Kentucky Football Focused on Being Intentional at Spring Practice

Olivia Newton-John wanted you to get physical. That was certainly a point of emphasis during this morning’s Kentucky football spring practice, the first in full pads. Co-defensive coordinator Chris Collins is more focused on getting intentional.

“We working. We’re learning how to be conscious, learning how to be consistent. There’s a process to it. And we’re learning how to be intentional about the process,” he said.

Collins mentioned the word intentional multiple times while discussing the growth of the defense over the first six Kentucky football spring practices. That sounds like coach-speak, so what does it actually mean?

“I’m not just showing up. I’m doing more than what’s expected. You’re expected to be on time, you’re expected to be attentive, you’re expected to get better, but now I’m showing up early,” said Collins.

“Now I’m doing more in terms of taking notes, asking questions, maybe look at some extra film on my own. Be intentional about your maturation process because the process is proven, but the more intentional you are about it, the faster it becomes. That’s the thing, those details and those actions we’re learning to do.”

Spring football is a developmental period. While the focus is often on the individual, Kentucky needs these players to grow together. The roster was completely flipped following a 4-8 campaign. The Cats must cultivate chemistry over these 15 practices.

“The team is so different every year… As a group, as a team, we’re teaching our team those core values that are so important about what it takes to be a football player here at UK and represent the Big Blue Nation,” said Collins. “That growth process doesn’t happen overnight, but those guys are being intentional about it, so we’re excited about where they are.”

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