This is the final installment of a series of posts breaking down the '08 football 'Cats.  I hope you have found the overviews informative, and entertaining to read.  Today we break down the quarterbacks.

Kentucky football fans have been spoiled recently with great quarterback play, but with the matriculation of André Woodson to the NFL, it's time to welcome a new starter, and an intriguing group of back-ups.  Expectations for this group of quarterbacks varies, depending on who one talks to, but if one listens to Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips the impression given is one of anticipated excellence at the position.  Of course, time will tell us whether that anticipation is warranted, or if Brooks and Phillips are being exorbitant in their hope.

Actually, having high expectations is a crucial part of coaching.  Demanding a strong work ethic, and demanding results through ones coaching is the only way to build and develop greatness.  Although greatness may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye, a coaches ability to recognize players who aspire to be extraordinary, and can back up their aspirations with talent, desire, and an unparalleled work ethic, is the key to building what Kentucky football fans have been waiting patiently on for decades; a consistent winner.  If the coaches don't expect greatness you can bet your season tickets the players won't either.

UK's quarterback coach Randy Sanders is about to find out why Kentucky is paying him so handsomely.  Sanders has received kudos from every direction for his work with Woodson, but he's about to find out that "the mail never stops."  He's been given the keys to more than a few fixer-uppers on Kentucky's roster this year, and his mechanic skills are being put through the paces.  Can he produce a Cadillac, can he demand a Cadillac?  The prospects are as follows:

The Presumptive Starter 

Mike Hartline 6'6", 204 lb sophomore --  Hartline has appeared in four games for UK, going 4 for 6, for 34 yards and one interception.  The Canton, Ohio native came to UK with an impressive resume'; his senior year in high school Hartline threw for 1,523 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing for 533 yards and 12 more touchdowns.  His junior year he threw for 2,405 yards and 16 touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and eight touchdowns.  He was named an All-America by PrepStar, and rated the #31 pro-style quarterback by Rivals.  He was also rated one of the top-40 prospects in the state of Ohio.  SuperPrep rated him one of the top-125 prospects in the six state Midwest area.  In his senior year Hartline participated in the state championship finals in the 300 meter hurdles, high jump, and 4x400 relay.  Hartline's brother, Brian, is a receiver at Ohio State ( we won't hold that against him ).

Hartline brings size, athleticism, and mobility to the quarterback position.  He also brings a terrific attitude about what is expected from him from a leadership standpoint:

"Personally trying to get one-on-one time with the guys and make it seem like more than football.  Creating friendships and making it comfortable for the new guys to come in.  For the older guys, making it seem like I want to be here and I want to be the guy who wants to run the show this year.  The older guys want to see confidence, and that is the one big thing that I'm trying to show.  I think I do have confidence.  I think I have a lot of it and I'm only going to continue to build on it.  Now I'm trying to build on trust, being on time, reliability, working with people and not being afraid to put in some extra time."

At this point Hartline's effectiveness at the collegiate level is a mystery.  He certainly has the physical tools to be a great college quarterback, but learning "on-the-job" is a difficult prospect, especially in the SEC.  His ability to mentally deal with setbacks will go a long way in determining his long-term success, but he certainly talks a good game, and he'll be given every opportunity to succeed.

Coach Brooks is optimistic about Hartline's development, so my optimism is also high for Hartline being successful:

"He's a tough guy.  He's mobile.  For the most part he makes really good decisions.  That hopefully will continue to improve with more reps.  I look forward to him to continue developing his accuracy, particularly on the deep ball."

The Back-ups

Will Fidler 6'4", 216 lb sophomore -- The Henderson County graduate played very well in the spring; he found the mark on a 52 yard touchdown pass to E.J. Adams in a spring scrimmage, and in the Blue-White game he found Dicky Lyons for a 57 yard touchdown.  He has played in one varsity game ( Kent St. ).  Fidler also came to UK a very heralded prospect; he was named an All-America by PrepStar.  He is a two-time winner ( junior and senior years ) of the Roy Kidd Award, which is given to the Class 4A Player of the Year in Kentucky.  He is fourth all-time in Kentucky high school history with 9,395 yards passing yards.  He also threw for 92 touchdowns in his illustrious high school career.  His senior year Fidler threw for 2,288 yards and 25 touchdowns.  American Football Monthly named him Kentucky's Player of the Year in his junior year after he threw for 4,050 yards and 45 touchdowns.  He was rated a top-25 pro-style quarterback by Rivals.  Rivals also rated him the #8 prospect in the state of Kentucky.  SuperPep rated him the #11 prospect in Kentucky.  Fidler's uncle, George Petitgout, played football at Penn St., and his cousin Luke Petitgout played at Notre Dame ( he currently plays in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ).  His three brothers played football at Southern Illinois, with one of those brothers also playing at Alabama ( again, we won't hold that against him ).

