SB Nation - Shane McCord

Kentucky Football: Giving Thanks to Those Deserving Much More

Ken Howlett — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:12:02 -0000

Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks gives his thanks, now it's my turn.

Still basking in the afterglow of unexpected victory after Kentucky's 34-27 triumph over the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, I suddenly find myself in a thankful mood. Thankful for not only the UK win, but upon reflection, thankful for those who have propelled the football program forward in 2009, instead of settling for a "rebuilding" year. It would have been easy for the team to call it a year after starting quarterback Mike Hartline was injured six games ago, but this squad has persevered.

We've settled for less than acceptable results in the football program for far too long around these parts, but now, with four straight bowl games imminent, and a possible 4-4 SEC mark (and gasp, second place in the SEC East) looking UK squarely in the face mask, it's time to give up the kudos for those who go to battle every Saturday ... to those who fight through pain and injury ... and to those who sacrifice. A little recognition for achievements not enjoyed at Kentucky in a very long time is also in order, so after the jump, join me in giving some props to the warriors who are right for the fight ...

I'm thankful that Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart didn't fire Rich Brooks after year three, even though nearly the entire fan base, along with the bulk of media members, were calling for his termination -- Love Barnhart, or hate him, that decision alone will forever keep him in my good graces. Take a bow, Mitch.
I'm thankful UK has learned the art of the comeback victory -- Since mid-season of 2006, a total of 42 games, Kentucky has orchestrated 12 fourth quarter comeback victories. This season alone the 'Cats have comeback three times to win games: Louisville, Auburn, and Georgia. Prior to mid-season of '06, one has to go back to 1991 to find 12 more UK fourth quarter comeback victories ... a span of 170 games -- How many times over the last couple of decades have I uttered, "Only at Kentucky," after the 'Cats let another sure victory slip away? Suffice it so say, a lot, but recently that phrase has been replaced by, "How 'bout them 'Cats"? Thanks to the UK web-site, "Cat Scratches," for the great info!!
I'm thankful Derrick Locke wears the blue and white -- Coming off what can be a career-ending ACL injury, Locke has been nothing short of phenomenal for the 'Cats this year. The Hugo, Oklahoma native is racking up yardage in nearly every offensive category: 821 yards and five touchdowns rushing the ball; 221 yards and two touchdowns catching the ball; 518 kick-off returns yards, and oh yeah, one touchdown. That's 1,560 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns. Take a bow, Derrick.
I'm thankful Philip Fulmer didn't decide to recruit Randall Cobb until it was too late -- Cobb has been equally fabulous for the Wildcats this season. Also accustomed to remaining in motion during football games, Cobb has racked up 436 yards and nine touchdowns rushing the ball; 403 yards and four touchdowns catching the ball; 292 punt return yards, and one touchdown; 302 kick-off return yards; and finally, 46 passing yards -- Cobb's totals come to 1,479 yards and 14 touchdowns. Does anyone really believe if Cobb had not played on this year's team, that the 'Cats would be sitting on seven wins? Take a bow, Randall.
I'm thankful linebacker Sam Maxwell patiently waited his turn -- Maxwell, a senior stuck behind a litany of superlative linebackers over the last three years, has taken the UK defensive stalwart mantle as his own. All Maxwell does is lead the team in interceptions with five; lead the team in solo tackles with 41; he's second on the team with 73 tackles; he has 5.5 tackles for loss; seven pass breakups; and two forced fumbles. He is ubiquitous, he is omnipotent, he is First Team All-SEC in '09, or I want somebody's head on a big blue platter. Take a bow, Sam.
I'm thankful for the Kentucky offensive line -- Zipp Duncan, Brad Durham, Justin Jefferies, Christian Johnson, Stuart Hines and Jorge Gonzalez have been nothing short of season-saving. This group of fighters have paved the way for Kentucky's 2,158 total yards on the ground this season. The six primary ball-carriers for the 'Cats - Locke, Cobb, Alfonso Smith, Moncell Allen, Donald Russell, and John Conner have rushed for a combined 1,975 yards on 376 carries, good for a 5.2 yards per carry average. And make no mistake, a considerable amount of the credit goes to UK's veteran trench warfare practitioners. They have also done a remarkable job of protecting the UK quarterbacks, allowing only 14 sacks through 11 games. Outstanding considering the youth and inexperience of the Kentucky signal-callers. Gentlemen, take a well-deserved bow!
I'm thankful for junior college transfers --- Defensive end DeQuin Evans is second on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss, and he leads the team with five sacks. Replacing suspended All-SEC performer Jeremy Jarmon, Evans was placed firmly on the hot seat with expectations of greatness following him onto the field. Evans, while not "great," has been a very solid addition to the UK defensive line ... and I'm satisfied that we haven't seen the best he has to offer. Also, coming to Lexington via the JC route was wide receiver Chris Matthews. The highly rated Matthews was thought to be the potential savior of the receiving corp, and after a rough start, including a demotion, Matthews has played very well, along with earning praise for his blocking ability. He's second on the team with 29 catches for 299 yards, and two touchdowns. JUCO guys, take a bow!
I'm thankful linebacker Micah Johnson didn't heed the beckoning call of the NFL -- Johnson, while playing with plantar fasciitis for most of the year, leads UK in tackles with 84 (36 solo). He's also contributed 4.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and one sack. Take a bow, Micah.
I'm thankful linebacker Danny Trevathan has two more years of eligibility remaining -- Trevathan, billed as the next great UK linebacker, has not disappointed. The youngster is third on the team with 69 tackles (36 solo), and four tackles for loss. Take a bow, Danny.
I'm thankful defensive lineman Corey Peters has taken his turn to shine -- All Peters has done is lead the 'Cats with 11 tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries. He's also contributed four sacks. UK fans were expecting Peters to be good, and after a "middling" start to the year, Peters has come on strong of late. Take a bow, Corey.
I'm thankful freshman receiver La'Rod King has such soft, supple hands -- The North Hardin product has leap-frogged over several more experienced receivers to earn starting time, mostly due to his ability to catch the ball, and run the right routes. He's made only 10 catches on the year, for 142 yards and one touchdown, but he's made those receptions recently, and he's snagged a few off-target throws which changed the complexion of the game. Most recently, his one-handed (and left-handed) 21-yard touchdown reception against Georgia on Saturday. "Stickum", he don't need no stinkin' "stickum". Take a bow, La'Rod.
I'm thankful freshman quarterback Morgan Newton opted for the 'Cats, instead of the Cards -- After the injury to Hartline, UK fans were frothing at the mouth to see the high school All-America lead the 'Cats, and while expectations were waaaaay overblown for what the young man could accomplish, Newton has played solidly. The Carmel, Indiana native has thrown for 539 yards on 52-90 passing (57.8%). He's limited mistakes, i.e. turnovers (only three interceptions), and led the 'Cats to three tough SEC road wins (Auburn, Vandy, and Georgia) for the first time since Jesus was preachin' in Omaha. Take a bow, Morgan.
I'm thankful running back Moncell Allen got his academic house in order -- Allen's skull-rattling hit on Georgia kick returner Branden Smith to begin the third quarter, and the resulting Matt Roark fumble recovery, turned the tide in UK's favor Saturday. Allen has been excellent for UK all year, but his finest moment came on that play. Take a bow, Moncell.
I'm thankful Georgia coach Mark Richt turned a blind eye to UK players, and Georgia natives, defensive backs Trevard Lindley and Randall Burden; linebackers Sam Maxwell and Shane McCord (he of the game-clinching INT); and wide receiver/special teams performer Matt Roark -- Not good enough for the 'Dogs ... read the scoreboard, coach.
And finally, I'm thankful head coach Rich Brooks has stuck around Lexington long enough to record a 30-20 won-loss mark over the last four years, the best four year record for any UK football coach since 1950-'53 (Paul Bryant). Brooks has also deftly directed the 'Cats to four straight seasons of at least seven wins for the first time since the 1909-'12 seasons. A win over UT on Saturday and he's SEC Coach of the Year, at least in my book. Take a bow, Papa Brooks.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats, beat the Vols!

