Kentucky Football: Wildcats Release Spring Roster for 2014

I want to give the reader a different set of information than you would normally find with the release of the roster. I hope you find it interesting.

Signing Classes: Players who signed Grant in Aid papers on National Signing Day (NSD)

2010: 7 of 27. All six were red shirts during their UK careers. The rest graduated or left the program

2011: 15 of 25. Some will return next year due to redshirting during their careers

2012: 13 of 26. This class suffered more attrition than any other.

2013: 21 of 23. Two were dismissed before August. Two who did not sign on NSD enrolled in August.

2014: 7 of 29 enrolled in January.

So, 63 of the 95 players were recruited and signed. That leaves 32 transfers and walk-ons who may or may not be on scholarships. From the 2012 class, Austin Sheehan and J.D. Harmon return. Harmon was on scholarship, but I'm not sure if he's earned it back. Transfers from that recruiting class are the Davis twins (Demetrious and Chris) who originally signed with Pittsburgh. I assume they are now or shortly will be on scholarship. Also, Will Tom Collins transferred to UK from Pikeville College from the 2012 recruiting class. Braylon Heard originally signed with Nebraska in 2010 and transferred to UK last year. Tre' Dunn is another 2010 player who has transferred to UK from Campbellsville University. Grant Aumiller (Jordan's brother) also transferred from Campbellsville. A.J Johnson has transferred in from Western Oregon Foothills C.C. and Dylan Greenberg has transferred from Youngstown St.

That leaves 22 walk-ons who may or may not have scholarships in addition to Sheehan. Max Godby, Jared Leet, Rodney Cox, D.J. Warren, Kelly Mason, John Gruenschlager, Jeff Witthuhn, Robbie Irgang, Zane Williams, Tanner Blain, Thaddeus Kazunas, Keron Wakefield, William Mahone, Jerry McCray, John Ballis, David Baumer, Matt Howard, Cole Mosier, Cameron Fogle, Max Strong, Patrick Sermersheim, Miles Thompson all came to campus as walk-ons.

Returning Lettermen (51):

Those who have earned three letters (12): (DT) Mike Douglas, (DE) Alvin Davis, (TE) Ronnie Shields, (LB) Miles Simpson, (LB) Tyler Brause, (DE) Alvin (Bud) Dupree, (S) Ashley Lowery, (S) Eric Dixon, (FB) D.J. Warren, (WR) Demarco Robinson, (OT) Darrian Miller, and (DT) Christian Coleman.

Those who have earned two letters (17): (OG) Teven Eatman-Nared, (LB) Josh Forrest, (QB) Maxwell Smith, (S) Glenn Faulkner, (LS) Kelly Mason, (H) Jared Leet, (OG) John Gruenschlager, (LB) TraVaughn Paschal, (OT) Jordan Swindle, (DE) Farrington Huguenin, (QB) Jalen Whitlow, (CB) Fred Tiller, (WR) A.J. Legree, (S) Daron Blaylock, (P) Landon Foster, (CB) Cody Quinn, (LB) Khalid Henderson, and (OG) Zack West.

Those who have earned one letter (22): (RB) JoJo Kemp, (DE) Jason Hatcher, (WR) Javess Blue, (WR) Jeff Badet, (QB) Patrick Towles, (CB) J.D. Harmon, (S) Marcus McWilson, (WR) Alex Montgomery, (S) Zack Blaylock, (CB) Jaleel Hytche, (CB) Nate Willis, (RB) Josh Clemons, (DB) Blake McClain, (LB) Tre' Dunn, (OT) Shaquille Love, (C/OG) Max Godby, (C.) John Toth, (WR) Rashad Cunningham, (TE) Steven Borden, (WR) Joey Herrick, (DE) Za'Darius Smith, and (WR) Ryan Timmons. Note: Timmons is erroneously listed as a red shirt freshman.

I won't attempt to do a depth chart, but you can look at last year's here and come up with your own. All or most of the 2013 class who were red shirted will most likely see game action this year and so will the 2014 early enrollees with the possible exception of Drew Barker. He could very well wind up as the starting QB before the end of the season. Expect to see plenty of action from Braylon Heard and one, or both, of the Davis brothers since both have 4.3 speed. I believe we'll also see some action from the 2014 class who plan to enroll in August, but they'll have to earn the PT during the fall practice sessions.

I think you'll see a much better team on the field this season because we have more talent, and we'll have more competition in practice. Oh, don't forget the innovative high performance program which Erik Korem brought to Lexington.

I believe Kentucky football is on or near the beginning of something big. It could be this year or it could be next year. It is only a matter of time.