Fidler has a strong arm, and as I stated above, he played well in the spring, but he hasn't come close to unseating Hartline as the starter.  It is good, though, to have a competent back-up who is physically able to perform the job.  I suspect he may see some action this year, especially in the early part of the season, which will serve as valuable experience as he goes forward.

Randall Cobb 5'11", 185 lb freshman -- Cobb was Tennessee's Class 2A Mr. Football.  He also won two consecutive state titles as quarterback of Alcoa High School.  As a senior he completed 89 of 139 passes ( 64% ) for 1,765 yards and 22 touchdowns ( he only threw two interceptions ), he also rushed for 793 yards and 13 touchdowns.  His junior year he threw for 1,893 yards and 25 touchdowns.  He was rated a top-11 prospect in Tennessee by the Orlando Sentinel, and a top-20 prospect by Rivals.  He competed in the 100 and 200 meters, as well as the 4x100 and 4x200 relays in high school.  He finished third in the state his senior year in the 100 meters ( 10.75 seconds ).  He's been clocked at 21.89 seconds in the 200 meters ( now that's sustained speed ).  Cobb was a high school teammate of UK receiver Kyrus Lanxter. 

Coming into fall practice Cobb was considered by most to be a sure bet to play receiver this year, but he won Brooks over early as a quarterback prospect.  After Cobb's first full gear practice the head coach had this to say about the superb athlete:

"He didn't look flustered; he stood in there and made the good throws, made a run or two ... He looked very good."

Since that time Cobb has spent 90% of his time practicing at the quarterback position, which can be looked at as being both good, and bad; considering how thin UK is at the receiver spot, having an athlete of his extreme talent would certainly bolster that position, but when ones performance dictates a look at the quarterback position, Brooks, Phillips, and Sanders have no choice.

The buzz is that Cobb is a once in a millennium type of player who will see lots of game action.  Where on the field will he line up?  At this point we don't know, but we do know that he is an extraordinary athlete who Brooks can't afford to let sit.  He has already been announced as the back-up return man ( to Dicky Lyons ), and Brooks has recently stated that Cobb would be a nice change of pace at the quarterback spot if Hartline isn't "moving the team".

Take that Phil!

The Other Freshman 

DeAunte Mason 6'3", 215 lbs -- Mason was Tennessee's Class 3A Mr. Football.  The Pearl-Cohn product passed for 2,375 yards and rushed for 1,052 more, scoring a combined 35 touchdowns.  As a junior he threw for almost 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, while rushing for 906 yards and 15 touchdowns.  He was the Nashville Metro Player of the Year.  He was rated a top-20 prospect in Tennessee by Rivals.  Mason is also a track star; he was part of the 4x200 relay team which won the state championship his junior year.

Another superb athlete.  If injuries become an issue at quarterback, Mason may see some playing time, if not, I would expect that he will redshirt this year.  A future position switch is also a possiblity.

Matt Roark 6'6", 190 lbs -- Roark was a two-time Cobb County ( GA ) Player of the Year.  He didn't begin playing quarterback until early in his junior year, but he immediately excelled at the position.  In his 18 career quarterback starts he ran and passed for a combined 54 touchdowns.  He senior year he completed 72.1% of his passes ( 98 - 136 ), for 1,552 yards and 15 touchdowns.  He rushed for 1,010 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Roark was born in Lexington, and his father Ray Gover played at UK from '85-'88. Puzzling fact: According to the UK Media Guide his last named is pronounced "RO - ark", but the Herald-Leader states that his name is pronounced "RORK". 

Roark continues the recent trend of recruiting dual-threat quarterbacks.  As with Mason, unless injuries become an issue, I would think that he will redshirt this year.  As with Mason, a position switch is possible ( even likely for Roark ), to receiver

Final Analysis

Only a month ago my hope was for the quarterback position to not hurt UK's chance at victory; don't turn the ball over, make accurate short passes, with the occasional deep ball to keep the defense honest.  With experience in short supply, expecting more would be expecting too much, or so I thought. 

