SB Nation - Ross Bogue

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- Living La Vida Loca Edition

Truzenzuzex — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:15:24 -0000

Let's see Justin Burke try this from the horizontal position.

Today's Big Blue Daily Mail contains a ton of stuff about the Governor's Cup tilt on Saturday, and understandably so. This is a huge game for both teams, and Kentucky really needs to be 2-0 heading into an early conference battle with the #1 Florida Gators. But to get there, the 'Cats will have to go through Louisville.

Louisville is going to be ready for this game. The Cardinals are motivated, and they have plenty of talent. The main think Louisville lacks is experience. Kentucky has far more experience overall than the Cards, and that includes the coaching staff. One of the great things about Rich Brooks' tenure has been the relative stability of the coaching staff, and that has allowed Brooks, Phillips & Co. to build this team the right way, from the ground up beginning with a strong foundation.

Kentucky is not likely to be a spectacular team or a national contender this year. I would be very happy with seven wins, and ecstatic with more than that, given the competition that the 'Cats will be facing this year. I think it is important for Kentucky to focus on the team right in front of them, and this week, that part should be real easy.

Now, for the news

UK Basketball News

Dortch: Tennesse can ‘hang’ with Cal’s Cats | Vaught's Views
Never on Injured Reserve: You're Only Fooling Yourself John
How do college head coaches, complete control freaks, not know what is and isn’t going on within their own program?

Here's a hint -- because nobody can know what people do on their own time, especially before they ever join your program. That's when Rose's alleged violation took place -- before he showed up at Memphis. Even the most obsessive control freak can't be everywhere at once, particularly when the subject of his control is in a different city and not even on the team.

This is what I mean by people who only want to believe the stuff that supports their own opinion. The guy obviously has a negative opinion of Calipari, and he doesn't really care about inconvenient facts that don't support that opinion.
UK’s Violations Are Small, But The Circumstantial Evidence Against Calipari Is Not | MrSEC.com
Here we go again -- conspiracy theories, hidden agendas and "circumstantial evidence." I just want to mock this one statement, and it's incredible irony:

Do you recall anyone calling Dean Smith a scalawag? Has Mike Krzyzewski been branded a scofflaw?

Two words: Corey Magette. If Calipari is a "scalawag" for Camby, Krzyzewski is in exactly the same boat. Note to author -- bad example. Also, see Arthur, Darrell, and Self, Bill for comparison to Derrick Rose.

Look, I'm not going to go to the jealousy thing. I think there are lots of good people out there who are simply mistaken about Calipari, and have been taken in by the media dialogue. That's okay, there's really nothing to be said when people refuse to look at all the evidence and just concentrate on the evidence that supports their own beliefs. We see that all the time as fans.

UK Football News

2 Cards relish return to Lexington as underdogs | KentuckySports.com
Cats D-line must jell without Jarmon | KentuckySports.com
"I gave myself a (grade of) C for my first game, but it should have been an A-plus," Evans said. "Jitters were a little bit of a factor, but the main thing was, I really didn't know what was going on out there. Everything was happening so fast. But I'll be well-prepared for this game. I'll have time to study my opponent, and the scout team will give us a great look, and I'll be a lot more mentally and physically prepared for it."

We need to see a lot more from this guy. He is a really good player.
Cats' QBs have Cards' attention | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
"Hartline, he has a very strong arm," Thompson said. "He has a lot of confidence in his arm, so I think it can be a strength and a weakness."

Heh. Compared to who?
Twitter / Rich Brooks: Help UKSGA and SAC create ...
Help UKSGA and SAC create a Sea of Blue at the game this week. Wear Blue,come early, be loud, and have a great day. [emphasis mine]

Thanks, Coach!
UK enhances security for Louisville game | courier-journal.com
Lexington police chief Ronnie Bastin said three dozen officers will patrol neighborhoods around the stadium and will strictly enforce laws on parking, littering and intoxication.
Rick Bozich: Bobby Petrino shares the blame for U of L decline | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Ouch. Just ouch. Owie, already.
" Video: Ross Bogue talks about U of L preparations John Clay’s Sidelines
First Quarter Blues
Chris Diggs makes a good point here.

