SB Nation - Curtis Pulley

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- "Last Time We Had a Leak Like This Noah Built Himself a Boat."

Truzenzuzex — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:43:03 -0000

"All right, who's the U-boat commander?" (via U.S. Geological Survey)

I'm sure you all recognize that classic line in the lede as coming from Wilford Brimley's scene-stealing portrayal of Asst. U.S. Attorney General James A. Wells in the 1980's film classic, Absence of Malice. The reason I chose it is because today the sky sprang a rather large leak not dissimilar from what I imagine happened in Noah's day, and in the space of only an hour dumped over six inches of rain on a very large part of Jefferson County, Kentucky. There has never been a rain like that on this part of the country in recorded history. Needless to say, things around here got a little dicey.

Fortunately, your humble correspondent somehow managed to escape the deluge, getting only a mild soaking and going about his daily routine much as he usually does. Ultimately, it was my father who called me from 30 miles away and alerted me to the catastrophe, and when I saw the extent of the flooding, I was aghast. Of course, the normal places were flooded downtown -- heck, downtown is only a few feet above the level of the Ohio river, so flooding in a rainstorm is expected.

What was unexpected was seeing Churchill Downs under two feet of water, and the lower level of the Louisville International Airport (!!) flooded so badly that some travelers will be coming home to vehicles that are rather worse for the wear. Never, ever, have I heard of the airport flooding. Nor Churchill Downs. We are talking about a major leak here, folks -- cow-urinating-on-a-flat-rock kind of leak for over an hour.

We at A Sea of Blue hope fervently that all the families displaced by this gruesome event are able to recover quickly and return safely to their homes. Thankfully, there was no loss of life despite a few close calls, due mainly to a few apparent Darwin Award nominees trying to discover if motor vehicles can double as submarines. Here is a clue to those so inclined to discover the obvious through trial and error -- they don't, and it's an error to try.

But now, we must move on to the Wildcats

Today's top Wildcat story is John Calipari's comments via television news tonight that players won't be playing based on whether they think they should or on their reputation, but based on how well they perform.

Aren't you impressed by this delicious insight? I know I am. I have been waiting with bated breath to hear Coach Cal produce a version of, "Them that earns it gits it." I am fairly giddy with joy at having him reassure me that John Wall will not stroll casually onto the floor like Jesse James in the Old West that everyone feared because of his reputation. Saints (and Cal) preserve us from a swelled-headed Patrick Patterson, or a dismissively cocky Daniel Orton. Finally, I can sleep.

Sarcasm aside, it's always good to see the UK coach say something on TV, and he did offer one thing I fervently agree with -- an, "I wish we could start right now!" Me too, coach, me too. And I have a ton of company here on A Sea of Blue, I assure you. If we could just for a moment experience the "Fast Forward" flashes like the cast of the upcoming TV series, it would be all the way to March where we could remember a very successful season with satisfaction. Alas, there is no TV magic scriptwriter who will assuage our suffering, so for now we must continue to trudge through the Summer of Desire with no succor for our desperate passion, no respite for our yearning.

Okay, so I got a little carried away there, just a bit. Now, for some news of Wildcat intererest:

UK Basketball News

Bluegrass State Basketball: Is Calipari the Perfect Fit at UK Or Is It Just Me?
Heh. Well, yeah.
"I just feel badly for Nimrod the first time he takes the floor at Rupp Arena and the UK fans let him have it."
Bite me, Goodman. Anyone named Nimrod deserves to be made fun of.
Robic says big changes coming to UK
Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times Online - Steelers
That John Calipari, he do get around.
Extra Onions: Karen Sypher's new lawyer, UK video, and more - The Dagger - NCAA Hoops - Rivals.com
Eamonn Brennan has some tidbits, including video of a UK pick up game. It's hard to tell who is who, but its fairly easy to recognize Wall, Cousins and Jon Hood. The guy who took the video really should try to point the camera at the action, such as it was. This game is so casual and so lazy that even I could have sustained this pace.
Golden Spikes of Rupp Arena Era Nominations Continues
Well? Do you agree with this list? If not, who would you add/take away?
Calipari interested in Maurice Harkless
No surprise there.

