The Kentucky Wildcats’ 2019 season opener against the Toledo Rockets is just 11 days away, and there is still a lot of work to be done on the practice field for a team looking to build off their 10-win 2018 season.
On Tuesday, part of the Cats practice was open to the media, and afterward, head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Eddie Gran discussed several topics.
News and Notes:
Nik Scalzo needs knee surgery:
Freshman quarterback Nik Scalzo tore his ACL in high school but was able to make a full recovery before arriving in Lexington this summer. Unfortunately, that same knee gave him problems again, as he suffered a non-contact injury on Saturday.
Tuesday Stoops delivered the bad news that Scalzo will again need knee surgery. He did not provide a timetable for return.
Stoops on Scalzo. pic.twitter.com/eMF5dpcEfF
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) August 20, 2019
“Disappointed for him, Stoops said. “He’s worked extremely hard to come back as fast as he did from the first surgery to be cleared, to be out here and participate and he’s doing a heck of a job and really feel for him.”
Lynn Bowden taking reps at quarterback
There’s little doubt Lynn Bowden is among the elite playmakers in the SEC. In high school, Bowden played quarterback but has shifted into a receiver role at Kentucky that’s brought him a bunch of success.
This season, however, we may see Bowden getting some throws. He took several reps at quarterback, including throwing a handful of deep balls.
“You want to try to get a guy who can make plays the ball anyway that we can,” Gran said of having Bowden throw in practice.
Lynn Bowden throwing here but not with success as he was picked off by Stanley Garner pic.twitter.com/01wJ9LZHtI
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) August 20, 2019
Allen Dailey and B.J. Alexander emerging as potential options at receiver
Everyone knows Bowden is Kentucky’s top receiver, but many don’t know who will be Terry Wilson’s second go-to wide receiver. Two names are starting to emerge as potential options for that role in Allen Dailey Jr. and B.J. Alexander.
On Dailey coach, Gran said, “Every time you turn the film on, he’s doing the right things and making the tough catches, and today, he had a heck of a practice.”
As for Alexander, Gran said “We’d love to get him in first game, but if he doesn’t, he can’t be discouraged, because he’s one of those guys who can be sneaky when we get ready to go, because he’s gaining confidence every day.”
Wilson connects with Allen Dailey here. Eddie Gran said Dailey has quietly had a great camp and mentioned he always likes what he’s seeing from him on film. pic.twitter.com/3RXDx3HFMI
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) August 20, 2019
Now here’s a recap of everything Stoops and Gran had to say via UK Athletics:
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