Kentucky’s first football depth chart of season includes new No. 1 punter

After much back and forth during fall camp, Kentucky had graduate transfer Matt Panton at the top of the depth chart at punter for this weekend’s season opener at Southern Mississippi. It’s still a fluid spot, Coach Mark Stoops said Monday.

“We’re working through it,” he said. “I’m interested to see how Matt does in the game. I’m not sure how it’ll go. Whether both punters get an opportunity, we’ll see how it goes. I think it’s been close.

“They’ve both had some days. But I’m excited to see what Matt can do with the ball. I think the same thing with Grant (McKinniss). I think he’s been more consistent than he’s been and he’s had some better days. He’s improved. But there’s still some inconsistencies there.”

As a true freshman, McKinniss was inconsistent last season, finishing 97 out of 100 punters behind his 39.19 average.

▪  True freshman Lynn Bowden was listed as the backup at both punt return behind senior Charles Walker and at kickoff return behind junior Sihiem King.

“He’s very talented,” Stoops said of Bowden. “He looks very at ease catching them back there in practice, but as we all know practice is different. We anticipate trying to get him some catches.”

Walker, who returned a punt for a touchdown last season, is steady at that spot, but Bowden could get a chance at some.

This story was originally published August 28, 2017 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Kentucky’s first football depth chart of season includes new No. 1 punter."