UK Football News

UK FOOTBALL PREVIEW: The Linebackers
Nice preview by Wildcat Blue in a Sea of Orange. UK's linebacking corps looks solid this year, and I think Maxwell and Tevathan will fill in nicely.
Staying low-key is UK's key this week
Last year Rich Brooks didn't have to wait for the season for his first loss. The University of Kentucky football coach announced on the first day of practice last season that quarterback Curtis Pulley was dismissed from the team, costing the Wildcats a potential starter.

Well, I guess if you look at it that way ...
WAR EAGLE EXTRA: Opponent preview: Kentucky
Auburn Football takes a look at the UK-Auburn game. I do take umbrage with their "schedule easy and you'll make a bowl game," comment. There is no qualitative difference between Auburn's non-conference schedule and Kentucky's, but it seems that the meme will be forever repeated even if factually bankrupt. And just to avoid the "what about last year?" question, let's look at Auburn's NC schedule last year:

Auburn: 1 FCS, 3 FBS and 1 BCS
UK: 1 FCS, 3 FBS and 1 BCS *Western Kentucky was transitioning to FBS

So other than the fact that Western was transitioning to FBS, you have a push there. Not only that, but in overall schedule strength, Kentucky's was 11th in the league, and Auburn was 9th. I suppose they can therefore claim we have a weaker schedule, but just barely. But other than that quibble, it's a good preview and they interview Chip Cosby of the Herald Leader.
THE MICHIGAN FOOTBALL BLOG: UK Makes Derrick Bryant's Final Three....Who Are the Other Two?
Could we dare hope to beat out Michigan for a recruit? In football? I wouldn't bet on it.
Vandy, UK football a lot alike
Great. Just great. We are like Vanderbilt. If we were talking about academics, I would be proud, but ...
Brooks’ book a must read for UK fans
Nice review of Tom Leach's new book by Larry Vaught.
Cats pick up third commitment
Perhaps a diamond in the rough here. He's short and fast and unrated, but that beats short, slow and unrated any day.
Odds and Ends: Kentucky Football Edition
Some useful and interesting notes about Kentucky football.
Fans question Calipari on definition of "real pizza" John Clay’s Sidelines
Heh. Pizza is so subjective. Some like thin, New York style, and others like Chicago style deep dish. Most like something in-between.

Papa Johns is not my choice, though. I prefer Papa Murphy's take home and bake pizza. That's pretty much all we eat, and speaking of that, I think I have some left over for lunch today. Mmmmm.
Calipari says all the right things
"I am more excited to be your coach than you are to have me." Calipari said at the Big Brothers and Big Sisters luncheon Tuesday in Lexington.

Yep. That's saying the right things, all right.
Calipari headed back to China John Clay’s Sidelines
Maybe he should buy a condo over there. I think he could afford one. He could rent it out during basketball season.

Other UK Sports News

None today

NCAA Sports News

SLAM ONLINE | " College Basketball Preseason Top 25 Countdown
Teams 25-21. Some good team reviews here. Florida makes an appearance.
Florida pays Urban Meyer in Calipari bucks John Clay’s Sidelines
Feh. Well, good for Meyer, I guess. We know where the Gators' hearts are at.
July recruiting viewed slightly different from top - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com News, Fantasy, Video
Calipari is at a big school (Kentucky) with unique resources (private jets) and in possession of great relationships that aid in the process of securing players. So of course he wants to eliminate summer recruiting! Even without it, he can still recruit off his own name and his school's name, and it's not a problem if he needs to go see a prospect in Oklahoma on a January night because he can finish practice by 4:30, hop a private plane by 5:15, fly across a few states, watch the game, get back on the private plane, fly home and get in bed by midnight.

Did you know UK had a private jets (plural)? I didn't. In fact, I thought they were talking about leasing one aircraft for use by the athletic department, but the idea that there are more than one is news to me. In fact, I'm not even sure they've actually leased a plane, as I certainly don't recall that news item. But since they did budget the money, you have to assume they used it.

Still, plural? But Parrish does make a point that will resonate with the little guys. I don't see the July period going away anytime soon.

