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To judge what kind of rebuilding task Mark Stoops still faces at Kentucky, consider that he says he only has athletes at two positions — defensive end and running back — that have legitimate Southeastern Conference talent and depth.
His two best defensive players — Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith — both play defensive end. They are backed up by sophomore Jason Hatcher, one of UK’s top 2013 recruits.
At running back, Kentucky has Nebraska transfer Braylon Heard and sophomore JoJo Kemp, UK’s best runner last year despite being slowed by bone spurs, at the top of the depth chart with veteran Josh Clemons and true freshmen Boom Williams and Mikel Horton also both expected to play this year.
“I would say D-end and running back I feel good about,” said Stoops Wednesday on the Southeastern Conference coaches teleconference. “Outside of that, we are not there yet.
“It is not fun to be thin at any position. It hurts you in so many ways with how long you can practice, how physical you can be in practice. It slows the development of your program when not deep enough.”
That’s why any progress UK makes this year after back-to-back 2-10 seasons might be a result of Dupree and Smith turning down a chance to enter the NFL draft after last year to return to Kentucky.
“It’s really important for those two to come back. As I said a lot through the off‑season, leadership is the first thing that jumps out at you. But also confidence. Our players see those guys out there, they make plays, are consistent, they’re always there. They’re great to have,” Stoops said.
“I’m pretty tight with my compliments. You know that over the course of the year and a half. I’m really conservative when it comes to complimenting guys until they’ve proved it and earned it. I probably haven’t complimented those guys enough, to be honest with you. They are tremendous football players, great leaders. They’re going to be great pros.
“I’d be very shocked if Bud was not a first‑round draft pick. He’s got to play his way into it, have the opportunity to be a high pick. I truly believe that. I’ve been around a lot of great ones. A lot of linebackers recently at Florida State. Za’Darius the same thing. He could have gone a year ago, a little lower, but has a chance to play himself up into a high draft pick. First couple rounds. They’re both very talented. But Bud is special. He has that ability to play standing up. Put his hand in the dirt. He’s a pass‑rusher. He’s got instincts. With everybody going to a lot of the 3‑4 things, outside backers, versatility, he’s a very good player.”
Stoops said he often doesn’t praise Dupree enough because the senior doesn’t need the praise.
“He comes to work every day. He loves being here. If he was worried about that, he would have left a year ago. He wanted to come back, play himself up into a high pick. He wanted to lead this team. He had unfinished business. I love everything about him, the way he goes about his business. He’s not worried about anything except getting better this year,” Stoops said.
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