Who Will the Top Six Receivers be for Kentucky?

Freshman Montavin Quisenberry (19) has impressed UK coaches and teammates. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Kentucky has 13 scholarship receivers, way more than can play in any one game. That’s why it was no surprise when Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said he expected to have a “top six” in the group.

However, Stoops didn’t clarify who the top six might be.

— Ja’Mori Maclin, Fred Farrier and David Washington Jr. return off last year’s team. Maclin figures to be a main target, Farrier has shown he can make plays and Washington was impressive in spring drills.

— Transfers Hardley Gilmore (Nebraska), Kendrick Law (Alabama), Troy Stellato (Clemson), JJ Hester (Oklahoma) and Ashton Cozart (SMU) were added to the roster. Transfers normally are not added as developmental pieces but to help immediately. Gilmore and Law are the two I have heard the most good things about.

— Kentucky signed freshmen Montavin Quisenberry, DJ Miller, Cam Miller, Preston Bowman and Quintin Simmons Jr. Quisenberry, Kentucky’s Mr. Football, and DJ Miller are the two I have heard the most good things about so far.

“It is going to be a group effort. I think there will be the top six guys. We are going to have to say those same names all year. Today was about the same. When they had their opportunity, they made some plays,” Stoops said after Saturday’s scrimmage.

Stoops would be fine with one player separating himself to be a clear No. 1 target and playmaker.

“Eventually, if somebody does that, that’d be great. I think we have some really steady guys and some veteran guys and we have some youngsters. Hopefully, we’ll see somebody emerge (as the No. 1 receiver),” Stoops said.

Quarterback Zach Calzada said Saturday that he appreciated all the receivers, which is what a quarterback should say.

“It doesn’t matter who we have in there. We do a lot of rotating right now,” Calzada said.

He said some players are “emerging” but did not want to name any specific players but he did praise two newcomers.

“Cam Miller and Quisenberry have done a great job just showing effort and the fact that they believe they belong in that room, They’re coming in and making their mark,” Calzada said.

Cornerback JQ Hardaway added his perspective after Saturday’s scrimmage and he should know since he goes against the offense daily.

“They all have different pros,” Hardaway said. “Ja’Mori Maclin is super elusive. Hardley Gilmore is super quick. Fred Farrier is very consistent in what he does, too. I got respect for all of them. I know when I compete with any of those receivers out here, I gotta bring my A-game.”