Kentucky Football: Second Scrimmage Update - Quarterback Battle Addressed

Today, some serious news came out of the media availability with Mark Stoops, not all of it good. We'll start with the big news.

It seems that the finalists for QB are Jalen Whitlow and Maxwell Smith, as many assumed. Patrick Towles is your 3rd string QB for this year, and is "open to a redshirt."

Stoops says Towles "fought" and "has been great" and will prepare as No. 3 QB but is open to redshirt.

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) August 20, 2013

Stoops further says that both Smith and Whitlow will play against Western, so there's going to be no official "starter," apparently, but one could get significantly more reps than the other. We don't know who, at this point, will be taking the first series, or how the time will be allocated. That may be clarified later.

Some bad news: Za'Darius Smith's ankle injury, thought to be fairly minor, continues to nag. Cody Quinn is in the exact same situation, and these guys both figure to be needed at their respective positions. Stoops is concerned that neither might be ready for the Western game, which would be a big blow to the defensive depth chart. Other bad news includes center Zach Meyers hobbled with a foot injury. No word on the severity of it yet.

Also, Nate Willis tweaked a hamstring and was out today. He should be able to go for Western, but they don't want to push him too hard.

Stoops declared today's practice to be a "very good" day for the offense. The defense was unable to force a single turnover after having four picks Saturday. Not as happy with the defense, citing missed assignments and missed tackles.

In other good news:

Stoops said juco DL Melvin Lewis is officially with Cats now, but he's missed so much time, no plan for whether he'll see action this year.

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) August 20, 2013

That significantly helps our depth at defensive tackle. Providence giveth, and providence taketh away, apparently. Also:

Stoops also indicated there's a good chance FR WR/ATH Ryan Timmons could be starting in the opener.

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) August 20, 2013

Timmons, the Kentucky product from Franklin County high has excited this staff from day one, and many who have seen him play are extremely excited about what he can do.

Finally:

Stoops said film from today's scrimmage will be the final evaluation as staff assembles depth chart for WKU prep.

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) August 20, 2013

I'm sure there will be more forthcoming from Neal Brown, and we'll get you all that, plus the videos, as soon as possible.

UPDATE:  Kyle Tucker has a full transcript up now at his blog on the C-J website.  The video is just below:

More from A Sea Of Blue:

• Where do the Kentucky Wildcats Stand with Cliff Alexander?
• Kentucky Basketball: James Young Mocks "Haters," Basketball Schedule Released
• Kentucky Wildcats: What Would A Successful Football Season Look Like This Year?
• 2014 SG Devin Booker Sets Official Visit to Check Out the Kentucky Wildcats
• 2014 PG Tyler Ulis Earns a Kentucky Wildcats Offer