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By: LONNY DEMAREE
Many of the BBN are looking towards Florida as the first upset of the season and a gateway to a bowl game. A reasonable goal since the Wildcats haven’t defeated the Gators in 28-years and they think the Gators may be a little vulnerable for a tumble. However, why wait until the Florida game for the upset. Though Steve Spurrier said his team will be better this season there is a hanging question over in Gamecock land whether that is a fact. Though on the road we contend they could be had again. Given the history of ‘the old ball coaches’ treatment of UK down through the years why not back up last year’s win with a win in his backyard? Granted the gateway to an unimpeded path to six wins is a home win over Florida but the Cats are looking for a confidence boost. What better way for that boost and opening up the gateway to a really big season?
To facilitate all of the aforementioned there are certain players that have to step up and play big. We have pinpointed nine-players that fit that mold and have shown flashes.
1. Ryan Timmons is an athlete that turn the Kentucky high school football world on their ears. He has battled injuries since the summer after his last high school game. Before he reported to UK he had labrum surgery on his left shoulder. Timmons played most of last season with a bad ankle and the other shoulder that he had surgery on after last season. He now says he healthy and ready to turn the SEC over on their ears.
2. Alexander Montgomery – From a recent film displaying his acrobatics while catching the football he looks to be healthy and ready to be that physical, good hands, receiver offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson wants.
3. Jeff Badet – By most accounts Badet is the fastest receiver on the team. Teammate Thaddeus Snogdgrass was touted to be a very swift player when he was recruited and we ask him who was the fastest between him and Badet. Uncharacteristically Snodgrass said Badet is a tad faster. These are the kind of players that are game breakers.
4. Jordan Swindle – This big guy has been touted for two years and has utilized the services of a sports-psychologist to calm him on the offensive line. Swindle is a big guy that is penciled in at the all-important position of left tackle to protect the quarterback’s blind side.
5. Jabari Johnson – This is another player that came out of Stone Mountain, Georgia with accolades as a player that could play almost anywhere on the field. Johnson has been riddled with injuries most of his career and now healthy. He showed flashes in the latter stages of last season. He is coming up on his senior season and like some seniors in the past he is in line for a big season. The Cats need him to have that season because of the change to the 3-4 defense and the need to lessen the impact of losing Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith at the defensive end position. At 6-foot-1, 275-pounds Johnson is perfect for the jack-linebacker.
6. Jason Hatcher – Like Johnson Hatcher has to perform to fill the Jack position. With Dupree and Smith out of the way the door is open for him to step in and create a shining star for the defense.
7. Fred Tiller – He is one of two cornerbacks coming upon their senior seasons. Tiller and Cody Quinn were thrown to the SEC wolves as true freshmen. And next time perhaps Tiller will catch that interception that last season could have sealed a victory over Florida at Ben-Hill Griffin Stadium. It’s true the staff is depending on freshman help but seniors are all important.
8. J. D. Harmon – Harmon at 6-foot-2, 197-pounds has the size and speed to be a cover corner as well as being physical in run support. He as a junior has the physical maturity as well as the knowledge to make plays from his corner position. As a little known player in the first (2012) Missouri game Harmon’s freshman year he had two interceptions, one a circus catch. As the old adage goes, if you’ve done it once you can do it again.
9. Regie Meant – This is a defensive tackle will size and temperament to be a tough guy for D. J. Eliot’s defense. Meant laid out of spring practice rehabbing an injury but the coaches started singing his praise his first ever practice at UK.
The last four players mentioned are the guys that have their backs to the subtle change UK has made in its seating configuration. The students will be located in the east end zone and have a chance in two-quarters of the game to be very intimidating as the opposing team is driving for a score.
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