Auburn football: Potent rushing attack and strong O-line should make Kentucky a tough out

When discussing Kentucky’s special teams, the conversation should always start with senior punter Max Duffy. The 27-year-old Australian was a unanimous All-American last season and was the Ray Guy Award winner for the nation’s best punter.

Duffy’s 48.1 yards per punt last season was the top mark in the nation and entering his final year of eligibility, that success should continue.

Kentucky switched between two kickers last season with rising sophomore Chance Poore and walk-on senior Matt Ruffolo. Poore hit five of his eight field-goal attempts while Ruffolo hit four of his five.

The starting job should go to Ruffolo but the kicker position was a problem for the Wildcats all last season.

The constantly-mentioned Lynn Bowden Jr. also served as the team’s primary kick returner last season. With him gone, senior safety Zach Johnson (27.3 yards per return on six attempts last year) should be next in line.

Wide receiver Josh Ali returned punts for the Wildcats last year but only averaged 6.3 yards per punt on 14 attempts so his starting job may be up for grabs.