UK Football: The Defensive Line

Ken Howlett — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:01:22 -0000

More photos » by Butch Dill - AP

Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks knows his defensive line must stand and deliver if he is to give his thumbs-up to this year's Wildcat team.

Browse more photos »

Attrition has exacted a heavy price on the Kentucky defensive line over the last several months. Like a cat burglar lurking in the dark, it has stolen not only graduated talent: All-SEC tackle Myron Pryor, reserve tackle Nii Adjei Oninku, and starting end Ventrell Jenkins, no, the thievery didn't stop there; UK has also suffered the loss of All-SEC defensive end Jeremy Jarmon (one-year ban by the NCAA, ending his collegiate career), and tackle Josh Minton (recurring knee problems, also ending his career). Not to mention linebacker Johnny Williams (graduation), who moved up to one end spot from his normal strongside linebacker position on passing downs.

If one needs statistics to clarify the loss, look no further -- The mentioned players accounted for: 173 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 14 pass break-ups, and 13 quarterback hurries. There simply is no debating the fact that UK lost an inordinate amount of talent, experience, leadership, and most importantly, results, on the defensive line. But, hope is working out at the Nutter Complex nearly every day.

Although UK lost a significant amount of ability, the coaching staff feels the returning talent (ever how meager), as well as several newcomers, will ably plug the holes left by the departures. And it all begins with ...

