The Kentucky football team held its final spring practice on April 16, with the annual spring game scheduled for Saturday. Head coach Will Stein, defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan spoke to the media after Thursday’s practice to discuss team updates and plans for the upcoming event.
The spring game is an important milestone as it marks the end of offseason training and gives fans a chance to see how players are developing. Stein said several players will miss the game due to injury but expressed confidence that all would return by fall.
Stein addressed possible bad weather forecasted for Saturday, saying, “I want to make sure all of our fans know that we’re going to keep them posted throughout the next day, day and a half. If it is inclement weather and severe chance of thunderstorms, we’re going to have to make the appropriate call come game time.”
Regarding the format of the scrimmage, Stein explained: “Blue will be the offense, white will be the defense. Quarterbacks will be in black jerseys, those are non-contact. First half is going to be a 15-minute running clock. Second half will be 12 minutes. The last two minutes of each half will play out like a two-minute timeout.” He also outlined how points can be scored: “The offense, a touchdown is worth six, field goal is worth three, extra points one. You can go for two-point conversion from the three or a four-point conversion from the 10 yard line. The defense can get points with a touchdown, six; turnovers are worth six; three-and-out or a turnover on downs is worth three; and a forced punt is worth one.”
Bateman was asked about standout defensive players this spring but did not single anyone out specifically beyond praising junior defensive back Terhyon Nichols: “The one kid that jumps out at me—I do think (Nichols) is a really good player,” Bateman said. “I’m really glad he’s here. He’s a tremendous player, really smart competitor. I think he’s everything you want in a football player.”
Sloan discussed quarterback Kenny Minchey’s progress during drills: “We ask the quarterback to control a lot of things out there in our system,” Sloan said. “Kenny’s a really good thrower of the football—he’s athletic; he can do so many things…He is now starting to adjust protections, adjust runs and be able to make quick adjustments but also have an awareness of situation…And I think that’s showing up in practice and that’s what is exciting.”
As preparations continue for Saturday’s event—and with possible changes due to weather—the coaching staff remains focused on both player development and fan engagement.