Other UK Sports News

UK, Louisville set to renew volleyball rivalry | KentuckySports.com
I'd love to see the 'Cats get back into this series. This year looks like a good starting point.

NCAA Sports News

Your depressing mid-major post for today - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
Mike Miller analyzes a post I linked here the other day (thanks for the link, Mike) and discusses the difficulties mid-majors have when it comes to grasping the brass ring. The upshot is, mid-majors will often have great teams that go deep into the tournament, but winning a national championship? Not likely.
Celizic: It’s up to Meyer to restore order in Kiffin feud - College football- nbcsports.msnbc.com
Celizic: With all the anger in sports this week, someone needs to take the high road when it comes to confrontational situations. Why not start with Tennessee-Florida showdown?

Heh.

Other News of Interest

Ex-Cat Miller charged again in alleged ticket scam - Latest News - Kentucky.com
And the hits just keep on coming ...
Stepmom of high school player testified that teen was sick - USATODAY.com
Offered without comment.
Kentucky Sports Radio " Blog Archive " UK to host journalism panel about "Syphergate"
More correctly, this should be about how they failed to break the story. But it won't be.

The Daily Schadenfreude

Duke strikes a nerve | KUsports.com
Mere mention of the word Duke, or even a glimpse of it on a Kansas University football pocket schedule, triggers the nasally sound of Mike Krzyzewski pitching for American Express, seemingly apologizing for carrying the label basketball coach, as if it’s beneath someone who has so much of great import to offer the world.

Oh, schadenfreude! I have been waiting for an anti-K rant for a while. Looks like my wait is over.
You Are Now Officially Less Of A Man - Hunting - Deadspin
Holy handbag, Batman!

UK Quarterbacks and Receivers: Past, Present, and Future

Ken Howlett — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:08:46 -0000

More photos » by Al Behrman - AP

Hartline to Cobb -- Salad days, indeed.

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Kentucky's impressive 42-0 football victory over Miami on Saturday began to at least answer a couple of "elephant in the room" questions related to the potential success of the 2009 football Wildcats: Will Mike Hartline be better, and will Derrick Locke be as good?

A firm, yet cautious "yes," is how I answer to both. Hartline was obviously more confident, more accurate, and less hesitant than last year, and Locke was the same power+speed machine he was before his knee injury. Both terrific signs for the fortunes of UK football in '09.

And since we haven't delved into either the quarterback or running back positions in our preseason previews thus far, let's take a look at what UK has to offer from those spots in 2009:

The Quarterbacks

Mike Hartline -- 6'6", 206 lb junior: In 2008, Hartline threw for 1,666 yards, completing 172 of 311 passes (51.3%), throwing for nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Ohio native started 9 of UK's 13 games -- Kentucky's first eight games, then after a Randall Cobb injury, the Liberty Bowl. UK has posted a 7-3 mark (including Saturday's win) in Hartline's 10 career starts.

Versus Miami on Saturday, Hartline posted outstanding numbers -- 18-27 passing (66.7% completion rate), 222 yards, and two touchdowns. Just as important, zero turnovers. Clearly, Mike Hartline has played his best two games as a Wildcat, in his last two games: Versus ECU in the Liberty Bowl, he was 19-31 (61.3% completion rate) for 204 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Combined, in his last two games, Hartline has thrown for 426 yards on 37-58 passing (63.8% completion rate), three touchdowns and one pick. Not bad at all. Sure, his seemingly rapid improvement has come against non-SEC opponents, but when judged against what he accomplished last season in the pre-conference schedule, his two most recent games have provided Rich Brooks with far superior results.

A large part of Hartline's improvement has been due to the upgrade he's enjoyed at the receiver spot. With the addition of Chris Matthews to a receiver corps already boasting Randall Cobb, Hartline now has two targets, at least similar in talent, to Andre' Woodson's collection of Mr. GoodHands -- Keenan Burton, Steve Johnson, Dicky Lyons, Jacob Tamme, and Rafael Little. And with the demonstrated ability of tight ends T. C. Drake, Ross Bogue, and Maurice Grinter to catch and run, along with the danger a now-healthy Derrick Locke poses as a pass catcher, Hartline finally has a group of receivers who make the grab, and know what to do next.

