Kentucky's Will Stein discusses Kenny Minchey, Spring ball, and more

Most of the attention of Big Blue Nation is currently directed at the basketball program and the transfer portal, but the Kentucky Wildcats football team is in an exciting period as well. With new head coach Will Stein aboard, change is in the air, and there's a lot of positivity about the future.

Stein was recently a guest on the SEC State of Mind podcast with host Taylor Davis and spoke about the roster, his coaching philosophy, and his vision of the program's direction, and had plenty to say about each one.

Stein first spoke about connections. It is important for him to have the team come together, not just as a team, but as a family who works hard for everyone else. He has the team get together to talk about their lives as well as football.

The most connected teams play the hardest for the longest.

Once they got into football talk, the importance of the offensive line came first. Stein expressed his belief that games are won up front, which is why he went out and brought in so many top talents from the transfer portal. He also has four coaches working with the line.

Of course Kenny Minchey's name came up. When asked about him, Stein was effusive with his praise.

He is extremely intelligent, and he's been able to pick up what we've been doing since the very first install.

He also mentioned Minchey's confidence in the huddle and with his teammates, and that he was a natural leader. Stein also praised his accuracy as a passer. They contacted the Notre Dame staff, who also loved what Minchey can do. Scouts also loved his game.

Davis also asked Stein about the tight ends, and Willie Rodriguez in particular, who he compared to Kenyon Sadiq of Oregon.

Willis is an exceptional football player. He's really tough. He's got good speed, elite hands, good route runner, smart.

An interesting note was that Stein does not have set groups for Spring practice. Everyone plays with everyone else, regardless of class and starting status. He believes this helps to promote the connections that he considers to be so important.

It was an enlightening interview with Coach Stein. You can watch the entire show here.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky football coach Will Stein discusses Wildcats program