When it was suggested to Joker Phillips by an unknowing reporter that Mike Hartline couldn't be expected to run the offense like André Woodson, Joker's response shook me into his world of "demanding greatness":

"I do expect him to run it like André.  We've got to put those expectations on him.  You don't say that a kid can't do something.  We're doing the exact same thing in practice that we were doing when André was here.  We haven't tweaked our offense because we've go a new quarterback.  We're running the same plays.  We expect him to make all the throws, and so far he's done it.  He's been as sharp as I've ever seen him the first few days of practice."

Joker imposing his will; that's how one coaches greatness into a player. 

Of course, effecting the ability of the quarterback to be his best are his receivers, and UK has a serious lack of experience at wide-out.  But, if Brooks and Phillip's attitude toward the quarterback growth arc is any indication, I expect that the receiving corps will be on the receiving end of high expectations also; no excuses, not even youth.  If a coach expects and demands greatness from one group of players, it only stands to reason that they will expect the same from another group cursed with the same affliction; inexperience.

Mike Hartline seems to be shrugging off youth, and embracing the challenge.  When asked about being ready for the Louisville game, he had this to say:

"I need to worry about myself getting mentally ready for this game and acting like I have been in this position before.  I need to make it seem like I'm not a rookie and never played, I need to get my mind right to where it is just natural."

He sounds like a young man who is buying what Brooks and the staff are selling.

Will demanding greatness, result in greatness?  I expect time needs to be given in order to accurately answer that query.  

My advice; continue to believe.

Trivia Question 

Which former UK quarterback holds the record for the most rushing yards in a single season by a quarterback?

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

This is the ninth in a series of posts which will break down the '08 football 'Cats.  Today we break down the special teams.

Kentucky's special team play last year can be separated into two categories: units that performed consistently well, and units that underperformed. 

Underperformed

UK fans have been spoiled over the last several years with exceptional return play, but last year was a bit disappointing.  UK returners fielded a total of 94 kicks ( punts and kick-offs ) without scoring a touchdown.  Actually, they never came close to scoring a touchdown.  Their averages are as follows:

• As a team, UK averaged 22.1 yards per kick-off return on 63 chances, with zero touchdowns.  UK's opponents averaged 23.5 yards per return, and scored two touchdowns.
• As a team, UK averaged 8.1 yards per punt return on 31 chances, also with zero touchdowns.  UK's opponents averaged only 6.0 yards per return, with a long of 16 yards, and zero touchdowns.

Many thought going into last year ( including me ) that UK's return game would flourish, especially considering that the kick-off would be executed from the 30 yard line ( moved back from the 35 yard line ).  But a 22 yard return average isn't' exactly Devin Hester territory.  UK did experience some key injuries to their two top return guys last year ( Rafael Little and Keenan Burton ), which adversely effected the return numbers.  But the guys who replaced the two injured stars are going to be the ones on full-time return duty this year, with the exception of freshman Randall Cobb.  Let's hope a year of experience will aid in increasing the productivity of UK's return men in '08, and a TD or two wouldn't hurt.

'08 Kick Returners

Dicky Lyons 5'11', 185 lb senior -- For his career, Lyons has returned 28 kick-offs for a 24.0 yard average return.  Lyons has returned 14 punts in his career for an average of 6.7 yards per return.  Last year he returned 15 kick-offs, averaging 22.1 yards per return, and two punts for a 20.0 yard average. 

Lyons will be relied upon to return both kick-offs and punts.  Although blessed with speed, he's not a burner, but he has proved to be elusive as a pass receiver.  So far that elusiveness has not translated to his return game.

Tony Dixon 5'9", 203 lb senior -- Dixon returned 8 kick-offs last year for an average of 22.9 yards per return.

Dixon will probably team with Lyons on kick-off returns, at least early in the year.  His mix of speed and power make him a dangerous weapon in return situations. 

Derrick Locke 5'10" ,180 lb sophomore -- Locke returned 5 kick-offs last year for an average of 23.2 yards per return.

The running back couples blazing speed with brute force.  His seemingly fearless attitude makes him a special teams coach's favorite commodity.  Locke could be positioned to make a difference in the return game if given the opportunity.  He has a couple of players with more experience in front of him, but his pure talent may dictate him being a major presence returning kicks.

Alfonso Smith 6'1", 204 lb junior -- Smith has returned 2 kick-offs for an average of 22.0 yards per return.