Hartline also showed on Saturday that he can pinpoint a pass longer than 10 yards (a concern of many) -- His two fades to Cobb and Matthews in the second quarter were both perfectly thrown, and they were both over 20 yards. Hartline's passes, both long and short, were "zipped" and on-target, with but a few exceptions.

So, what are the possibilities? -- Well, with the addition of Matthews at the receiver spot (as well as the tight ends and the now-experienced backup receivers), combined with Hartline's new found confidence, arm strength, and accuracy, it would not come as a surprise if Hartline were to ultimately make a Bob Beamon-like leap from 11 touchdown passes (in 2008) to the mid-20's or higher this season. That would be HUGE for this Kentucky football team, and could quite possibly result in the 'Cats challenging to win 8-9 (dare I say 10?) games.

Will Fidler -- 6'4", 229 lb junior: The Henderson County alum has played in four career games before this season. He has completed three of four pass attempts, for 26 yards. Fidler's incredible high school career ranks him fourth in Kentucky high school football history with 9,395 yards passing. He threw for 92 touchdowns in his career, 45 of those in his junior season alone.

It was good to see Fidler get some time on the field Saturday. He responded by going 2-3 for 21 yards. If one were ever worried about Fidler's arm strength, worry no more. He was throwin' fastballs! It's always comforting to know that if the starter goes down with an injury, his replacement can throw the ball.

"Wildcat" Randall Cobb -- 5'11", 188 lb sophomore: Last season Cobb threw for 542 yards and two touchdowns on 52-99 passing (52.5% completion rate). He also threw five interceptions. Cobb rushed for 316 yards on 79 carries (4.0 ypc), almost exclusively from the quarterback spot.

On Saturday, Cobb rushed the ball once, scoring the easiest 11 yard touchdown in the history of UK football.

That's about all we saw of the "Wildcat" formation on Saturday (other than a couple of handoffs). So possibilities are what we're left with. And I think we'll find, over the course of the season, the possibilities afforded UK out of the formation will be endless.

I applaud coach Brooks and Joker Phillips for wisely opting not to reveal too much of the "Wildcat" package, especially in a game versus a MAC opponent. Keep in mind, though, the same mantra may be in effect in UK's next outing versus U of L, but as the season rolls along toward relevance, it will be great fun to witness the evolution of UK's newest offensive wrinkle.

Ryan Mossakowski -- 6'4", 208 lb freshman: Coming out of high school in Centennial, Texas, Mossakowski was named an All-America by SuperPreps and PrepStar. For his career (cut short by a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder his senior year) Mossakowski threw for 7,433 yards and 51 touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground with 799 rushing yards and an additional 20 touchdowns (from the quarterback position). Although Mossakowski is considered to have one of the strongest arms among the nation's freshmen signal-callers, his 64.7% completion rate his junior year seems to indicate the young man is quite accurate, also.

Mossakowski is a serious redshirt possibility. Couple his frosh status with his arm injury (which he has recovered from), and "redshirt" quickly comes to mind.

Morgan Newton -- 6'4", 217 lb freshman: Newton, Indiana's 5A Mr. Football, was named an All-America by a litany of publications -- Parade, SuperPrep, The Sporting News, MaxPreps, and ESPN/Rise Magazine. He also picked up Gatorade Indiana Football Player of the Year honors. Newton was rated the No. 6 quarterback prospect by Scout.com. In his storied high school career, Newton threw for 4,284 yards and 37 touchdowns, to go along with 2,617 yards rushing and another 37 touchdowns on the ground. In his senior year alone, Newton accounted for 3,602 yards of total offense, and 48 touchdowns for Carmel High School -- He threw for 1,938 yards (22 touchdowns) and rushed for 1,664 (26 touchdowns). Newton led his team to the 5A championship game two years in a row; winning in his junior year, and losing (late in the game), his senior season.

Coach Brooks has intimated in recent weeks that he is open to the possibility of redshirting both Mossakowski and Newton. Frankly, if Hartline continues to play well, I see no reason for either quarterback to waste a season of eligibility.

