Mark Stoops, Kentucky Players Break Down Fan Day Practice

The early days of fall camp are some of the most exciting. You could feel the energy Saturday afternoon when the Wildcats opened their doors for Kentucky Football Fan Day.

“I definitely think our team brought some energy,” Mark Stoops said after the Wildcats’ fourth practice. “To see their family out here and to see the fans — we have a nice day for this time of year with a good breeze going right now — so it was it was awesome. We always appreciate the fan base and our players really love seeing them out here.”

The Kentucky head coach was pleased with his group’s physicality, particularly the big guys on the offensive line. A year ago at this time it was a clunky offensive operation. That was not the case as Liam Coen begins his second stint as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator.

The passing game wasn’t as explosive without Barion Brown available for practice, but the stable of running backs was exceptional. Not only where they finding seams in the outside zone, Ray Davis and Demie Sumo-Karngbaye each proved they’re proficient pass-catchers.

“There’s definitely depth. I mean, you see that,” said Stoops. “Guys have some different talents that they bring to the table. I think one thing that I’ll give a shout out to all of them is they’re all very reliable. They’re tough, they know what they’re doing. They have different skill sets, but they they give us everything they have.”

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In addition to hearing from the head coach, Octavious Oxendine and Brenden Bates each spent time behind the podium. Ox is packing on the pounds, while Bates is trying to slim down to move more efficiently in the passing game.