Other News of Interest

Catch of a lifetime: Kentucky auto worker reels in $1 million FLW Fantasy Fishing grand prize - FLW Outdoors
PITTSBURGH — Terry Moberly, an auto production worker from Berea, Ky, claimed first place in the 2009 FLW Fantasy Fishing season and its $1 million grand prize. Moberly was awarded his $1 million grand prize at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena during the weigh-in ceremonies on Saturday of the Forrest Wood Cup.
Rocky Top Talk compares Kiffin to Coach --Cal John Clay’s Sidelines
Heh.
Dicky Lyons Signs With the Falcons
Matt Jones is repeating an Alan Cutler report that Dicky Lyons Jr has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. I expect to get more on this from Dicky himself at some point.
UK Coach Rich Brooks and Coach John Calipari book signings

The Daily Schadenfreude

Basketball Recruiting: 2004-09: Part 2
Hard to believe Self would get criticized, but KU fans have found a way.

A year in the life ...

Ken Howlett — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:11:25 -0000

When Tru first approached me to become a front page author here at A Sea of Blue, I didn't hesitate. I've never told him this, but I had been waiting ... and waiting ... ever so patiently for him to ask me just that question -- "Would you like to join me on the front page?"

Well, Sunday April 12th, was the one-year anniversary of my first front page post here, at what I consider, the ultimate UK fan-based web-site: But boy, did I ever NOT know what I was getting into, or how much I would enjoy doing what I do. Nor did I realize the multitude of events that would transpire over my first year, eliciting opinions, analysis, and commentary over a range of topics that even the most seasoned, experienced, professional sports journalist would be envious of writing about.

My year began with:

Kentucky guard Derrick Jasper transferring to UNLV despite the best efforts of Billy Gillispie to retain his top "lead" guard prospect for the 2008-2009 season. At first fans were led to believe by some media members that Jasper felt unappreciated by the UK fan base, but of course that turned out to be false. He was seeking asylum ... so to speak. But the negativity surrounding his departure was quickly replaced by ...
Billy Gillispie's recruiting prowess ... which earned several front page posts early in my tenure: I wrote about Nicola Kecman, Bobby Maze, Vinny Zollo, Matthew Avery, Matt Pilgrim, Kevin Galloway and Josh Harrellson in the summer of '08. Gillispie it seemed, would stop at nothing to secure what he thought was the top talent available, regardless of geography, or more pointedly, the recruits date of birth, which led to ...
"Forward thinking recruiting" became a hot topic of discussion among the Big Blue faithful, as well as sports writers, and those charged with maintaining ethics in recruiting. Gillispie and UK were lambasted in the national press for offering scholarships to players not yet in high school. The NABC even chimed in with a "we don't approve" edict. But of course, Dick Vitale offered up congratulations and praise to Florida's Golden Boy, Billy Donovan, for snagging a commitment from high school freshman Austin Rivers. Aah, I just had to write about the hypocrisy.
What is still one of my favorite stories of last year -- Tennessee guard, and Maysville native Chris Lofton, revealing that he played his entire senior year after being diagnosed and treated for cancer -- Fans of UT, as well as UK, were busy theorizing why Lofton didn't quite seem himself. Some thought the loss of Dane Bradshaw somehow made Lofton's job tougher, because defenses could concentrate on Lofton. Wrong; the kid battled through chemotherapy, and the hell that goes with it, alone. He persevered, played, and in the end taught us all a lesson in what it means to have desire, heart, and will. * I think my column on Lofton is still my father's favorite post, so here it is pops, you can read it again.
After the transfer of Jasper, the question on the minds of 'Cat fans from Katmandu to Catlanta was --"Who is going to be UK's "lead" guard? Big Blue Nation's concern was to be validated in a most unpleasant fashion, and in the end may have cost a head coach his job.
Kelvin Sampson and his serial breaking of NCAA regulations next hit the headlines. While I'm not an IU hater, I couldn't resist writing that Indiana AD Rick Greenspan got exactly what he deserved: A major headache, and an evisceration at the hands of Hoosier fans everywhere.
Next in line was Brigid DeVries and the KHSAA -- I was the lone, and lonely voice of caution concerning the Dakota Euton/Chad Jackson transfer from Rose Hill Academy in Ashland, to Scott County High School -- My knowledge of rampant, and long-standing cheating by high schools around the Commonwealth was enough to throw up a red flag in this particular case -- But, KHSAA commissioner DeVries was unable to back-up her contention with evidence that the players should be ineligible, so in the end (and rightfully so) the two athletes were deemed eligible for competition for the Cardinals.
Changing the culture of UK football followed on the front pages -- With UK coming off two consecutive bowl game victories, the 2008 season stood to be a hallmark in the long and sad history of UK's pigskin struggles. Would "old Kentucky" rear it's ugly head yet again and produce a losing season, or would head coach Rich Brooks put together a third straight bowl-worthy season, topped by a bowl game win? Three consecutive bowl game appearances ... it hadn't happened since 1951 when Bear Bryant was calling the plays in Lexington. And UK, in 117 years of football, had never won three straight bowl games. The talk of breaking that notorious embarrassment was fairly positive, until ...
UK's presumed starting quarterback, Curtis Pulley, was kicked off the team. The "Ghosts in the House" were haunting the Kentucky football faithful once again.
But, a dominating 27-2 victory in the opening game versus the ranked and hated Louisville Cardinals, in their house no less (capped by a rumbling, stumbling 72 yard scamper by UK D-lineman Myron Pryor), buoyed optimism among 'Cat fans -- "Now, if Kentucky can only get an offense" was a theme that was to be repeated to a nauseating degree.
After six games UK's football team, standing at 4-2, and coming off two straight losses (Alabama, and South Carolina - Will UK ever beat Spurrier?) was staring demoralizing loss number three-in-a-row squarely in the face. When, versus Arkansas (down 20-7 with five minutes remaining), "new Kentucky" proved with ferocity that these 'Cats were indeed in possession of multiple lives, and at least five good minutes -- A forced fumble led to a Michael Hartline 32 yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb, making the score 20-14 with 4:15 remaining; On Arkansas' next possession UK's defense held the Razorbacks to a four-and-out, UK capitalized with a Hartline 21 yard touchdown pass to Cobb, giving UK the lead at 21-20 with 2:21 remaining; And finally, with 1:07 left on the clock UK's Marcus McClinton intercepted a Casey Dick pass to complete the improbable comeback. The game epitomized grabbing victory from the brutal jaws of defeat -- Unfortunately, a series of SEC losses would follow, leaving a once promising Kentucky football team grasping for one last victory to gain bowl eligibility.
While Wildcat football fans are surely loyal to a fault, the Nations attention turns to the hardwood when November rolls around. But, a little three-point-happy team arrived at Rupp with arms cocked and victory on their minds, carrying with them the first sign of the trouble that awaited the loyal lovers of the Blue and White: It could be heard from Pike County to the Jackson Purchase ... "VMI, not again!!"
After losses to VMI, North Carolina,and at home to Miami, the frustration of Patrick Patterson not getting enough touches epitomizes my thoughts on the early season 'Cats.
It was around Christmas that many UK fans, including myself, began to realize that Billy Gillispie was most definitely NOT the type of basketball coach the we here in the Commonwealth have grown accustomed to watching -- His peculiar methods, highlighted by head-scratching substitution patterns, in-game decision-making, and media style, while not an indictment of his abilities, were certainly causing an inordinate amount of angst among many fans.
The New Year, though, began with a couple of events which heightened the spirits of UK supporters everywhere ...
Although I didn't write a post-Liberty Bowl victory piece, I reveled in the victory none-the-less. The 25-19 win over East Carolina ended the season just as it began: With a lineman, this time Ventrell Jenkins, scurrying into the end zone on a 56-yard fumble return to secure victory. A 7-6 season, and third straight bowl victory, despite all the team's injuries, made the UK win over ECU as sweet as any in recent memory.
My elation with the UK football bowl win was quickly followed by, at first heartbreak, and then a feeling of promise, after UK's close road basketball loss (73-70) to the Louisville Cardinals. The hard-court 'Cats, coming off a string of blowout wins over lesser opponents, seemed to be "coming together" as the SEC slate neared. And taking the highly ranked Cards to the brink of defeat only added to the optimism most UK fans felt.
But, who knew that only nine days later the 'Cats would reach the apex of their season behind an extraordinary 54-point performance by Jodie Meeks, resulting in a blowout win on the court of the Tennessee Vols. Meeks' unbelievable display of shooting was simply the best one-man, one-game accomplishment that I have ever witnessed at the high school or collegiate level of competition. But, oh, the end was near ...
In my view, the beginning of the end of the 'Cat's season began with UK's trip to Oxford, Mississippi to take on the Ole Miss Rebels. Shorthanded, because of a string of decimating injuries to three starters, including their All-SEC caliber point guard Chris Warren, Andy Kennedy's club played like they wanted the win. Sadly, Kentucky responded with an incomplete performance; something we would all become much to familiar with.
Following the Ole Miss loss, UK would lose consecutive games at home to South Carolina and Mississippi State which "propelled" the 'Cats to a 3-8 finish in the SEC. The nadir of the season took place in UK's own hallowed Rupp Arena: A 90-85 loss to the SEC's worst team, the Georgia Bulldogs.
I didn't know it at the time, but the Georgia loss, coupled with some unfortunate comments by coach Billy Gillispie, probably sealed the fate of UK's head honcho. There was to come a symphony of "should he stay, or should he go" commentary from the keyboards of bloggers, and sports writers around the nation. And with UK's NIT quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame, Mitch Barnhart and Lee Todd began the task of saving their own jobs with ...
An at-bat that could only result in a four-bagger ... or the consequences would be grave.
But, we fans now enter into a new era. An era filled with optimism and hope for the future: The hiring of John Calipari has lifted the spirits of the Kentucky faithful to heights unmatched in a decade. So with the future bright, we continue the march ...