The Running Backs

Derrick Locke -- 5'9", 190 lb junior: The Hugo, Oklahoma native has played in 19 games (going into this year); he's rushed for 824 yards on 157 carries (5.2 yards per carry), and six touchdowns. He's also caught 30 passes out of the backfield, good for 281 yards (9.4 yards per reception) and one touchdown. Locke has also been adept at returning kick-offs -- 16 returns for 430 yards (26.9 yards per return) and a touchdown. In 2008, a season cut short by a torn ACL, Locke contributed 303 rushing yards on 63 carries (4.8 ypc), and one touchdown. From the air, Locke caught 23 passes for 195 yards (8.5 ypr) and a touchdown. He also excelled on special teams by returning 11 kick-offs for 314 yards (28.5 ypr), and one electric return for six versus Western Kentucky (Locke is only the fifth Wildcat to return a kick 100 yards for a touchdown).

Versus Miami, Locke rushed eight times for 61 yards (7.6 ypc), and a touchdown, moreover, he convinced me that he hasn't lost any of his power or speed after suffering his knee injury last year. For someone who was reportedly out of shape, Locke sure shook, rattled, and rolled his way through the RedHawk defense. I realize Miami, OH isn't Georgia or Florida, but he looked like the old Derrick and ...

... quite simply, if Derrick's healthy, he's the No. 1 back.

Alfonso Smith -- 6'1", 208 lb senior: Smith, out of Louisville's Waggener High School, has played in 36 career games, rushing for 712 yards on 155 carries (4.6 ypc) and six touchdowns. He's also recorded 29 catches for 322 yards (11.1 ypr) and two touchdowns. The speedy Smith has proved to be a very capable kick return man; he's returned eight kick-offs for 182 yards (22.8 ypr). In 2008, Smith rushed for 313 yards on 74 carries (4.2 ypc) and two touchdowns, he also caught 16 passes for 204 yards (12.8 ypr) and one touchdown. He returned five kick-offs for 114 yards (22.8 ypr). Smith ran for a career long 38 yard run against ECU in the Liberty Bowl.

Against Miami on Saturday, Smith ran for 36 yards on 7 carries (5.1 ypc). He's an extremely talented back, but unseating Locke as the teams best back will be a tall task, probably a bit too tall. But, Smith has proved to be elusive and fast, as well as affective catching the ball out of the backfield. He'll get his share, and if Locke struggles, he'll get more.

Moncell Allen -- 5'7", 225 lb junior: In 25 career games Allen has rushed for 241 yards on 49 carries (4.9 ypc), and one touchdown. He's also caught seven passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. In 2008, Allen played in 12 games, rushing for 202 yards on 38 carries (5.3 ypc) and one touchdown. New Orleans' second favorite son (behind Dicky Lyons, Jr.) also corralled five passes for 39 yards (7.8 ypr) and one touchdown.

"The Turtle" rushed eight times for 57 yards (7.1 ypc) and a touchdown on Saturday. Allen continues to impress, and is seriously challenging for carries.

John Conner -- 5'11", 240 lb senior: Conner has played in 42 career games, carrying 23 times for 89 yards (3.9 ypc). The sure-handed fullback has caught 20 passes for 147 yards (7.3 ypr) and three touchdowns. In 2008, Conner produced 15 carries for 47 yards (3.1 ypc), and snagged 11 passes for 89 yards (8.1 ypr).

Conner's is evidently not recovered from his injury, and did not play Saturday (Maurice Grinter filled-in at the fullback spot). Conner is an important part of the UK offense, both as a blocker, and goal-line ball carrier. He's also pretty handy catching passes out of the backfield. Kentucky needs him healthy.

A. J. Nance -- 5'11", 256 lb senior: Last season (and for his career), Nance has rushed three times for 18 yards (6.0 ypc).

Nance, on Saturday ran the ball once, for four yards. The Knoxville native supplies UK with depth at the fullback spot.

CoShik Williams -- 5'9", 180 lb redshirt freshman: The Hiram, Georgia product had a tremendous spring. A spring in which he showed himself to be a major contender for second on the depth chart at the running back position (remember, Locke was hurt). He affirmed the coach's feelings in the two major scrimmages this fall, where Williams ran for a combined 140 yards on 29 carries, and one touchdown. His only problem being -- Holding on to the football (not a good problem to have as a freshman). In high school, Williams rushed for over 2,600 yards in his junior and senior seasons (combined); this despite him missing four games his senior year. Williams was also a track star, competing in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. He reached the Georgia high school state track meet championships all four years of high school.