Smith is very similar to Locke in that they both have supersonic speed, but he also has very little experience.  As is true with Locke, if Smith is given the opportunity he could be spectacular as a returner. 

David Jones 5'10", 185 lb senior -- The newly anointed starting corner-back has returned one kick-off for 14 yards.

Jones is another of UK's rocket-propelled track stars ( 4.4 speed ) masquerading as a football player.  But, I'm not sure how much he will be utilized this year.  He is after-all learning a new position.  A new position where he will be starting in his first ever game at cornerback, so the coaching staff may feel that he has an adequately full plate.  But as always, if injuries become a problem he will be given the opportunity to produce. 

Demoreo Ford 5"10, 186 lb junior -- Ford has returned only 8 punts in his career, for a 6.2 yard per return average. 

Ford's health is always a concern.  If he can get, and remain healthy he has all the qualities a coach looks for in a return man.  He's very fast, and eludes well, but he can't return every kick for a touchdown, which means he has to be tackled.  And being tackled is not his forte'.  With the emergence of Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith, and Randall Cobb, Ford's number of chances will decrease, but if injuries become an issue he will be called upon to serve.

Randall Cobb 5'11", 180 lb freshman -- "The Phenom" has been mentioned recently as a real possibility to return kicks.  Why am I not surprised?

Performed Consistently   

Lones Seiber 5'9", 182 lb place kicker, junior --  For his career Seiber has made 27 of 44 field goals ( 61.3 % ).  Last year Seiber made 16 of 25 attempts ( 64.0% ).  In his career he has made 84 of 88 point after tries.  Last year the Knoxville native scored a UK school record 99 points. 

Perhaps I should have written that Seiber "performed consistently" for the first eleven games.  Going into the Tennessee game the Knoxville native had made 15 of 20 field goal attempts, but in his final two games he missed four of five chances.  One of which was a blocked 34 yard attempt, in overtime, versus UT ( the ball hit a UT lineman in the face mask ). 

Will that late season ineffectiveness carry-over into '08?  For Rick Brook's sake I hope not.  Seiber performed very well at times last year:

• He made three field goals in the epic victory over LSU ( two in the 4th quarter, and 1 in overtime ) for which he won the "Lou Groza Kickers Award". 
• He also made a huge 48 yard field goal against Vandy, which tied the score going into the half. 
• He made three of three chances versus South Carolina.

He has demonstrated with the above performances that he can be a very reliable kicker, but Seiber's percentage of makes must be around the 80% mark.  UK will probably be in an abundance of close games this year, and Seiber has to be "money, honey" in order for UK to have a good chance of winning consistently. 

Tim Masthay 6'2", 203 lb punter, kicks-off, senior -- For his career Masthay has punted 154 times for a career average of 38.4 yards per punt.  Last year the Murray High School alum punted 50 times for a 39.8 yard average.  Masthay led the SEC with 23 touchbacks on kick-offs last year.  He was also named UK's "Special Teams Player of the Year" in '07.  Opponents averaged only 6.0 yards per return on Masthay's punts.

Masthay has improved his yardage on punts every year.  He has, for the most part, been a picture of consistency for the last season-and-a-half.  On punts he kicks a pretty high ball, which enables the head-hunters to gain ground in the pursuit of the ball carrier.  And, as evidenced by his SEC leading 23 touchbacks, his leg is not lacking in the power department.  He generally does an excellent job of taking away field position, which gives UK a huge edge in many games.  I don't foresee Masthay reversing course, so I look forward to many long punts, and "field goal" kick-offs in '08.

As an added bonus; Masthay's highest punting average for any single game is 47.3 yards.  He accomplished that feat twice; versus LSU and UL, both last year. 

The back-ups

Ryan Tydlacka 6'1", 195 pound kicker and punter, redshirt freshman --  The Trinity High School grad will see action if Masthay is injured or if Seiber is ineffective.  Tydlacka was named 1st Team All-State after averaging 45.6 yards per punt in his senior year. Also in his senior year he made 68 of 70 point after tries, and 5 of 7 field goal attempts. 

J. J. Housley 5'10", 186 lb kicker, senior -- The Hazard native began the '06 campaign as the starter while Seiber recovered from hip surgery.  He made 7 of 8 point after tries, but missed his only field goal attempt. 