Along the way I have had the great pleasure of interviewing some of the greatest players to ever don the Blue and White: Louie Dampier, Cotton Nash, Bob Burrow, Mike Pratt, Jeff Sheppard, and Dicky Lyons, Jr.. The late, great Kentucky Wildcat Mike Casey, while in a hospital bed undergoing tests and treatement, spent an-hour-and-fifteen-minutes out of his day to talk to me about his memories of his days playing for the 'Cats. It is a conversation that I will treasure until the day I meet my Maker.

For all of this I have one man to thank, and that is our fearless leader, Truzenzuzex. The opportunity to share my thoughts with you on UK, and all things Kentucky-related is due to the incredible generosity of Tru -- The fact that he deemed me worthy to share front page space with him on A Sea of Blue; the fact that he has been a sounding-board for ideas; the fact that he has always, without fail, given me solid advice and encouraging words leaves me indebted to him in a way that I will never be able to repay.

Finally, I must emphasize: I truly enjoy the discourse, debate, and discussion we partake in here at ASoB, and for that I must thank the readers and contributors. While we may not always agree with each other, we have been able to maintain quality conversations and dialog, which only enriches the "fan" experience. So, thank you readers. Without you, Tru, I, and BIgSky would be writing to the beat of sage brush blowing through the "Sea."

With all sincerety, and as always,

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Q & A with Former UK Receiver Dicky Lyons, Jr.

Ken Howlett — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:18:57 -0000

With Kentucky's spring football practice in full bloom, I thought it was time to talk to Dicky ... Lyons, that is.

The colorful and charismatic former Kentucky football player's personality is only topped by his extraordinary talent. Lyons, the son of former UK Ring of Honor performer Dicky Lyons, Sr. ('66-'68), was an integral part of the emergence of UK football into realm of relevance in the world of college football:

Lyons, Jr. continued his family's legacy of excellence by leaving UK ranked fourth in career receiving yards with 1,752; tied for third in career touchdown receptions with 18; tied for third in most receptions in a single game with 12; and ranked fifth for most career pass receptions with 141.

His career highlight reel is littered with big performances, in big games -- Making plays was his specialty, and making "something out of nothing" was his creed. Here are a few of Lyons' game, and career achievements:

In 2006 he caught 50 passes for 822 yards and nine touchdowns ... He sported a team-high 16.4 yards per catch average ... He set a UK record by catching two touchdown passes in three straight games (U of L, Texas State, and Ole Miss) ... His 80-yard touchdown versus Louisville ranks as the eighth longest touchdown reception in UK history ... After guaranteeing victory versus Mississippi State, Lyons caught eight passes for 117 yards and a touchdown ... In that game he made one of the most spectacular, one-handed, toeing-the-line, back-of-the-end zone, game-winning touchdowns that I have ever witnessed.
In 2007 he caught 56 passes for 655 yards and seven touchdowns ... Lyons caught eight passes for 124 yards and three touchdowns versus Florida ... On the first play from scrimmage, in the first game of the year, Lyons set the tone for the season by scoring on a 51 yard touchdown pass against Eastern Kentucky.
In his injury-shortened senior year in 2008, in only five-and-a-half games, Lyons caught 33 passes for 264 yards ... He was leading the SEC in receptions when he tore his MCL in the first half of the game versus South Carolina ... Versus Middle Tennessee Lyons caught 12 passes for 79 yards ... Against Alabama he put UK on the scoreboard with a 26 yard touchdown late in the third quarter.

