UK Shows Off In Revamped “Game”
For years, the month of April meant football fans across the country set their calendars for their school’s annual Spring game. However, the Spring game, as we know it, is becoming a thing of the past. Coaches not only have to worry about injuries but opposing teams poaching players through the portal. Mark Stoops and Kentucky were no exception, as Saturday’s contest was a glorified 11-on-11 scrimmage at Kroger Field. Let’s talk about some of the highlights as we’re recapping Kentucky’s 2025 Spring showcase.
All Eyes On QB1
Of course, the biggest question mark heading into the Spring is how will Zach Calzada fare in Lexington. The well-traveled signal-caller has made Kentucky his home for his final college season. On his second series, Calzada found top returning wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin for a nice gain.
A few plays later he found David Washington Jr. on a 30-yard strike putting the Cats in the end zone. Washington played mostly on special teams last year however he’s been playing quite a bit with the first team this Spring. The Cats need someone at the receiver position to step up and the Philadelphia native could be the guy.
As we continue recapping Kentucky’s 2025 Spring showcase let’s look at how the other quarterbacks fared.
Signal Callers Do Some Nice Things
Running with the second-team offense Cutter Boley struggled in his first series. After two broken plays to start the line was flagged for a penalty. However, it was a different story when Boley ran the first-team offense. A pass to Alabama transfer Kendrick Law went for over 30 yards. Running back Dante Dowdell caught one in the red zone and then took it in for a score on the next play.
Beau Allen led the second team to a scoring drive when he found incoming freshman and Kentucky Mr. Football Montavin Quisenberry on a nice pass. While the drive stalled Jacob Kauwe hit an easy field goal.
Finally, both incoming freshmen saw action as well. Stone Saunders got off to a shaky start in his first series overthrowing a couple of balls. However, his second drive went much better. A long ball to Clemson transfer Troy Stellato gained 25 yards. Later he found Quisenberry for a one-yard score. That combination is definitely one to watch for the future.
Kentucky’s other freshman quarterback Brennen Ward led a drive to the end zone capped off by a touchdown run from Jason Patterson.
We’ve talked mostly about the quarterbacks but as we continue recapping Kentucky’s 2025 Spring Showcase let’s feature another player who did good things.
Looking The Part
It’s only a scrimmage but Dowdell, a Nebraska transfer, looks like a big-time player for the Cats. On his first run, Dowdell took the ball up the middle and in all likelihood would have been a touchdown had this been a real game. Unfortunately, he was “downed” by a two-handed touch. He definitely is going to be a great compliment to Bush Hamdan’s offense.
Final Thoughts
Again it’s hard to judge what was seen on the field today because it wasn’t a real game. Although, there were plenty of things to feel good about, especially with Calzada, Dowdell, and Quisenberry to start. With Spring practice ending the BBN must wait and see if Stoops and the staff go after anyone in the next transfer portal. The Cats are still thin at receiver as several players were held out so that’s definitely a position to watch.
That’s recapping Kentucky’s 2025 Spring Showcase here at Last Word On College Football. Thanks for checking it out with us.
Main Photo: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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