2015 SEC East Preview: Tennessee Vols On Top

6. Kentucky Wildcats

The Wildcats started last season with a 5-1 mark, only to lose six straight games.  It was a brutal way to end such a bright start.  Remember, Kentucky probably should have beaten Florida in the swamp.  That game went to three overtimes, culminating in a gutting defeat.  This season Kentucky returns lots of offensive talent, but lost two key players on defense.

Aug 30, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats safety A.J. Stamps (1)  Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Towles returns and will lead Kentucky’s offensive attack.  He put up a solid year in 2014, passing for over 2,700 yards.  His skill players were extremely young and should benefit from another year of experience within the system.  Demarco Robinson and Javess Blue were two of his top targets, but both will have to be replaced in 2015.

Kentucky used a committee at running back last year and that should continue this season.  Boom Williams and Jojo Kemp will shoulder the load this season.  Williams should be a major part of the offensive gameplan this season.  He averaged 6.6 yards per carry last season.

A.J. Stamps and Josh Forrest will lead the Wildcat defense in 2015.  Stamps burst onto the scene at the safety position last season, proving to be an excellent cover man.  Forrest will man the middle of the defense along with fellow Senior Ryan Flannigan.

Kentucky will feel the losses of Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith.  They are hoping Denzil Ware and Jason Hatcher can ease them into a new era.  6’4, 340 pound Melvin Lewis will man the nose tackle position, hoping to eat up blocks to free up the young and inexperienced pass rushers.  Seniors Cody Quinn and Fred Tiller will hold down the two corner positions.

Kentucky has a chance to take a couple of steps forward very early in the season.  They will take a trip to South Carolina week two, then come home for Florida and Missouri.  It would be a major step for the program if Mark Stoops was able to get two of those three games.  It might just be enough to land Kentucky back in a bowl game.

Next: Vanderbilt Commodores