Saturday versus Miami, Williams rushed a team-high 10 times for 39 yards (3.9 ypc). He'll get some work this year, more if there are injuries, and he conquers his "droppsies."

Donald Russell -- 5'11", 205 lb true freshman: Russell was named one of the Top 50 running backs in the nation by Rivals.com. His senior year, the Florida native rushed for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a junior he ran for 932 yards and nine touchdowns. He's been clocked at 10.7 in the 100 meters.

Versus Miami, Russell ran seven times for 31 yards (4.3 ypc). He's quick, that's for certain, but Russell and Williams have a log-jam of talent in front of them. Seeing playing time once the SEC slate begins will be difficult, but they do supply much needed depth to the running back position, especially important considering Locke's injury history.

A Plea for Coach Brooks

Those that have read A Sea of Blue on a regular basis for more than a few months, know that I hold Rich Brooks in very high esteem. I think the job he's done at UK is to commended, heck, if I were in charge I would rename the football field "Rich Brooks Field" (that would give him two football fields named after him).

BUT, I do wish that he would reconsider using Randall Cobb as a kick returner. I know Cobb is special with the ball in his hands, but I feel the risk involved far outweighs the benefits. Plus, there are several highly capable return men available-- Defensive back Winston Guy is ridiculously fast and did a fine job late last year returning kicks. Wide out Gene McCaskill is equally fast, and has some return experience. Another receiver, Eric Adeyemi is very fast and dangerous in the open field. Derrick Locke is a great return man, but his knee injury would keep me from allowing him to return kicks.

It honestly scares me to see Cobb settling-in under a kick. The thought of knees buckling, and ankles twisting haunt my optimistic nature. Papa, I won't preach any longer, if you'll only take this matter under advisement.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Kentucky 42, Miami (OH) 0 -- After Action Report

Truzenzuzex — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:47:40 -0000

More photos » by Al Behrman - AP

Randall Cobb was the Cat Daddy today. Frighteningly good.

Browse more photos »

Well, that was impressive, save for the first quarter.

Congratulations for the Miami Redhawks for giving it their all, and making us sweat in the first quarter. Miami has a new coaching staff and a bunch of new players, so they can be forgiven for struggling in the first game of the year. I appreciate their effort, and applaud the clean game that they played with very few penalties and good sportsmanship.

What was good

Offense --The offense, from the second quarter on, was incredibly impressive. The o-line started opening up holes, and protecting the quarterback the way that a senior-dominated O-line should.

Mike Hartline was very impressive. He was poised, he was efficient, and he made good reads after he got a feel for the Redhawk defense. His deep ball was much improved, and even though he still threw a couple of those nasty floaters that I really hate, most of his throws were on target and in good spots.

Randall Cobb was simply terrific. It has been a long time since I have seen a player with such incredible economy of motion. He isn't that quick or that fast, it's just that his body and mind seem to be in such perfect harmony that no effort is wasted, no motion is discordant, no move is ineffective. He is an unusual player, gifted with almost perfect body control. Every move he makes is graceful and efficient. It's almost like everyone else around him is moving in slow motion, or is somehow seeing two of him.

Cobb was indomitable today, and the rest of the SEC should fear him.

Chris Matthews had a great first game, and is just the kind of big target UK need. TC Drake also played well, as did Ross Bogue.

The running game, particularly Derrick Locke and Moncell Allen, was great. A lot of that was due to some gaping holes opened by the o-line, but Locke's speed is undiminished despite a serious knee injury and Allen is just a bruising runner who made a lot of yards all by himself. Alfonso Smith also had a good game, but he was less impressive than the other two.

Defense -- The defense was sound, and even though they allowed a few big plays, they weren't bad. They did, after all, achieve a shutout, and I don't recall (and don't feel like looking up) when the last time UK shut out anybody.