... my selection as Highlighted Player of the Position ...

Defensive Tackle, Corey Peters

Over the last three years, the Louisville Central product can lay claim to 97 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. His productivity, even though proficient, has at times been overshadowed by the hulking figures of Jeremy Jarmon and Myron Pryor. But 2009 is Peters' year. It has to be his year, because if it isn't, UK could be in trouble trying to plug up the running game, and pressuring the passer.

Thankfully, confidence in the 6'3", 290 lb Peters' abilities is not in short supply. Defensive coordinator Steve Brown said:

"He just makes quiet plays and does his job. Myron (Pryor) was more flashy. I remember talking to Corey this spring and saying, "If you work just a little harder, you could be All-SEC.' He said to me, 'Really?' That tells me he doesn't even know how good he can be. I don't think he has a mean bone in his body. If he did he could be great."

Defensive line coach Rick Petri added: "Corey Peters has played three years for us, never misses practices or games (Peters has played in 25 straight games), plays either tackle spot, and plays well against whoever he lines up against. He hasn't had the publicity that others have, but he's had just as big of a presence and impact on what we've done defensively the last three years. From the day he stepped in here, he's helped us be better."

Looks as if somebody knows how good Peters can be.

Last season, working full-time from the tackle position, Peters accumulated these numbers: 36 tackles (25 solo tackles), 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, two pass break-ups, and three quarterback hurries. Peters' unique blend of size and quickness makes him especially effective in stopping the up-the-gut run, and pressuring the quarterback. The numbers, though, suggest that UK must improve in one of those areas if the 'Cats expect to be competitive this year: Last season UK allowed 1,810 yards on the ground (9th in the SEC), but they were third in the league in sacks with 32. Clearly, Peters' opus is to better his run-stopping performance, while also bouying his fuzzy-faced teammates.

Which means, not only will Peters be expected to perform on the field, he will now be looked upon to provide leadership. With Peters and tackle Ricky Lumpkin (the only other returning player with a sack) being the only two vastly experienced linemen, Corey must lead, something he's not accustomed to doing. The cerebral Peters said this, when asked about leading the young:

"We'll have a lot of young players. It's something that I'm looking forward to. I've accepted the challenge. I'm going to have to lead by example, and be more vocal than I'd like to be."

Peters has an opportunity looking him squarely in the eye. An opportunity to lead a defense as Jarmon, Wesley Woodyard, and Myron Pryor have done before him. He says he's "accepted the challenge." I say, Kentucky football will be a much more enriching experience in 2009 if that challenge is indeed met.

Other Returning Players 2008 Stats -- Tackles Solo Tackles Tackles for Loss Sacks

Ricky Lumpkin -- 6'4", 295 lb junior left tackle: 17 7 3.5 1

Comments: Lumpkin has battled injuries his entire UK career. But, when he's healthy he's a demon for the opposition to deal with. He's very strong and a fierce pass rusher. There's no doubt his training room visits will play a role in how effective the defensive line is in 2009. He's currently listed as the projected starting left tackle.

Shane McCord -- 6'2", 280 lb junior right tackle: 5 1 .5 ---

Comments: McCord played in 11 games last year, and is currently second on the depth chart to Corey Peters at the right tackle slot.

Chandler Burden -- 6'4", 294 lb sophomore end: 4 2 --- ---

Comments: Burden also recorded two pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries. With the loss of Jeremy Jarmon, Burden is being looked at very seriously by the coaching staff as being a competent replacement for Jarmon at the right end spot. He's one of the strongest players on the team, and he also possesses the speed to get to the passer. He's experienced some technique troubles, but hopefully he'll conquer those issues.

Luke McDermott -- 6'1", 260 lb sophomore tackle: 5 4 --- ---

Comments: The Trinity High School alum currently sits third on the UK depth chart at the right tackle spot.

Collins Ukwu-- 6'5", 250 redhsirt freshman left end:

Comments: He is considered by the coaching staff to be very athletic, and in possession of surprising speed for such a big man. But, his inexperience will surely reveal itself throughout the season. He has, after-all, never played in a college game. Ukwu and his youth are currently listed first on the depth chart at the left end position.

Taylor Wyndham -- 6'4", 225 lb sophomore right end:

Comments: Wyndham had a good spring, impressing the coaches enough to place him second on the depth chart at the right end spot. At 225 lbs he obviously needs to work on his bulk and strength.

Greg Meisner -- 6'1", 233 lb sophomore left end:

Comments: Meisner has yet to play a game at UK due to shoulder injuries. In the spring, though, he impressed the staff with his frenetic play. In the Blue-White Spring game he recorded three tackles, a sack, and one pass break-up. He's currently listed as the number two left end behind Collins Ukwu.

