INSIDE SLANT
The defense has its share of established playmakers, with at least three NFL prospects -- one on the line, one at linebacker and one an All-American cornerback.
The Kentucky offense, in a conference known for its big-time offensive playmakers, lacks one, but if Randall Cobb is as comfortable at wide receiver this fall as he was through the spring, the Wildcats might have the playmaker they were seeking.
Kentucky is one of just 11 teams to win at least three bowl games in a row, and boasts the second longest nonconference winning streak in the country, including bowls, trailing only LSU.
The Wildcats want to make a bigger splash, however, in the SEC.
To do that Kentucky must upgrade an offense that averaged just 14 points per game in its last five conference contests last season.
There is a definite, if not a desperate, need for someone who can make big plays, and Cobb could fit the bill. The versatile sophomore-to-be, who moved from quarterback to receiver last fall, caught four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown for the winning Blue squad in the final scrimmage of the spring, the annual Blue-White game. The Wildcats, who have questions at quarterback, have plenty of depth and talent at wide receiver, with six other returning lettermen on hand. But Cobb brings a little something extra to the position, and could help make the job easier for whoever calls the signals.
"Randall Cobb's addition to the receiving corps gives us a big-time playmaker," says Kentucky coach Rich Brooks. "His long-term future is at wide receiver."
NOTES, QUOTES--Cornerback Trevard Lindley earned third-team All-American honors as a sophomore and was a second-team selection as a junior. Lindley led the SEC in total passes defended per game with four interceptions and 11 breakups in 2008.
--All-SEC linebacker Micah Johnson and defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, like Lindley, were tempted to enter the NFL draft early, but elected to return for their senior year in Lexington. Jarmon was named recently to the 2009 Lott Trophy Watch List. The Watch List is made up of 42 of the nation's top defensive players. The presence of Lindley, Johnson and Jarmon enhances the Wildcats' prospects for a fourth straight bowl win and a better showing in the SEC.
SPRING MOVERS:
OL Zipp Duncan -- Duncan has already made a couple of position changes during his career. This spring he moved to left tackle, where, says coach Rich Brooks, he can take better advantage of his talent and athletic ability.
LBs Sam Maxwell and Danny Trevathan -- Maxwell is a projected starter and Trevathan could become one. After solid work early this spring both finished well in the April 25 Blue-White Game. Maxwell had six tackles for the White squad, while Trevathan tied for a scrimmage-best 11 tackles for the victorious Blue team.
CB Randall Burden -- Burden impressed the coaching staff as a redshirt freshman when he filled in during the second half of Kentucky's Liberty Bowl win over East Carolina. He enhanced his credentials this spring.
S Matt Lentz -- Lentz is rapidly moving up the depth chart in the UK secondary. He capped a strong spring with an interception in the annual Blue-White Game April 25.
QB Will Fidler -- Fidler's name is rarely mentioned as a potential starter at quarterback, but he played just well enough in the Blue-White Game to enter the discussion. Fidler did not post great numbers, 10-of-24 passing for 110 yards, but he threw a pair of touchdown passes and, as UK coach Rich Brooks points out, was the starting quarterback for the winning team.
WR Nick Melillo -- Melillo distinguished himself in a crowded field of wide receivers with his overall efforts this spring, in general, and with a strong showing in the final scrimmage, in particular. The sophomore caught four passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns to lead the White squad.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We have established that we can compete with the best teams in the country, now we need to show that we can consistently beat the best teams in the country. We all know where a lot of those teams are, and they happen to be in our league, and particularly in the SEC East." -- Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL2009 OUTLOOK: Expectations are much higher now than when Rich Brooks first took over the program in 2003, especially on the heels of three consecutive bowl wins. The defense loses five starters, but returns five seniors, including legitimate NFL prospects up front (DE Jeremy Jarmon), in the middle (LB Micah Johnson) and in the secondary (CB Trevard Lindley). A good recruiting class could add speed, which can only help the Wildcats against the likes of Florida and Georgia. One, if not both, of Kentucky's two highly-touted quarterback recruits could challenge incumbent QB Mike Hartline, who put up less than stellar numbers in the spring. The biggest challenge will be getting the ball in the hands of wide out Randall Cobb as often as possible.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The biggest question mark in Lexington in 2009 is at quarterback. Sophomore Mike Hartline gained experience last season, but has struggled at times. Sophomore Will Fidler has little experience, but he did play well in UK's final spring scrimmage. Ryan Mossakowski and Morgan Newton hope to get a shot at quarterback this fall as true freshmen. Seven lettermen return at wide receiver, including Randall Cobb, and tailbacks Moncell Allen and Alfonso Smith both played well this spring, so there is hope that the offense could exceed expectations.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Kentucky coach Rich Brooks knew he had quality backups last season, guys waiting in the wings who could do as good a job as the more experienced people in front of them. Defensive end Chandler Burden, linebacker Sam Maxwell and defensive backs Randall Burden and Matt Lentz, among others, did little to shake Brooks' confidence this spring. They'll join seniors Jeremy Jarmon, Corey Peters, Micah Johnson and Trevard Lindley in what could be the strength of the team in the 2009 season. "Defensively, we did lose some very key starters, but I think we have people who are capable of stepping in and replacing them," Brooks says. "Some of the younger guys that played last year that were a little uncertain aren't as uncertain. There's still some youth on that side of the ball that needs to be game-tested, but the experience that is returning is helping everyone as a unit."
SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: Redshirt freshman Ryan Tydlacka punted for both the Blue and White teams in UK's final spring scrimmage and appears ready to take over for All-SEC punter Tim Mashtay. Junior Lones Seiber is a two-year starter at placekicker. Dicky Lyons, Jr., is gone, and Derrick Locke was held out of spring drills with an injury, leaving the door open for a number of candidates, including Randall Cobb, to return kicks and punts.
ROSTER REPORT:
--Running back Derrick Locke and linebacker Brandon Thurmond were recovering from knee surgery as spring practice ended.
--Offensive tackle Justin Jeffries missed spring football with a shoulder injury.
--Among the other players sidelined this spring were defensive back Brendan Kelly, long-snapper Jon Thomas, cornerback Paul Warford and offensive tackle Trevino Woods.
Previous Report: 03/26/2009
|
|
 |