I liked what the secondary did after the first half, and the defensive line played very well against the run, as did the linebacking corps. Micah Johnson made an impressive pass breakup in the second half, and overall, I was very happy with the defensive effort. Of course, Trevard Lindley was what he is expected to be -- an All-American. He could have had three picks today, but wound up with only one, and scored a touchdown off that one. Hard to complain much about the two that got away.

What was not so good

Special teams -- Special teams scared me. Kickoff coverage was pretty good, but the kickoffs themselves were not great. Once again, Lones Seiber missed a ~~short~~ 43 yard field goal. That has got to be corrected.

Punt coverage was not as good as kick coverage, although Ryan Tydlacka kicked the ball very well, including a clever short-field kick that pinned the Redhawks inside their 20.

The defensive line, particularly on the edges, did not impress. UK did not get enough pressure on the Redhawk quarterback, even though the Miami o-line was very young and inexperienced.

The offense did a very poor job of picking up blitzes, which is a problem Rich Brooks identified about a week or two ago. That is a disturbing blind spot, and if UK can't get that problem solved, Hartline is going to have to throw a lot more balls away than anyone wants.

Overall

Overall, I was very pleased with the offense, and happy (but less so) with the defense. Hartline has clearly improved a lot, and Randall Cobb has become a major threat no matter where he is on the field. Chris Matthews is looking like the kind of player that can help us become a serious threat in the SEC east. If Hartline can learn to keep the ball down a bit and the offense can pick up blitzes better, this is a team that could make some noise in the SEC this year.

One thing I can say with confidence -- Kentucky is much, much better, overall, than last year. I know this is just the first game, but it is clear to me that this is a team which is competent, and deserves to be in the SEC.

UK Football: The Receivers & Tight Ends

Ken Howlett — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:00:22 -0000

by Butch Dill - AP

"You see, you have to catch the ball, before you can run ..."

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"The season of redemption is upon us." -- That must be the mantra knocking around the heads of the University of Kentucky receiving corps about now. After what can only be described as a mini-disaster of an effort in 2008 (dropped ball galores, terribly run routes), UK's wide-outs now have that pesky freshman season firmly behind them. Eric Adeyemi, Randall Cobb, Gene McCaskill, and Matt Roark all will be striving to put the memory of '08 in the rear view mirror. And reports out of camp point to the possibility of a tremendous turnaround in wide receiver production in store for the 2009 campaign -- Of course, adding 6'5" juco All-America Chris Matthews to the fold of receivers has immensely increased the talent level, and his presence should make UK's group of receivers an Excedrin headache for opposing defensive coordinators. Something they were not last season.

And honestly, they have no choice but to be better. Not because they couldn't be worse than last year, rather, in order for this Kentucky football team to be successful, the receivers simply must perform up to their capabilities. And if that indeed does happen, it will all start with Randall Cobb. The sophomore sensation must play like the star many think he is destined to become. He must lead his still youthful group of teammates, not only with his words, but most importantly with his play.

Cobb must oversee receivers who drop fewer balls, and run crisp routes; all areas which will be closely monitored by UK football fans, because if '09 is to be different (read: better than) the '08 season, then that's where the improvement needs to be most evident. Is Cobb capable of imposing his will onto his teammates? We begin to find the answer on Saturday.

So, let's meet the group of players I feel are "most likely to impress" in 2009:

The Starters

Randall Cobb -- 5'11", 188 lb sophomore : The 2008 SEC All-Freshman Team member rushed 79 times for 316 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns. From the receiver spot, Cobb caught 21 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns (9.4 yards per catch), and from the quarterback position he completed 52 of 99 passes (52.5%), good for 542 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. Cobb also returned 11 punts for a total of 92 yards (8.4 yards per return) -- The highly versatile Cobb started four games at both receiver and quarterback. In UK's Arkansas victory, Cobb caught two touchdown passes from Mike Hartline in the final 4:15 of the game to seal UK's incredible comeback victory. Cobb also nearly beat Georgia single-handedly by rushing for 82 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2009, Cobb will also be used in UK's "Wildcat" package where he'll line up at quarterback, with the option to run or throw. As stated above, The Alcoa, Tennessee native must emerge as a force on the field, and on the sideline; some guys are just winners, and that can be contagious.

