With the start of the football season less than a week away and the Wildcats in full preparation mode for Miami (Ohio) some stocks soared and some dropped during the grueling fall camp. 

Mike Hartline, QB          Stock: Up

Unquestionably, one of the stories of fall camp has been the marked improvement of one Mike Hartline. There's no question Hartline struggled last season, but showed promise and looked much, much better in the Liberty Bowl versus East Carolina. Never one to mince words, UK coach Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips have praised Hartline all throughout the month of August. Hartline no doubt is helped by having more playmakers at receiver as well. I'm sure there are a ton of people, however, that will reserve their judgment for Sept. 5 against Miami (Ohio).


DeQuin Evans, DE          Stock: Up

It's always tough to translate JUCO talent to SEC-level talent, but since arriving on campus, Evans is everything he was cracked up to be and looks to be a force at defensive end. A blend of strength, speed and a motor that runs non-stop, Evans has all but locked up a starting spot at one of the ends. 

Chris Matthews, WR          Stock: Up

Speaking of making the jump from JUCO to the SEC, Matthews looks to be the real deal. A big target (6-6) with 4.4 speed, Matthews gives the Cats an added dimension they haven't had: a big, imposing target at wideout. Matthews playmaking ability and size have even challenged UK's All-American corner Trevard Lindley in practice. Matthews' ability to go up and make a play on the ball instills confidence in the quarterback and has already nailed down a starting spot versus Miami.

Maurice Grinter, TE          Stock: Down

Mo Grinter showed flashes of being a downfield receiving threat last season, but as a whole, has yet to live up to his full potential and may find himself behind both T.C. Drake and Ross Bogue at the tight end position heading into his senior season.

Randall Burden, CB          Stock: Up

Burden's two pass break-ups in the Liberty Bowl last season proved to be more than an aberration. He's currently locked in a battle with veteran Paul Warford for the corner spot opposite of Lindley. Burden is undoubtedly one of the bright, young stars on the defensive side of the ball.

Will Fidler, QB          Stock: Up

Fidler parlayed his performance in the spring game into a solid fall camp, solidifying himself as the No. 2 behind Mike Hartline. A strong arm with better decision making, Fidler's play even has the coaches on the verge of possibly redshirting not one, but both of it's high profile quarterback signees. 

Morgan Newton/Ryan Mossakowski, QB          Stock: Down

It's not as much a sign of their inability as it is maybe unrealistic expectations. Everyone and their brother expected Newton to come in and take the starting quarterback position by the horns, but they forgot to mention how tough the transition to college really is, especially at the quarterback position. Heck, it even took Ohio State's all-world talent Terelle Pryor a little bit of time with the Buckeyes last season. Now it's looking more and more like both will likely redshirt, which isn't a bad thing.

La'Rod King, WR          Stock: Up

King looks awfully good at a position he's only been playing for one year. He's got the size and his toughness would bring a bit of ruggedness to the UK receiving corps. Will vie to break into the mix if he doesn't redshirt, which is looking more and more unlikely.

Ronnie Sneed/Antonio Thomas, LB          Stock: Up

With veterans like Micah Johnson, Sam Maxwell and Mikhail Mabry and sophomore sensation Danny Trevathan also at the position, it's easy to overlook the kind of fall camp both Sneed and Thomas had at linebacker. The coaches have always liked their potential and now it looks like they're living up to it. Still may be a year away, however.

Danny Trevathan, LB          Stock: Up

Trevathan has drawn rave reviews from the coaches since the moment he stepped on campus. He starred on special teams last season, recorded double-digit tackles in the spring game and has unbelievable instincts at the position. It will fun to watch him grow into an SEC linebacker this season.

Randall Cobb, WR          Stock: Up

I know it's difficult for Cobb, who showed flashes of brilliance as a true freshman, to raise his stock anymore but UK coach Rich Brooks, who is a straight shooter all the way, speaks with a glow about Cobb that he doesn't when speaking about anyone else. You can tell the coaches not only see Cobb as one of the best receivers in the league, but a guy who could potentially be the cornerstone of the program.

Aaron Boyd, WR          Stock: Down

Very disappointing start for Boyd, who out of Lexington's own Henry Clay High School, was heralded as one of the top receiving prospects in the country. Boyd caught mono before fall camp last season and then caught just five passes on the year. Some question whether Boyd has the speed and explosiveness to be a WR in the SEC but I'm not sure he could block an SEC defensive end provided he moves to tight end either. He needs to mature and do it quickly if he's going to turn things around.

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