We head to Kentucky to see who our offseason spotlight is shining on next:

Spotlight: Quarterback Maxwell Smith, 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, rising sophomore

2011 summary: Named to the SEC All-Freshman team, Smith led the Wildcats with 819 passing yards and threw four touchdowns and four interceptions in 2011. He began the year as the No. 2 quarterback, but started three of the last four games of the season. He sat out the season finale against Tennessee because of a shoulder injury he suffered the week prior against Georgia.

The skinny: Even if Morgan Newton hadn't injured his ankle late in the season, chances are that Smith would have eventually passed him on the depth chart. While Smith looked better in 2011, he was by no means great for the Wildcats. In his three starts, he averaged just under 200 yards and had four touchdowns and two interceptions. Smith's consistency needs to improve and this offseason will go a long way toward shaping his future with the Wildcats. He will likely be the No. 1 quarterback when spring practice starts, but you have to bet that Newton will be pushing hard to reclaim his spot. Smith is more accurate and had more confidence in the pocket, but he should take advantage of the extra reps this offseason and develop more chemistry with his offensive teammates and also command more from them. Kentucky has no true playmakers on offense, so it's time for Smith to step up as this team's leader and start making those around him better. Smith also can't forget that incoming freshman Patrick Towles, "Mr. Kentucky" himself, will be challenging for the No. 1 spot as well before fall. Kentucky's offense has a long way to go, and Smith's play this offseason could determine which direction it goes in the fall.