Chris Matthews -- 6'5", 210 lb junior: Last year at Los Angeles Harbor College, Matthews caught 80 passes for 1,234 yards (15.4 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns in only nine games. His freshman year in junior college he caught 32 passes for 529 yards and four touchdowns. Matthews was rated a top-10 junior college prospect, and No. 2 wide receiver prospect by Rivals. He runs a 4.5 40-yard dash -- At Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, his senior year he caught a school record four touchdowns passes in one game. Matthews is a cousin of the late Reggie White (Tennessee). His father, Darell, played football at Lane University, and his mother Michelle, played basketball at TCU.

Matthews is a "gonna be" stud. In UK's fall camp, Matthews' lethal combination of size and speed made it almost impossible for UK's secondary to defend him. Whether he succeeds as his potential portends is yet to be seen, but I like his chances.

The Backups

Gene McCaskill -- 6'0", 182 lb sophomore : In 2008 McCaskill caught 15 passes for 182 yards (12.1 yards per catch). He also returned three punts for 19 yards (6.3 yards per return). He had his best game in the Liberty Bowl: Three catches for 64 yards. McCaskill runs a 4.6 40-yard dash -- His brother, Chris White, played football at South Carolina.

McCaskill started the final four games of '08, enjoying his best outing in the Liberty Bowl (three catches for 64 yards). He's second on the depth chart behind Matthews, and should see plenty of reps in '09.

Kyrus Lanxter -- 6'2", 205 lb junior: In his 16 game career, Lanxter has caught 24 passes for 210 yards (8.4 yards per catch) and one touchdown, In 11 games in '08, he caught 23 passes for 195 yards (8.5 yards per catch) and one touchdown. He scored his only collegiate touchdown in last year Liberty Bowl, where he caught five passes for 46 yards (9.2 yards per catch) -- Lanxter's uncle, Cory Anderson, played football at Tennessee. Lanxter played at the same high school at Randall Cobb (Alcoa High School in Tennessee).

The lone junior of the group, Lanxter had a solid, if unspectacular '08 season. He's listed as second on the depth chart behind Randall Cobb,and like McCaskill, will see plenty of turf time in '09.

Eric Adeyemi -- 6'0", 170 lb sophomore: Adeyemi played in all 13 games in '08, earning three starts. He caught 13 passes for 108 yards (8.3 yards per catch), and he also rushed three times for 12 yards (4.0 yards per carry). Keeping with the trend, Adeyemi recorded his best outing versus ECU in the Liberty Bowl, catching two passes for 31 yards. The speedster once ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash in high school, and he runs the 110 meters in 13.9 seconds.

The fastest Wildcat, Adeyemi has more potential than Carter has pills. He's yet another receiver who began to play much better toward the end of the season. Although he's listed third on the depth chart behind behind Cobb and Lanxter, Adeyemi will be on the field much of the time for UK. And due to his incredible speed, will always be a threat.

La 'Rod King -- 6'4", 190 lb freshman: The North Hardin graduate (yes, the same high school as Andre' Woodson) has proved to be a very versatile athlete: He played quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, safety, and on special teams for the Trojans. Primarily a quarterback his senior year, he was recruited for the receiver spot because of his length, and sure hands. King was rated the No. 7 prospect in Kentucky by Rivals.

The true freshman has surprised in '09. Thought to be a serious redshirt candidate coming into camp, King has pushed his way up the depth chart with his consistent pass catching ability, and pure athleticism. Listed third on the depth chart behind Matthews and McCaskill, King will have some opportunities to display his wares to a wider audience in the fall.

Matt Roark -- 6'6", 209 lb sophomore: In '08 Roark caught one pass for 16 yards, but proved to be a special teams asset by blocking three kicks: A field goal attempt versus U of L, an extra point in UK's 14-13 win over Mississippi State, and an extra point against ECU in the Liberty Bowl. Roark played in 13 games last year, starting against Tennessee -- Roark came to UK as a quarterback, but made the position switch to wide out in the spring of '08. His father, Ray Gover, lettered in football at UK from '85-'88 as a defensive back and wide receiver.

Roark, like so many other of the receivers, must prove he can catch the ball on a consistent basis. He's listed third on the depth chart behind Cobb and Lanxter.

