Recapping what Mark Stoops said at SEC Media Day

DALLAS, Tx. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Mark Stoops is touting plenty of positive qualities about his 2024 Kentucky football team, which needs to make every moment count to reach new heights.

Stoops, defensive lineman Deone Walker, offensive lineman Marques Cox and linebacker D’Eryk Jackson addressed the media in Dallas, Texas for SEC Media Days.

Last year wasn’t the season the Wildcats were hoping for. They finished 7-6 overall and 3-5 in conference play.

“I know this team has a chip on its shoulder,” said Stoops.

As the team looks forward, here’s a recap of what the head honcho had to say in Dallas.

Success and Change in the 12 Years of Stoops

With the retirement of legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Stoops is now the longest tenured active head coach in the conference.

“I feel old. That’s a lot of years,” said Stoops.

Twelve years ago, the ‘Cats’ head coach inherited a program in need of revitalization. Now, the Ohio native says that he is impressed with his team’s ability to stay consistent.

“There are only eight teams in the country that have been to eight straight bowls,” Stoops acknowledged. “There’s only two teams that have been in the SEC this whole time besides us that have done that. That’s not nothing.”

Last season, making plays at critical moments was an Achilles heel of the Wildcats.

Going forward, Stoops knows that his group needs to make every play count to win every week.

“I was coming in with a little edge and attitude about our team because we just want more,” said Stoops “We have to make the best of every situation. We’re not here just to exist.”

Throughout his twelve years at the helm, the SEC and college football has changed drastically.

As commissioners are discussing roster caps of 105 players. Stoops didn’t want to comment too much on the situation, as it is still “hearsay.”

“I think we are pretty collective within the SEC that think that’s a pretty tough number to operate,” said Stoops.

The newest of the new is the addition of Texas and Oklahoma into the SEC.

“It just makes it that much stronger,” said Stoops. “I’ve been close with (Sooners Head Coach) Brent Venables. Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian and I go way back.”

Bush, Brock and the Offense

As far as this year’s offense, there are differences in many areas starting with the signal caller.

Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff replaces Devin Leary, who is on the Baltimore Ravens’ roster. Stoops says that the Peach State native is appealing as a leader because of his professional attitude.

“We have a quarterback we believe in,” Stoops said. “He’s got to go prove it. He has the talent. He needs to get under center and get some reps.”

Last year the offensive line struggled with healthy bodies, but this year the group is about eight or nine deep and has a lot of versatility.

“I do feel more comfortable,” said Stoops. “We needed to add some depth to give us some more bodies up front.”

This year’s offensive is led by a new coordinator, Bush Hamdan, who runs a no huddle style of unit.

“I’m excited about Bush Hamdan,” said Stoops. “He’s been around and did a great job at Boise State.”

Two other new coaches are Dakiel Shorts, who is in charge of the wide receivers, and offensive line coach Eric Wolford.

The former will have to get the best out of Dane Key, Barion Brown and the rest of the receivers. The latter is tasked with making sure Cox and company can resemble the “Big Blue Wall,” of the past.

“(Shorts) is a young guy, but he’s very demanding. I feel like we need to take some steps in that area and I like what I’m seeing,” said Stoops. “I love what Eric brings and the mentality he has.”

Defense as a Trademark

Stoops has long been seen as a defensive coach. “Stable,” is how he is thinking of that unit right now.

Ten returners are on defense and Stoops says he’s challenging defensive coordinator Brad White and his players to improve greatly.

“We were a little bit inconsistent (last year) and we need to improve in that area,” said Stoops. “We felt really good about the depth of our defensive line. It took a little hit in the spring. Some guys are stepping up and working hard.”

One of those returners is Louisville’s JJ Weaver, who will play his last games at UK this season.

“We need JJ Weaver to be consistent. He’s shown flashes for years,” said Stoops. “We expect a lot out of JJ this year.”