Final analysis

If Masthay continues his upward tic, and Seiber can regain the touch he had for the first nine games of last year, then the kicking game will remain an advantage for UK.  Seiber has to do what all good athletes do; put the final two games of last season behind him.  If he is unable to do that, then I don't think Rich Brooks will hesitate to change kickers.

The return game, I believe, will improve over last year.  Even though the returners are inexperienced, their talent level is very high, with speed being their defining characteristic.  As I wrote above, some touchdowns, and good field position is all I ask.  Surely, with the twelve-cylinder, turbo-charged, speed machines UK has returning kicks, I am not asking for too much.

Thanks for reading, and only 15 days until the 'Cats confront e-ville, face to face! 

This is the eighth in a series of posts which will break down the '08 football 'Cats.  Today we break down the defensive line.

If a positive-minded nickname had any influence over the performance of an athlete, I would anoint the Kentucky defensive front four the "Promise Keepers."  Not that the UK defensive line hasn't at times performed well, they have, but consistent results have eluded this group as of yet.  Last year for example UK gave up only 101 yards rushing ( on 27 carries ) to UL. In another solid effort, they held South Carolina to only 86 yards rushing ( on 36 carries ), and they played very well against Tennessee, allowing the Vols only 3.3 yards per carry, and zero rushing touchdowns.  But those solid efforts have matching, less than stellar performances to balance out the good vibrations:

•  Versus Kent St., UK gave up 324 yards ( on 59 carries ) on the ground, and two rushing touchdowns. 
•  Darren McFadden and Felix Jones looked like Gale Sayers' evil twins running through holes big enough for "Big Mama", AND her house.  McFadden ran for 173 yards, and Jones 133 yards on only 12 carries. 
•  LSU's ground attack netted them 261 yards on only 50 carries, good for 5.2 yards per carry.  They also scored three rushing touchdowns. 
• In the season ending win versus Florida State, the Seminoles ran for 204 yards on 33 carries ( 6.2 yards per carry ), and two rushing touchdowns. 

"Jekyll and Hyde", a "mixed bag", "up and down", a "roller-coaster"; choose your favorite cliché.  The fact is that UK's front four must play better, consistently better, in order for UK to enjoy the record-setting season most feel they can accomplish in 2008. 

Last year UK's defensive front accounted for 21 of the 24 total sacks achieved by the defense; that number needs to go up, significantly.  Pressuring the quarterback and winning the penetration battle should be points of emphasis this fall for defensive line coach Rick Petri; a lack of pressure contributed to UK's opponents converting 45% of third downs, and a lack penetration resulted in allowing nearly 2,500 yards rushing for Kentucky's opponents.  Coach Brooks echoes those thoughts with this comment:

"I think this can be the best defense we've had since I've been here.  Overall, we made some progress last season, but we didn't make the strides we needed to make against the run or on third-down."

UK's defensive line lost only part-time starter Dominic Lewis and his 37 tackles, along with back-ups Travis Day,  J.D. Craigman, and Jamil Paris ( all three had single digit tackles ).  The returning players possess both talent and experience.  They are lead by an All-SEC performer, and it's time they fulfilled their collective potential.

Coach Brooks seems to agree.  He had this to say when asked about his defense improving:

"We need that to happen this year if we want to be viable, because the best teams in this league have great defenses.  And we haven't been a great defense.  We've been improving, getting better.  But I believe that this year you're gonna see a significant step on the defensive side at the University of Kentucky."

We all hope the belief that Brooks has in his defense is rewarded with consistent, solid performances.  And it all starts up front, with ...

The Promise Keepers

Jeremy Jarmon 6'3", 277 lb end, junior -- 2nd Team All-SEC ( coaches ) in '07, 2nd Team preseason All-SEC in '08,  UK"s Co-Most Outstanding Defensive Player in '07.  Jarmon has played in 26 career games, with 19 starts.  He has 92 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries, 6 pass break-ups and 13 sacks in his UK career.  Jarmon is considered one of the best pass rushers in the SEC, and he's also on the preseason watch list for the Ronnie Lott Award, given annually to the nations best defensive player.

Last year Jarmon had 62 tackles ( fourth on the team ), and 9 quarterback sacks.  He had a personal best 10 tackles in the LSU game, and had a huge game-preserving sack in the victory over Vanderbilt.  He also had 2.5 sacks versus Vanderbilt and South Carolina. 