Also returning to the UK defensive line are sophomore Jacob Lewellen, a 6'3", 240 lb end out of Manual High School in Louisville, 6'3", 280 lb sophomore tackle Antwane Glenn, and Henry Clay alumni Michael Gardner, a 6'2", 220 lb sophomore end. All three are currently listed third on the depth chart at their respective positions.

Newcomers

DeQuin Evans -- 6'3", 260 junior end: Evans, a junior-college transfer from Los Angeles' Harbor College, is the 15th ranked JUCO prospect by Rivals.com. In Evans' two-year junior college career (15 games) he recorded 63 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and four pass break-ups. He will, without a doubt, challenge for one of the starting end spots. I think Rich Brooks agrees:

"DeQuin Evans is a guy who really should be in a position to compete for the starting spot at right defensive end."

More than any other player on UK's defensive line, Evans is being looked at to supply the lost pass rush from the end position. The optimistic muse that Evans' explosiveness off the ball should play a large role in UK staying around that 30-35 sack number from last season. Because of the importance of pressuring the young quarterbacks in the SEC, Evans' skill-set, luckily, seems to be what Dr. Brooks ordered. It will be an interesting, and hopefully an enjoyable experience, witnessing whether Evans delivers, or not.

Mark Crawford -- 6'1", 305 lb sophomore left tackle: Crawford, a JUCO transfer from Coffeyville, KS, enrolled at UK in January. He was rated the 27th best JUCO prospect in the nation by SuperPrep. In eight games last season he recorded 6.5 sacks. The book on Crawford says that he's tremendous against the run, and a solid pass rusher. The Indianapolis Ben Davis alum is currently listed second on the depth chart at the left tackle spot.

The Freshman

Patrick Ligon-- 6'4", 265 lb end: Ligon, out of Christian Brother's High School in Memphis, made 44 tackles last season, with 21 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. Ideally, Ligon will be redshirted, but with some eligibility issues still unresolved at his position, he may be forced into action. Ligon is considered a 2-star prospect by Scout.com.

Mister Cobble -- 6'0", 270 lb tackle: Cobble, out of newly minted UK pipeline Louisville Central High School, is a two-time First Team All-State selection, and is rated the sixth best college prospect in Kentucky by SuperPrep. He's a Scout.com 3-star prospect. Cobble could very well be pressed into service in '09. With his credentials, the coaches have to take a look.

Myron Walker-- 5'10", 264 lb tackle: Out of Archbishop Rummel in Metarie, Louisiana, Walker was one of the top-28 prospects in the talent-rich Pelican State, according to SuperPrep. Rivals.com rates him as one of the top-100 defensive tackles in the nation. Rivals rates him a 3-star recruit.

UK is still awaiting official word on 6'3", 265 lb end Dante Rumph. Rumph, who attended Fork Union (Va,) Military Academy last year after signing with UK in 2008, is waiting his latest SAT test scores to arrive, which will determine his eligibility. Rumph, who played his high school ball in South Carolina, was First Team All-State his senior year as voted on by the AP (covering all classifications) after delivering 107 tackles,and 14 sacks his senior year. The highly sought after defensive end will play, and play a lot, if he makes it to campus.

Analysis

UK's defensive line, as young as it is, has a righteous order to fill: Their run defense needs to be at least as "good" as last years, but the real impetus of this year's line will be on pressuring the passer. With the SEC saturated with young, inexperienced quarterbacks, the ability to pressure the passer will be at a premium: Florida's perpetual Heisman Candidate Tim Tebow, Ole Miss' Jevan Snead, and UK's Mike Hartline are the only SEC signal-callers to have more than a cup-a-coffee's worth of collegiate experience. Steve Brown and Rick Petri would be well served to use that fact to their advantage, something I feel they, and every other SEC defensive brain-trust will do.

The need for the defensive line to put pressure on the quarterback falls directly in line with Brown's defensive philosophy, which is to pressure without blitzing. So if UK's youthful trench-men don't put the requisite pressure on the passer, then Brown will be forced to at least consider the blitz, which will then alter the way the secondary covers. Brown would be left with no choice though, because quite simply, an unharrassed quarterback is the most dangerous kind, even if he is young and inexperienced. Someboday will have to step up.

Brown put it like this:

"If we're not as good up front, we've just go to do than much better of a job at linebacker and in the secondary. We've got to either create some stuff or just cover a little bit longer. It all works hand-in-hand."

Going into the season, though, a lot is hoped for, a lot is expected. The D-Line unit will be watched very closely by fans and opponents alike. Because the master key needed to ensure UK's continued defensive improvement (which greatly effects the odds for success in '09), squarely rests on the shoulders of UK's green giants.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!