The talented Louisiana native is currently rehabbing his injured knee, with an eye on a future in the NFL. Which leads me to offer this advice ...

If one owns a professional football team, and is interested in an elusive, speedy, win-at-all-costs punt returner and receiver, then let me say that Dicky is your man. At 5'11" and 190 lbs, Lyons may not be as tall or big as the prototypical NFL receiver, but his heart, desire, and intangibles offset any perceived physical shortcomings.

He was a difference-maker in the SEC. And if one can make a difference in the Southeastern Conference, then the NFL should take notice.

I recently had the great pleasure of speaking with Dicky about his time at UK, and his future:

ASOB: Your father played at UK, because of that, was it a difficult decision to attend Kentucky?

Lyons: "It really wasn't. I committed to UK my junior year. I was getting a lot of letters from other schools, and I went to LSU's Junior Days, but UK was where I wanted to go."

ASOB: Did you feel any added pressure coming to Kentucky because of the accomplishments of your father?

Lyons: "Not so much added pressure ... it was exciting how everybody remembered him. It was really good to see how many people appreciated what he did."

"I did feel like I had to prove to my teammates; that I wasn't there because of what he did. I had to show them that I could play."

ASOB: UK was still feeling the impact of probation when you arrived -- Did your recruiter have to sell you on the fact that brighter days lie ahead for Kentucky football?

Lyons: "My father knew Mike Archer (his recruiter). He coached at LSU, and my father was comfortable sending me to UK."

"After coach Brooks' first year at UK, I really didn't know where I wanted to go, but my dad was comfortable with Brooks ... he knew he would get the program going in the right direction."

ASOB: You scored an 80 yard touchdown versus U of L in your sophomore year; a 24 yard touchdown versus Clemson in the Music City Bowl your sophomore year; and a game-winning touchdown catch versus Mississippi State your junior year. Do any of these touchdowns stand out as the highlight of your career?

Lyons: "I think the one that I remember the most is my first touchdown ... which was earlier in the U of L game, where I caught the 80-yarder."

"I wasn't even supposed to be in the game. I was alternating reps with another receiver, but I heard the play call; a 5-yard out in the end zone ... and I said to myself, 'I got this;' I knew it was a touchdown."

ASOB: Did you just run onto the field?

Lyons: "I needed to talk to Joker (Phillips, UK"s offensive coordinator) but he was up in the press box. So I made something up, and went into the game ... I thought that if the other receiver scored, that I might not ever see the field. After that I kind of steamrolled my spot on the team."

ASOB: Did you do that often -- Put yourself in the game?

Lyons: "I put myself in the game all the time. Sometimes I put myself in if I thought I could score on a play, or had an advantage."

ASOB: Prior to the Mississippi State game in 2007 you famously guaranteed victory. Was that a planned statement, or did it just "come out."

Lyons: "I knew I was going to say something that people didn't like. It was after we lost to LSU 49-0, and a lot of the guys were beginning to think that we'd win three of four games and call it a season ... like "old Kentucky. I tried to light a fire ... I said we're going to beat Mississippi State like LSU just beat us."

"Coach Brooks got mad, and made me run a lot of "gassers" after practice. 'Dre (Andre' Woodson) saw me and joined me, and then some of the other players saw us running and joined in. They told me they knew what I was doing (with the guarantee)."

ASOB: In UK's historic victory over #1 LSU in 2007, you "pancaked" LSU safety Craig Steltz (a friend of Lyons'). Did you know it was him before you flattened him on national television?

Lyons: "I knew EXACTLY who it was."

"He had been on top of me (shadowing Lyons) all day, and I knew I was faster than he was -- I ran against him in track in high school, and I always beat him by 15 yards -- I told 'Dre, "If Steltz is on top of me, throw it to me ..."

"When I went outside, I saw him (Steltz), and I squared up, and made a nice, clean hit ... if Stevie Johnson would've followed me, he would've scored a touchdown."

ASOB: Did you notice a difference in how Rich Brooks coached from early on in your career (when UK wasn't winning), compared to later in your career when UK was winning and going to bowl games?

Lyons: "The difference between my first two years and my last three (Lyons redshirted one year due to injuries) was that we had to prove to them that we could win games."