When asked about not making 1st Team All-SEC, Jarmon sounded driven:

"I can better prepare myself in the weight room, better prepare myself out there conditioning on the field and better prepare myself in the film room to make sure that I can top those stats that I produced last year, or cause mere havoc that I caused last year, to almost guarantee that I find my way onto first team."

Jarmon will start at one end position.

Myron Pryor 6'1", 310 lb tackle, senior -- The former Eastern High School star is a two-year starter for UK at defensive tackle.  He's played in 35 games, with 23 starts.  He has 82 career tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 4 fumbles caused. 

He caused all four of those fumbles in his sophomore year, which ranked him in the Top 10 in the country in that category. 

Prior will start at one of the tackle spots. 

Corey Peters 6'3", 290 lb tackle, junior -- The Central High School product was voted the Most Improved Defensive Player in '07 by the coaching staff.  He has played in 24 games with 14 starts. Peters has 61 career tackles ( 43 in '07 ), 6 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in his career ( 2.5 sacks in '07 ).  

Peter's came to UK highly touted.  Rivals.com rated him one of the top-25 defensive tackle prospects in the nation.  Peters will start alongside Pryor at the other tackle spot.

Ventrell Jenkins 6'2", 285 lb end, senior -- Jenkins has played in 33 career games with two starts.  He has recorded 59 tackles, with 12 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks in his career.  Jenkins had a big game versus UL last year; he went for 6 tackles and a sack.  He recorded two sacks versus LSU in '07.  He has a current streak of at least one tackle in 15 straight games.   

Jenkins has played at the tackle spot for most of his UK, but made the switch to end in the spring.  The coaches were impressed enough with his performance that he will be starting opposite Jeremy Jarmon at the other end position. 

The back-ups

Ricky Lumpkin 6'4", 289 lb tackle, sophomore -- He's played in 7 games with one start.  He's credited with 18 tackles, 1 sack, with 2 tackles for loss, and 1 fumble recovery.

The talented, but often injured tackle is looking forward to making an impact in '08.  Lumpkin has endured three surgeries; one the summer before his arrival in Lexington, and two last year.  His hip has been the recipient of all of the attention, but Lumpkin sounds like he's ready to rumble in '08: 

"I'm just feeling good that I can finally play football at 100 percent.  There's no pain.  Now I can have fun, learn stuff, and get yelled at for doing something wrong while I'm in a left-handed stance.  I can do squats now.  I think I'll be healthier, stronger, and just better all-around."

Lumpkin has been the talk of practices when he's healthy.  He's considered to be a ball-hawk, and an all-around wild-man when it comes to flying around the ball, and pursuing.  If he stays healthy he will be a warrior on the defensive front.  He'll start the season backing-up Pryor and Peters at the tackle position. 

Shane McCord 6'2", 271 lb tackle, sophomore -- McCord has played in 5 games ( 3 tackles ), all as a true freshman.  McCord came to UK as the #60 rated tackle prospect by Scout, and the #27 prospect in Georgia. 

McCord played well last year, especially toward the end of the year.  The coaches love his speed and strength, and I look for him to produce when he spells Pryor or Peters. 

Nii Adjei Oninku 6'1", 254 lb end, senior -- He missed all of last season due to a severe knee injury ( torn ACL, MCL, PCL ).  For his career Oninku has played in 23 games with 10 starts.  He has recorded 36 tackles and 2 tackles for loss.  In '06 he played in 12 games with 5 starts.  He posted 12 tackles.  Also in '06 he broke his hand versus Vanderbilt, but played the next week against Tennessee.

Oninku will be an excellent back-up to Jarmon and Jenkins on the ends.  He has a ton of experience, but more importantly, he has played well when called upon.  On top of the fact that he's one tough son-of-a-gun.

Others who may play

Josh MInton 6'3", 254 lb end, sophomore -- The Southwestern High School star had the misfortune of injuring his knee in the '07 Blue/White Game.  He underwent knee reconstruction, but is expected to provide depth to this years front line.  Minton was designated an All-America by SuperPrep and PrepStar.  Rivals had him rated the #12 weak-side defensive end in the nation.  He was the #5 rated prospect out of Kentucky by Rivals, and #3 by SuperPrep.

Chandler Burden 6'5", 290 lb end, true freshman -- Burden can play on either side of the ball, but he's getting a hard look on defense.  He runs a sub-5.0 in the 40, and was a Track and Field star in high school ( he won state titles in the shot put and discus throw ).

