By LARRY VAUGHT
(LEXINGTON, Ky.)-When 16-year-old Florida senior Hardley Gilmore verbally committed to play football at Kentucky he made a bold proclamation.
“I think I can be the greatest wide receiver to play the game,” the four-star receiver who was ranked among the nation’s top 300 players, said. “I am a sponge. I soak up everything I can to try and get better.”
He was convinced then offensive coordinator Liam Coen could fully develop his game but Coen left before Gilmore arrived for the 2024 season. If that wasn’t enough, Gilmore was hurt in UK’s first preseason scrimmage after having an impressive spring practice. Gilmore missed UK’s first five games but had six catches for 153 yards and one touchdown in the final seven games. He earned his first start of his college career against Murray State.
Gilmore, who did not turn 18 until early December, had some off-field issues and transferred to Nebraska. However, he opted to come back to UK for his sophomore season.
Gilmore has no regrets about what he said when he committed to UK.
“My mindset has never changed. From a football standpoint, I feel like I still could be the best in the nation on and off the field,” Gilmore said. “I still have the same mindset.”
Kentucky is looking for a big-play receiver to help rejuvenate an offense that struggled to score last year.
“My expectation is just as a team overall. Just be better, be better by day by day, and just build a bond,” Gilmore said. “I can say we got a good bond this year that we didn’t have last year. I just feel like it’s on the right track this year. It’s not just about me. It’s about the team. I just want us to win.”
Kentucky is not projected to win a lot of Southeastern Conference games coming up off a 4-8 season that included a 1-7 SEC mark.
“There’s no way we shouldn’t win. We have got a good team,” Gilmore said. “Coach (Dean) Hood has had us do a lot of bonding activities. We actually know each other on a personal level. We have trust in each other and you have to have that team trust if you want to win games.”
PHOTO: Hardley Gilmore (17) still believes he can be a productive receiver for Kentucky despite his struggles last season. (Vicky Graff Photo)