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Posted by eleem (Member # 884) on 01-11-2016, 08:25 PM:

With the start of the Spring Semester at the University of Kentucky, six new students begin their careers as collegiate football players. Before they are introduced to the media, enjoy this intimate look at the two Junior College players and four early high school graduates as they get a head start on SEC football.

Kash Daniel

kashmug

Middle Linebacker

6’1″ 230 lbs.

Paintsville, Ky. (Paintsville)

Chose UK Over: South Carolina, Michigan

Highlights

Kentucky’s Mr. Football had 37 touchdowns and 158 tackles this season for Paintsville before shining at the U.S. Army All-American game. Destined to be a fan favorite, Kash has the nasty intangibles to match his exceptional skills at linebacker. With Josh Forrest, Ryan Flannigan and Khalid Henderson lost to graduation, the middle linebacker position is up for the taking. However, there are a pair of transfers and multiple redshirts that already have a leg up. It takes some time to learn the position, and that’s exactly why he’s here for the spring semester.

Tate Leavitt

tatemug

Left Tackle

6’6″ 300 lbs.

Thornville, Oh. (Sheridan/Hutchinson C.C.)

Chose UK Over: Bama, Georgia, Oklahoma, S. Carolina, UofL

Highlights

The first person to officially sign on in the Class of 2016, Leavitt was one of the most sought after Junior College offensive lineman in the country (#8 JUCO player according to Rivals). Mark Stoops likes what Tate brings on and off the field. “Tate is a prototypical tackle, a complete player,” Stoops said. “Not only is he a great player, but he’s also a difference-maker off the field, with great presence, very confident.”

After having multiple conversations with Tate, I can definitely verify the latter. It’s difficult for me to describe other than by saying, “This guy is the kind of guy you WANT on your offensive line and I totally get why people say he’s going to start at left tackle on Day One.” Sorry for quoting myself, but it felt appropriate.

Under Pressure?

Arriving early usually means playing early. I know plenty of people in the BBN expect to see Drake and Kash early and often, but starting as a true freshman isn’t the normal trajectory for SEC football players. The Spring is used as a time to adjust and get acquainted with the system, setting them up to compete for a position in the Fall.

Even though it is an uphill battle, most are taking the mindset that Kayaune Ross is bringing to the table. “I believe if I just do what I’m suppose to do, I can be a very huge asset.”

The “I’m here to fight, but whatever happens, happens mentality” is the best mindset for most of the early enrollees, but not Tate Leavitt. With the departure of Jordan Swindle and two offensive tackle transfers before the 2015 season, Leavitt is expected to start right away. That’s a lot of pressure, but Tate doesn’t feel it:

“No because those are my minimal expectations for myself. I’ve got much more I want to do than just come in and start and just be an upgrade from before. That’s where it starts, but those are just the roots of my expectations for myself.”

He’s already proved that he’s capable of defending and beating the best of the best at the Junior College level, but will need this Spring to be able to to excel in the SEC on Day One.

Rolling with the Changes

All six players committed to come to Kentucky for the spring semester before Shannon Dawson and Tommy Mainord were fired. It put them in a difficult situation, but once the dust cleared they were satisfied with Stoops’ hires.

“I have a lot of respect for Coach Dawson but I also have a lot of trust in Coach Stoops. If he felt there needed to be a change, and he did, that’s who I have to play for,” Leavitt said. “I’m certainly glad he hired Coach Gran and Coach Hinshaw because I did speak with both of them not long after they were hired. We talked schemes and philosophies and it got me excited for what we’re going to do offensively.”

For the receivers and the quarterback, it’s not as simple. After all, their position coaches were taken away and the scheme replaced. Nonetheless, they’re confident in who is on board.

Ross had spent plenty of time with Chad Scott before he was moved to coach the receivers and was comfortable with the fit. There was no reason to worry. “I just control what I can and right now that’s my academics and my gameplay. Anything else I let the coaches handle. I trust in them.”

Don’t Touch Tate’s Drums

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