Since 2013, there have only been two seasons where Kentucky has started the same quarterback in every game. Kenny Minchey has received almost universal praise ahead of his debut, but if he can’t go, who’s up next? The Kentucky coaching staff is searching for answers during fall camp.

Offensive coordinator Joe Sloan shares quarterback coaching duties with Nate Dodson. Sloan was asked what the deciding factor in the QB2 competition will be.

“I’m going to come out of my office, take a right, go all the way down the hall, and ask Will what he thinks,” Sloan said with a smile.

The serious answer to that question is in the form of more questions that the quarterbacks must answer over the next four weeks.

“Who can make the other 10 guys in there better? Who can operate what we want to do, and then trade off, who can execute what we want to do? So there’s two pieces to that, and I think that’s going to reveal itself over time,” said Sloan.

Brennen Ward and JacQai Long participated in spring practice. They were joined by two new quarterbacks at fall camp who have intriguing stories. After three fall camp practices, coaches let us know more about these players.

Matt Ponatoski Plays Catch-Up from the Diamond

Matt Ponatoski was one of the most decorated quarterback commitments in recent memory. The four-star talent was an Elite 11 finalist who threw for 4,200 yards, 58 touchdowns, and only three interceptions during his junior campaign, when he earned Mr. Football and Mr. Baseball honors in Ohio.

His baseball career complicated his summer. Ponatoski’s arrival was delayed by a state championship game appearance, then he went through the MLB Draft process before starting fall camp. There might be a few lingering effects from that experience.

“He took off on a run today, and I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s why they moved you the pitcher, dude. I mean, you got to trim up a little bit and get some speed work going,” Will Stein joked on Saturday.

Sloan added, “We definitely had some conversations about him standing on the mound, maybe too much this spring.”

Ponatoski must play his way into shape, but the talent is evident. Whatever it is, he’s got it.

“The guy just knows how to play quarterback. That’s what I like about Matt. It’s stuff that you don’t have to teach,” said Stein. “He’s an impressive player for sure. He’s still learning and growing and understanding how to practice at this level. That’s what he missed out on the spring, but some guys just kind of got it. And he’s not a finished product by any means. But you can see traits of somebody that just has good awareness in the pocket, can throw it on time, and just finds completions.”

There’s plenty of room to grow, which makes Ponatoski such an enticing young talent.

“Anytime quarterbacks come into a new system, one, just learning the vocabulary, right? Because we speak a different language here,” said Sloan. “So he’s having to learn the vocabulary and also just learn how to play college quarterback. So he’s kind of learning two tracks here, but he’s doing a nice job. You can see the natural talent. You can see him stand in the pocket, he has good vision, and he can he can definitely complete the football.”

A Canadian Sensation

While playing the waiting game for Ponatoski, the Kentucky football front office discovered the film of a talented prospect from Canada. Cal Wither previously spent some time in the MAC at Ohio before returning to his native land. Last year, he was the best quarterback in Canada’s collegiate system. He led the U Sports League in nearly every passing category, completing 176-242 passes (72.7%) for 2,472 yards and 26 touchdowns with only four interceptions.

The Canadian game is different than what Wither will see on SEC Saturdays. Up North, the field is larger and there are more players to occupy that space. Even though things are slightly different, playing quarterback is a universal language of sorts.

“Quarterbacks come in all shapes and sizes, all different strengths and weaknesses. So, can you go play quarterback? Can you make decisions? Can you make the other 10 around you better? Can you move the offense forward? Can you find completions? Can you protect the football? Can you either help us in the running game or get us into the right run plays? In some kind of way, you got to help us,” said Sloan.

Ultimately, that’s what this QB2 competition is about: Who can keep the boat afloat and give Kentucky a chance to win without Minchey? That question will be put to the test over the next month. Do the returning guys have a leg up, or will one of these newcomers seize the moment? It’s very early, but Wither took a step in the right direction on Saturday.

“You could see him (on film) just execute an offense at a high level and make a lot of throws, and the ball comes out quick… I thought he had a good day today,” said Sloan. “I thought this was his best day by far. So, he’s just got to keep building on it, go out and play, and just be the quarterback that he is.”