It hasn't taken Rich Brooks long to fall in love with the Oxford, Ohio native.  After only few days of practice the coach had this to say about Burden:

"He's been very impressive, we just need to get him to understand more about what he's doing, but physically he's a force out there."

If Burden takes instruction and learns the playbook, I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn some playing time this year.

May play if injuries occur

Austin Moss 6'0", 250 lb end, junior -- Moss has played tackle for UK, but he now makes the move to end.  He's played in 6 games, and recorded 3 tackles.  The former walk-on is the brother of former UK basketball player Ravi Moss.

Greg Meisner 6'1", 233 lb end, redshirt freshman -- Meisner injured his shoulder prior to last season.  The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tabbed Meisner as one of the top-25 prospects in Pennsylvania.  He played in high school  for his father, NFL veteran Greg Meisner, Sr.. 

Charles Mustafaa 6'3", 258 lb tackle, redshirt freshman -- He suffered a knee injury prior to last season.  His father, Najee played football at Georgia Tech, and enjoyed a seven year NFL career.  Mustafaa is also a cousin to the late UL basketball great Derek Smith.

Luke McDermott 6'1" 256 lb tackle, redshirt freshman -- The Trinity High School product played very well in the spring.  So well in fact that he was rated the #2 tackle behind Corey Peters.  McDermott is a walk-on.

Joe Scott 6'1", 280 lb tackle, redshirt freshman -- The Central High School alum is a former walk-on.  He was selected for the All-South Region team by PrepStar.

B. J. Wiedemann 6'1", 242 lb end, sophomore -- The former John Hardin player is also a former walk-on.  He's played in one game at UK.

Antwane Glenn 6'4", 270 lb tackle, redshirt freshman -- He moved from end to tackle in the spring.  Glenn was an All-State selection in South Carolina.  His senior year he recorded 120 tackles.  As a sophomore in high school he was the Defensive Player of the Game in the state championship contest, where he accounted for 17 tackles, a forced fumble and one fumble recovery.  Glenn had shoulder surgery at the end of spring practice and isn't back to 100% strength just yet.

The True Freshman

Osaze Idumwonyi 6'1" 285 lb tackle -- He can play on either side of the ball.  He runs a sub-5.0 - 40.  He was rated the #12 center prospect in the nation by Rivals, and the #62 rated player in the state of Texas.  With center Jake Lanefski out with a broken hand, Idumwonyi will get a look at the center spot, also

Collins Ukwu 6'4", 220 lb end -- Ukwu is notable because of his combination of speed and strength ( he runs a 4.7 - 40 ).  He set a school career record at La Vergne High School ( TN ) with 43 tackles for loss.

Taylor Wyndham 6'4" 210 lb end -- He will get a look at defensive end, although he is also capable of playing linebacker.  He was rated the #47 strong-side linebacker prospect by Scout. 

As is true with any freshman lineman, all of the above players could be redshirted.

Final Analysis

The above mentioned group of players have the weight of high expectations on their shoulders entering the '08 football season.  Everyone from the head coach to the players are telling anyone who will listen that UK's defense will be much improved, continuing the journey toward respectability.  Fulfilling those prognostications with results on the field holds the key to UK's success this season. 

Everything is lined up for a successful season.  UK has experience, they have talent, they have All-SEC caliber players, and they have every motivation in the world.  Kentucky's defense has been the scourge of every Blue lovin' football fanatic since Jerry Claiborne called it quits nearly 20 years ago.  This is the year that changes ... but if it's not, put your favorite psychiatrist on speed-dial.

UPDATE: Sophomore wide receiver Kyrus Lanxter is scheduled to have the cast removed from his broken hand this Friday.  If everything goes well, as expected, his return will help offset the loss of the mono-ridden Aaron Boyd, who is out for at least six weeks.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Billy and Rich: Part 1

Billy Gillispie was three years old when Rich Brooks got his first coaching job.  Rich Brooks has been a head coach at the Division 1A level for 23 seasons, along with two years as a head coach in the NFL.  Billy Gillispie has been a head coach at the Division I level for six seasons.  But if Rich Brooks wants any lessons in how to rally a team, even when that team is hemorrhaging players, all he has to do is stroll across campus to the Craft Center, and walk through Gillispie's door.

