What We Learned from the First Kentucky Football Scrimmage of Fall Camp

Wildcats Put Basics to Test in First Scrimmage

Focus on Execution, Injury Report Light

Kentucky's football team held their first preseason scrimmage at Kroger Field Saturday, a closed event for all but friends and family. While the full picture remains behind closed doors, glimpses into the action reveal a team focused on fundamentals and staying healthy.

"We needed to focus on our operation," quarterback Zach Calzada said after the scrimmage. "That was our first time operating under the 15-second cutoff through the headset, so just making sure we’re lined up, ready to go, and practicing some of our tempo, staying ahead of the sticks, and getting the ball out quick, being tough in the run game."

The Wildcats' coaching staff echoed this sentiment, prioritizing a smooth execution over flashy plays. Mark Stoops noted that while the offense successfully marched down the field and scored during the scrimmage, they need to further refine their operation.

On the injury front, things look good for Kentucky. Stoops confirmed a few minor bumps but assured no major injuries occurred during the scrimmage.

Load Management Prevails

Star running backs Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan were noticeably absent from the scrimmage, along with other projected starters. Stoops has made it clear his priority is player health, especially after losing Chip Trayanum for most of last season due to a scrimmage injury.

This cautious approach raises questions about how much these key players will participate in next week's scrimmage.

Tackling Takes Center Stage

Despite the positive aspects of the day, Stoops acknowledged concerns with the run defense, calling it "a little leaky" at times. JQ Hardaway, Kentucky's cornerback, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for more consistent tackling and eliminating missed opportunities.

"We have to do better tackling, getting the ball carrier on the ground," Hardaway said. "The first guy needs to get him to the ground. We shouldn’t have to have two, three guys to get him to the ground."

It's important to note that this scrimmage was the team's first live-tackling session since November, a fact that likely contributed to some initial rustiness.

Kauwe Kicks Goals

Jacob Kauwe, Kentucky's new kicker, showed promise in his debut. He reportedly made all six field goal attempts during special teams drills prior to the scrimmage and added several more conversions during 11-on-11 play.

This strong performance from Kauwe comes after Alex Raynor, Kentucky's record-setting kicker, left the program.

Scoring Success Fuels Optimism

While the defense struggled at times, the offense proved capable of moving the ball and finding the end zone. They successfully navigated various scenarios during the scrimmage, including converting third-down situations and executing a two-minute drive.

This early success in fall camp offers hope for Kentucky's upcoming season.