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Why would a young position coach opt to join the Kentucky football coaching staff after UK went 4-8 in 2024?
That’s what I recently asked receivers coach L’Damian Washington, 33, who had been the receivers coaches in 2023 and 2024 at South Florida. He was also the pass game coordinator for USF in 2024.
“My number one job as a coach is to breathe life into young men and give them confidence,” said Washington. “If you see the dedication of these players, it just looks different, it feels different.
“The commitment and the buy-in is completely different for our staff. The camaraderie that we have as a staff is great. These guys are making sure that these players have everything that they need to go be successful. You can give them (players) the medicine but they have to voluntarily come into the office for more meeting times so they bond into the process. However, I think the focus and everything is right where it needs to be. I’m truly excited.”
Kentucky will have a new starting quarterback but no matter who it is Washington has to develop receivers who cannot only make big plays but also secure first downs. He has a nice mix of returning players, transfers and true freshmen.
“I chose to come to this place because I believe in Mark Stoops. There were two other SEC schools that offered me a job. There was a Big 12 school that offered me a job,” Washington said. “ One thing I know is he is a coach that’s done it and done it well for about 12 years. He knows what it looks like. He has the formula. He can get it done again.
“It’s like somebody that’s been successful in business. They might have a down year in business, but one thing that you know, they’ve been consistent the past eight to 10 years. They know how to get it back on the right road. So for me, that was a huge piece for me to come here and help cach Stoops get that going and help (offensive coordinator) Bush Hamdan who is a good friend of mine.”
