Kentucky closed out the first spring practice of the Will Stein era with a Blue-White scrimmage at Kroger Field.

The offense (Blue) defeated the defense (White) 23-18 in a game that featured two 15-minute quarters and one 12-minute quarter. The game was shortened because of inclement weather.

“The game’s the game, but I think we got a lot of really good work,” Stein said. “That’s the goal of spring — to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges we need throughout spring, to go into summer and fall and prepare the team to play.”

Stein was also pleased the Wildcats didn’t encounter any issues during the scrimmage.

“We came out of the scrimmage clean, there were no injuries,” Stein said. “That’s the biggest win of the day. I couldn't care less about the score. If we come out clean, that’s good.”

From a coaching standpoint, Stein wanted to keep the scrimmage “simple.”

“The playbook was very minimal on offense and defense, and I was just looking really to come out clean … Watch the guys play hard, tackle and block, and so there were definitely good moments on either side of the ball.”

Quarterback Kenny Minchey liked the way his receivers played and praised their ability to get open. Minchey led the first-team Blue offense on successful scoring drives.

“We have a really deep wide receiver room, and I think that was on display today,” Minchey said. “We could have put the ball in their hands a little bit more from a quarterback standpoint.”

Defensive back Ty Bryant was also pleased with the way the defensive unit played in the scrimmage and throughout spring workouts.

“I feel like we take a lot of steps forward,” he said. “I don't feel like we're anywhere where we need to be for the season, but I think we've taken so many steps forward, and especially with it being a new system for everyone.”

EMOTIONAL ENTRANCE

Stein became emotional while leading the Wildcats from the tunnel to the turf. Stein’s father, Matt Stein, played at Kentucky from 1982-84 and Will Stein, who played and coached at Louisville, grew up around the program.

“I wasn't expecting that,” he said. “I’ve never run out of that tunnel like that, and that was really cool and unique. When the fight song plays, it literally got me emotional. It was just a really cool moment for me.”


Former Paducah Tilghman star Martels Carter, Jr. scores a TD in the Blue-White Game. Photo by Keith Taylor for Kentucky Today