Knowing Billy as I do ( wink, wink ) my bet is that he would be more than happy to answer any questions Brooks has on dealing with adversity, leaving the past behind, and looking forward.  Billy, you see, lived through a season in which nothing, and I mean nothing went UK's way for the longest time; players were transferring, rebelling, getting injured, and being a general pain in the behind ... in other words, right now Billy is telling Rich, "I feel ya brother, I feel ya." 

Leadership

With the loss of three major contributors to UK's football team in a matter of seventy-two hours, it is imperative that the remaining team members rally around one another, not blame, question, and bemoan.  Leadership must be displayed, especially by Mike Hartline, and if some reading this aren't schooled on the leadership ladder in college football, just read Dicky Lyon's words:

"I'm going to be somewhat a leader but the leader of a football team is the quarterback, and everyone knows that.  I'm going to lead by following Hartline, or whoever the starting quarterback is.  Just make sure that everybody knows that he is the guy even though he is young.  He is the guy that we have to follow and make sure that everybody knows that we need to look to him to get us out of trouble."

Fair or not, the role of team leader just fell squarely in the lap of Mike Hartline.  Hartline has to find it within himself to impose his authority as the leader of the team, even though he has never started a single college game.  The sophomore will be tested by his teammates, frequently tested when times are bad.  What Hartline has to remember is that confidence is the foundation for solid leadership.  The quarterback didn't waste time in dispelling any myths that may be circulating among his teammates about his level of confidence:

"I've got a lot of confidence.  I've always had a lot of confidence."

The question UK fans are asking themselves right now is, "OK, but is your confidence justified?"  In the huddle, in a tight game, fourth quarter, Papa John's is rockin'; are Hartline's eyes saucers, or are they ablaze with focus?  His teammates will know, and the won-loss column will reflect the answer.

Billy and Rich: Part 2

As Rich eases into Billy's Corinthian leather chair, his mind is muddled with meandering players, and developing depth issues.  He knows Billy has the answers, but will he be able to effectively convey Gillispie's words of wisdom to his suddenly short-handed troops.  "Don't worry hoss," says Billy, "your will to win will win out in the end."  After-all, nothing has really changed; seven wins is still the goal, beating UL is still the goal, runnin' it down The Visor's throat is still the goal, beating 'Bama is still the goal, sending Petrino back to Arkansas a loser is still the goal, avenging last years loss to Mississippi St. is still the goal, freakin' finally beating Fat Phil and his orange-clad hooligans is still the goal.

"You've lost some depth, Rich, that's all, last year I went without two of my top five players, every game, you can beat this, your talent level is still high," Billy opines between sips of Dr. Pepper, and bites of peanut butter crackers.  He's right, you know.  Zipp Duncan and Michael Williams need to train more vigorously, practice more focused, and perform at an elite level in an effort to replace Christian Johnson.  David Jones and Shomari Moore need to train more vigorously, practice more focused, and perform at an elite level in an effort to replace Paul Warford. 

Depth

Depth is a funny thing.  When a team has it, they usually excel in the fourth quarter.  When they don't, the fourth quarter usually belongs to the opponent.  If any fan base in the world knows the perils of lack of depth, it is UK fans.  How many games over the last thirty years or so has UK lost in the fourth quarter?  Countless.  And why, because the good guys are considerably more tired than the bad guys.  But, there is a way to circumvent that particular problem, and that is by outworking ones opponents. 

Kentucky's players have to believe that the talent still calls Commonwealth Stadium home.  Mike Hartline and Rich Brooks have to instill in the players an attitude that the ship can't be sunk because of a few busted rivets.  The price the team has to pay for the unfortunate choices of some is to work harder, train harder, and play harder to overcome the losses in personnel.  Five years ago if a similar set of circumstances had arisen, then I would have said that UK would be in serious trouble, but not now.  Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips have consistently said that one of the biggest reasons for UK's recent success is due to an increased level of depth, well those assertions are about to be put to the test.  My wager will be placed squarely on their words proving to be prophetic. 

Billy and Rich: The Season Finale 

As Billy chews his last cracker, he tells Rich to "demand their best effort, because that's what they deserve.  Refuse their impulse to sulk and blame, fill them with a desire to win, in spite of the ghosts."

As Rich rises to leave and Billy knocks back that last taste of Pepper, he says "let me leave you with one thing I know; there are no excuses to be had, only victories to be won."

Coach Brooks must have taken Billy's words to heart:

"We have to line up on the field and put the pieces together.  I still feel we are going to be a very good football team."

Thanks Coach, that's what we want to hear.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!