"They stopped looking for players to win games, and they started playing the players. They started redshirting guys ... I would say the biggest difference is that they stopped looking for players, and started playing the players (the ones that proved that they could win)."

ASOB: Did losing Curtis Pulley in the pre-season last year cost UK some victories?

Lyons: "He had the lead in the quarterback battle ..."

"Half the reason I came back for my senior season was because of Curtis. Me and Curtis became very close. All the other guys I had played with were gone ... I knew he had the talent to win games."

"I knew Mike (Hartline), but Curtis is the one I worked with all spring, he knew I could bail him out, but they kicked him off the team ... I still don't know why, but we definitely would have won more games."

ASOB: You "still don't know why" Pulley was kicked off the team?

Lyons: "I know they were upset with him. I know he got into trouble with his driver's license and registration, but the rule is that you have to fail three drug tests (to get kicked off the team), and I know for a fact that didn't happen. I know he made some mistakes ... and he was given some chances, but I put it on the players. We should have come together and let them know that we wanted him on the team."

"With all the young players, he would have made a difference, but Hartline did a great job. I thought they gave up on him too soon, after I was injured (in the South Carolina game)."

"Look up some of the old articles about 'Dre (early in his career) and see what they were writing about him. Look at Randall Cobb; he played well, but how many games did he win?"

"If they would have let Hartline throw deeper, but all he threw were short passes ... we didn't give him enough time, and they didn't trust him enough to throw the deep ball."

ASOB: So the coaches prevented Hartline from throwing deep?

Lyons: "Yeah. With the deep ball you have to read safeties, and you're more likely to get picked off ... he did throw a couple of picks, so I became the running game."

"You're never going to get better if you don't trust him."

ASOB: Going into the 2009 season -- Do you think Hartline's experience trumps the perceived talent upgrade of Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski?

Lyons: "I go back and I'm thinking that Dusty Bonner had a great year (in 1999), and they play JLo (Jared Lorenzen) ... sometimes it's all politics."

"Bonner had one of the greatest seasons ever, he's still in the top-five ... sometimes you don't know."

ASOB: You tore your MCL; how's the rehab going?

Lyons: "It's pretty good, I'm alright. I'm at about 75% right now. It'll be about three more months before I'm 100%. It's taking longer than I expected, but not as long as the medical people expected."

ASOB: How's your NFL prospects looking right now?

Lyons: "I know I can have an impact on any NFL team. I caught some punts for the Pats (New England Patriots), and working against the other guys in the combine; I know that if they're gonna play, that I can play."

"I'm getting a lot of calls ... talking to trainers. I've been injured before, it's all part of the game. But I've talked to five or six different teams and they're leaning toward what Rafael Little did; putting me on injured reserve if I can prove that I'm able. It's frustrating ... It's not hard getting back to 100%, it's hard thinking about what would be if I wasn't injured."

I want to sincerely thank Dicky for taking the time to speak with me. His sincerity is just one of the reasons he is one of my favorite Kentucky football players of all-time. He truly exemplifies the word "winner' and hopefully he will enjoy many touchdown-filled Sunday afternoons.

Dicky is ably represented by X-A-M Sports & Entertainment, who helped facilitate the interview -- My thanks to Shawn at X-A-M.

Autograph Signing Session Alert: Lyons will be signing autographs at Fayette Mall on a yet-to-be determined date -- Be looking and listening for the time and date over the next week or so.

Wazoosports.com Kentucky Derby Festival Classic

Over the last few days Tru has been promoting A Sea of Blue's live-streaming of Saturday's Wazoosports.com Kentucky Derby Festival Classic basketball game.

Jeff Sheppard, Wazoosports' Director of Sales, was kind enough to ask if A Sea of Blue was interested in broadcasting the game. We appreciate Jeff thinking of little ol' ASoB, and we look forward to providing those unable to attend the game the opportunity to see the future college stars in action.

Some of those scheduled to play include: UK signees Jon Hood and Daniel Orton, as well as U of L commits Rakeem Buckles, Peyton Siva, Stephan Van Treese, and Mike Marra. Indiana will be represented by Christian Watford, Maurice Creek and Jordan Hulls.

Former UK commitment G. J. Vilarino dropped out of the game, but new UK commitment DeMarcus Cousins MAY replace Vilarino on the roster.

Game time is Saturday, 7:00 PM (EST).

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!