After two consecutive dismal seasons—especially last year with Devin Leary’s mediocre play under center—Kentucky realized it needed to make a move this offseason and target a quarterback via the transfer portal.
They moved Brock Vandagriff from Georgia to Kentucky, and they hit a home run based on potential. Ranked No. 17 overall in the 2021 class, Vandagriff was a former five-star recruit. However, he played in just 13 games over the course of three seasons, making his stint in Athens lackluster. T
he lone season he completed a pass, accumulating 165 yards in eight games, was last year.
Therefore, even while there is promise, there isn’t enough production or experience.
But the Kentucky signal caller was included in Pro Football Focus’ list of 10 breakout prospects for the 2024 campaign, which was released this week.
“Vandagriff has been around for a few years and is technically a two-time national champion, having played for Georgia from 2021 to 2023,” Kaiser stated. Following his defeat in a quarterback duel with Carson Beck in the previous summer, Vandagriff gained national reputation as one of the top backups.But after Beck decided to return in 2024, Vandagriff decided to transfer to Kentucky, where he will be able to play quarterback for a program that is rapidly improving.
Despite only attempting passes 20 times in the previous season, the powerful 6-foot-3 quarterback averaged 9.2 yards per attempt and received an 87.0 PFF grade. Despite only throwing 18 passes, he had two touchdown touchdowns and no plays that should have resulted in a turnover.”
After Kentucky’s spring game ended, Vandagriff was assured of starting in 2024. Then, not too long after, the Wildcats signed former four-star recruit and transfer Gavin Wimsatt from Rutgers. There is now an obvious quarterback competition this summer, and Wimsatt and Vandagriff will probably start at quarterback together in 2024.
Nevertheless, it seems that Vandagriff will most likely start the first game following a successful spring.
“Brock has had an incredible spring,” remarked Stoops following the game. “… (he’s) putting it all together and everything but extremely talented.”
Vandagriff will not be the only new playcaller for Kentucky as Bush Hamdan, who most recently served as the offensive coordinator or quarterbacks coach at Boise State, Missouri, and Washington, assumes the position.
After finishing 2023 with a 7-6 record and losing in the Gator Bowl, Kentucky is coming off of their second straight bowl game defeat.
