University of Kentucky Head Coach Mark Stoops enters his third year in Lexington hoping to continue the growth of the program.
In his first season the Wildcats were 2-10 and last year they improved to 5-7.
“I feel like we learned a lot of valuable lessons,” Stoops said during the Southeastern Conference media days. “As we move forward, we’ve worked extremely hard to make Kentucky relevant in the SEC East.”
“We really feel like we put ourselves in a position to do just that,” Stoops continued. “A year ago, I talked about the excitement with the approval and the funding to move forward with some renovations. Happy to tell you that we’re full steam ahead with those renovations. Commonwealth Stadium is in full gear. People are working 24/7 to get that stadium done. We’re excited to open Sept. 5th against Louisiana-Lafayette.”
The are seven starters back on both sides of the ball with junior quarterback Patrick Towles is expected to lead the offense. Towles was 225-of-393 for 2,718 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior Ryan Timmons is the top returning receiver back after catching 45 passes last fall for 486 yards and a pair of scores. Senior Jordan Swindle and Jon Toth anchor the offensive line.
A. J. Stamps
Senior linebacker Josh Forrest was All-SEC Third Team last season as he led the defense with 110 tackles. Classmate A.J. Stamps added 56 tackles and a team-high four interceptions.
The Wildcats are ready for the next step with a winning season. Kentucky began 2014 with a 5-1 record, but finished with six straight losses.
“By the way the season ended last year, and the way we were playing, we’re using that as motivation,” Stamps said. “That adds hunger to the hunger we already have to go out and prove to the world that we are capable of winning games.”
Stamps understands what is need to make Kentucky a factor in the conference.
“Really, just being more disciplined is what it’s going to take,” the safety said. “Making sure we’re doing all the things the right way, and not bypassing those things. Just bringing younger guys in, and showing film, and guiding them in the right direction. Letting them know that they could have an immediate impact this season.”
After opening the season at home, the Wildcats begin play in the SEC the following weekend at South Carolina on Sept. 12.
Editor’s note: Quotes, photos and logos courtesy of CollegePressBox.com.