Ball security a priority for Kentucky quarterbacks

Aug 15, 2017 - 6:38 PM Stephen Johnson might have rescued Kentucky's 2016 season when he took over for injured quarterback Drew Barker, leading the Wildcats to seven wins in their last 11 games.

But he also comes into this fall with some work to do to get his team back into the postseason. And not just on his passing accuracy, which was a mere 54.7 percent last year (10th in the SEC).

Johnson also was responsible for six of Kentucky's 16 lost fumbles in 2016; fixing that is a major goal.

"I think we could have won a couple more games if we don't turn the ball over," coach Mark Stoops said. "So, everybody's well aware of that."

Johnson and Barker, who is competing to get his starting job back, have gotten the message.

Though the offense lost one fumble near the goal line in Kentucky's first scrimmage of fall camp -- it was a closed scrimmage so the culprit is unknown -- Stoops noted how the quarterbacks took care of the ball.

"I saw both guys really do a good job protecting the football, first and foremost," Stoops said. "I thought both guys really showed up with some impressive throws and threw it in some really tight windows.

"I liked seeing that. I liked seeing the competitive plays when it's good defense, good offense and somebody making a play. And you saw that at times today."

Stoops rated the overall scrimmage as just "OK" and gave thanks that the Wildcats have more time to get ready for the Sept. 2 opener at Southern Mississippi. But one of the few players who did "show up" -- offensive coordinator Eddie Gran's words -- was freshman Lynn Bowden. Rated the team's top recruit, Bowden is making up for lost time after reporting late to clear up some issues with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

"Lynn is really coming on," Stoops said after the scrimmage. "He's just a good football player. It's hard to force-feed them. There's so much learning involved. He just got here. The other day he had a really good practice. He showed up today with a couple nice catches. I believe he's got a really good future.

"I love his attitude. The kid comes in and is what I expected. He's a great kid. He's a competitor. He doesn't want anything handed to him."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: RB Benny Snell -- Snell set six program freshman records in rushing for 13 touchdowns and 1,091 yards last year despite not logging a carry until the third game of the season. With Stanley "Boom" Williams (1,170 yards) and Jojo Kemp not around anymore, Snell becomes the primary ball-carrier this time around. "He goes hard in practice, every snap, every day," coach Mark Stoops said. "And if he keeps that mentality, he'll continue to be successful like he has. But he has a good, tough competitive mentality about him."

BREAKOUT STAR: LB Josh Allen -- Allen had nine starts as a sophomore last year and recorded a team-high seven sacks among his 62 tackles. Coach Mike Stoops expects him to make "a very big jump this year" as he continues to fine-tune his game. "He's a guy that when he puts the fine strokes on things, he's going to be a very good football player," Stoops said. Allen recorded seven or more tackles in four games and a tackle for loss in nine of his 13 appearances.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: WR Lynn Bowden -- The much-heralded signee out of Youngstown, Ohio, missed a week of fall camp to clear up some academic issues and was being eased into practice. Playing quarterback last fall, he rushed for 2,277 yards, passed for 1,366 yards and accounted for 57 touchdowns. He is fitting in at receiver, where he can use his open-field running ability. He also likely will get a look as a returner.

--LT Cole Mosier, who had 13 starts among his 32 appearances, is lost for the season after tearing his ACL in a scrimmage. The senior, a former walk-on, had been slated as a starter in his final year. "Coming here as a walk-on and then earning a scholarship was a dream come true," he said.

--DB Mike Edwards made second-team All-SEC last year at safety but is slated for time at nickel back this season. He had three interceptions last year to tie for team honors in the category.

--RG Nick Haynes is coping with Type 1 diabetes as he tries to maintain the 300 pounds listed on is 6-foot-3 frame. He is down to 260, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Haynes started at left guard last year and is flipping to the other side this fall.

--DT Tymere Dubose is back with the team after sitting out the spring. He played in 11 games as a sophomore last year. "He needed to get focused, and he needed to put all of his attention on academics," coach Mark Stoops said. "I'm proud to say that he did that."

--DB Davonte Robinson moved back to his old position in high school at safety in the spring after getting a look at corner as a redshirt freshman last year.

--P Grant McKinniss is getting a challenge from Matthew Panton, a graduate transfer from Columbia. McKinniss averaged just 39.2 yards as a freshman last year with only 10 of his 58 punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

--LB Jaylin Bannerman, a redshirt freshman, is getting a look at tight end after spending last season on the scout team at linebacker, although he could also move into the defensive line. "We're just trying to find the right position for him," coach Mark Stoops said.