineman. He's not expected to be an all-conference performer but he might be the best defensive lineman Kentucky has at tackle and he had some nice games in 2016. Derrick LeBlanc has had some nice things to say about Middleton.

Naquez Pringle (Sr.)

Pringle is Kentucky's clear-cut starter at nose guard after a stronger than expected 2016, and he'll be rotating with Elam and perhaps Bohanna at that pivotal spot in the middle up front.

Matt Elam (Sr.)

This is Elam's last opportunity to reverse the underachieving narrative that is an inescapable part of his career summary thus far. He is listed as the No. 2 at nose, so there will be plenty of playing time, but nobody knows how much to expect from Elam this year.

T.J. Carter (So.)

Carter played more than expected during his true freshman season in 2016 and is the listed starter for Kentucky at defensive end. LeBlanc recently said that Carter has practiced and prepared with an impressive level of intensity this offseason.

Kengera Daniel (Jr.)

Daniel probably could have used a redshirt two seasons ago for his long-term development but this year he should be a regular rotation player in the trenches. He starts as the backup to Carter at defensive end. Daniel has made some memorable highlight plays but has not been consistent in his production to date.

Kordell Looney (RS-Fr.)

There was some question as to whether Looney might play as a true freshman last season but he kept his redshirt and is a breakout candidate up front in 2017. He had a strong spring game and the coaches are hopeful he can be a helpful piece as Middleton's primary backup at tackle.

Quinton Bohanna (Fr.)

The coaches have said that Bohanna's playing time will likely be determined by how well Pringle and Elam play. In an ideal scenario he would be eased in and play in favorable situations, sparingly, because the senior nose guards are performing at a high level. But Bohanna was a top freshman performer in the offseason.

Dean Hood with UK linebackers (UK Athletics)
Dean Hood with UK linebackers (UK Athletics)
LINEBACKERS
Player Status going into the 2017 season

Jordan Jones (Jr.)

Jones returns as one of the top tacklers in the nation and a preseason All-SEC pick at linebacker. He's one of Kentucky's stars on defense and he'll be counted on to make a lot of tackles again in 2017.

Denzil Ware (Jr.)

Ware is one of Kentucky's most valuable players when it comes to pressuring the quarterback and he's an All-SEC candidate as well going into his junior season. He's the unquestioned starter at Jack DE/OLB and will be for the next two seasons.

Josh Allen (Jr.)

Allen forced a lot of fumbles and created sacks last season but the coaches have challenged him to focus on the little things as the next step in his improvement. He will need to help provide a continued pass rushing presence for Kentucky to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Courtney Love (Sr.)

Love had a rocky start to last season but seemed to improve after the first part of the year. He ended the year as one of Kentucky's leading tacklers and should be in that position again as a senior and one of Kentucky's respected team leaders.

Kash Daniel (So.)

Daniel started last season as a special teams warrior. He's locked in a battle with Jamar Watson to be Courtney Love's main MLB backup, and subsequently to take over the starting job there next season. The coaches have said the game has started to slow down for Daniel a little bit, and his range of motion has improved on some level as well.

Jamar Watson (R-Fr.)

Watson turned in a very strong spring game and could be in line for a breakout 2017 season. However, he's still battling with Kash Daniel for the No. 2 MLB position behind Courtney Love. His offseason improvement further bolsters Kentucky's already-deep linebacker corps.

Eli Brown (So.)

Brown has put on weight as best as he can, although his size is never going to be an asset, but the coaches love his speed and athleticism and how the whole defense becomes faster when he's in the game. Mark Stoops recently said Brown can play the MIKE position in certain 3rd down sets, which increases the amount of time he'll see this year.

Jordan Bonner (Jr.)

Bonner was a JUCO transfer with three years to play three when he arrived last year, and he played more than some players in those circumstances during 2016. Now with two years remaining he starts the season as Josh Allen's primary backup at strongside linebacker. His length and athleticism guarantee he should again see a fair amount of game action although he's the clear No. 2.

Josh Paschal (Fr.)

Paschal starts the season as the No. 2 Jack DE/OLB behind only Denzil Ware and the coaches have raved about his play ever since he arrived in Lexington over the summer. He could be one of Kentucky's top young performers in 2017 and he will see the field early and often.

Mike Edwards (UK Athletics)
Mike Edwards (UK Athletics)
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Player Status going into the 2017 season

Mike Edwards (Jr.)

Edwards traveled to SEC Media Days in Alabama because Mark Stoops wants him to become more of a team leader, but Edwards is already one of the team's best players and arguably its best. He's a well-rounded, experienced defensive back who can either start at strong safety or lock down the nickel spot when Kendall Randolph isn't playing.

Chris Westry (Jr.)

After a breakout true freshman season in 2015, Westry's sophomore year was quieter in terms of headlines although he was a sure tackler for the most part. He enters 2017 as a very experienced player, in addition to having that rare 6'4 size and length that have always been intriguing. He should be on the field for most of the game.

Derrick Baity (Jr.)

Baity had a breakout sophomore season in 2016 when he was among the SEC's leaders in interceptions and pass breakups. He is a darkhorse contender for All-SEC honors going into 2017 and is one of Kentucky's better performers on defense.

Darius West (Jr.)

West is healthy but given his history of injuries everyone will be wondering how he will hold up in 2017. He started camp as the starter at free safety but is now locked in a battle with Davonte Robinson to keep that spot. The coaches have said he has performed well but needs to develop some parts of his game that were unpolished because of previous missed time.

Davonte Robinson (R-Fr.)

A move to free safety has increased the likelihood that Robinson gets on the field, and maybe a lot, in 2017. He and West are battling for the free safety position. Robinson has impressive side and explosive speed in the secondary and is more mentally prepared to see game time than he was as a true freshman.

Jordan Griffin (So.)

Griffin seems to be living up to his billing in the offseason and preseason, as a former four-star recruit, and Steven Clinkscale has said he's "basically a one" (starter) and will see extensive time at cornerback. Mark Stoops has praised him as a hard worker and a sponge in terms of picking up concepts and learning the game.

Lonnie Johnson (Jr.)

Johnson starts the season as a backup cornerback and he adds more length, leaping ability and athleticism to Kentucky's secondary, although time will tell how much of the defense has mastered.

Kendall Randolph (Sr.)

Randolph has battled some injury issues in the offseason but appears to be ready to go as the starting nickel and backup strong safety. He is an experienced player on the defense and a versatile member of the secondary.

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