The Tight Ends

Ross Bogue -- 6'5", 244 lb senior: In 39 career games, Bogue has caught only one pass for eight yards -- His father Doug played football at Georgia Tech.

Not much to say about Bogue, except that he leap-frogged over two proven tight end commodities to earn the starting nod. He's obviously doing something the coaches like.

T. C. Drake -- 6'6", 242 lb senior: In 38 career games (nine starts) Drake has caught 13 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown. In 08, he played in all 13 games and recorded 12 receptions for 204 yards (17.0 yards per catch). The Nelson County High School alum was a part-time starter in '08, with his best game coming against Middle Tennessee, where he recorded four catches for 82 yards (20.5 yards per catch) -- Drake's father, Terry, played basketball at Campbellsville University, and his sister Samantha has committed to play basketball at Kentucky for Matthew Mitchell.

The sure-handed Drake will always hold a special place in UK football lore, for he caught a two yard tipped pass (exhibiting tremendous hand-eye coordination and reflexes) for a touchdown in UK's historic win over LSU in 2007. Drake is what one looks for in a tight end; long, big, and relatively fast. All three UK tight ends are very capable of playing the position effectively, but Drake will see serious clock-time in '09.

Maurice Grinter -- 6'3", 253 lb senior: Grinter, out of Fairdale High School, has played in 33 games (four starts) as both a fullback and tight end. He's rushed 10 times for 36 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, and caught 19 passes for 201 (10.6 yards per catch) yards and three touchdowns. Grinter moved from fullback to tight end in the spring of '08. Last year Grinter recorded 12 receptions for 162 yards (13.5 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. He caught the winning touchdown versus Mississippi State last season.

Grinter has shown to have soft hands, and nimble feet for such a big man. I think offensive coordinator Joker Phillips should use Grinter more within UK's offense, but with both Bogue, Drake and Grinter sharing time at the tight end spot, his reps may decrease from last year.

CliffsNotes Analysis

They have to be better. How's that for deep thinkin'?

But, with Randall Cobb now able to focus on a narrower band of responsibilities, plus the natural progression of freshman turning into sophomores, along with the addition of Chris Matthews, indicates a very real possibility that UK's wide receiver position will evolve into a team strength in 2009.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

UK Football: Setting a New Standard

Ken Howlett — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:30:29 -0000

More photos » by Butch Dill - AP

Kentucky football head coach Rich Brooks believes he has reasons to smile.

Browse more photos »

This is the first in a series of 10 posts which will examine, position by position, the 2009 Kentucky football team. But, first, an introduction to the season.

In last year's preseason examination of the 2008 football squad, I wrote about the opportunity presented to that team to change the culture of Kentucky football. And even though the team experienced season-ending injuries to key personnel, and was much-maligned by the press and fans alike, they seized the opportunity, and claimed it as their own. By posting a winning record for the third consecutive season, along with winning the third of three straight bowl games, the 2008 UK squad accomplished a feat never before achieved by a Wildcat team. And Kentucky has been playing football since 1881.

In 2009, Rich Brooks and Company seem primed to take the next requisite step up the SEC food-chain. It's a step not easily attained, for it's fraught with Gators, Gamecocks, Bulldogs, and the ever-irritating Vols. But in order for Kentucky to continue on the upward arc of respectability, the step simply must be conquered.

Coach Brooks confronted the next step concept head-on at SEC Media Days:

"We've changed some history at Kentucky, we have to change some more. That would be beating some of the teams in our league that we've struggled to beat over a number of years. And we're a lot more capable of having that happen now than we were three or four years ago."

"We've had success against a few teams, but we have to continue to build on that and beat more of 'em, because our goal obviously is to be a factor and have a chance to win the SEC East. To do that, we have to climb over the teams that have ruled the roost, if you will, and ruled it very well I might add, in the past 10, 15 years. Now, you know, we need to climb the ladder. This is not good enough. Going to bowl games and winning them isn't good enough. We need to compete for the SEC championship."

"Compete for the SEC Championship;" yes, that's what Papa Brooks said.

Competing for an SEC championship, in most years, equates to competing for a national championship. And that truism may never be more relevant than this year, considering SEC East rival Florida is the universe's selection as the preseason No.1 team in all the land.

But, I must applaud the coach for his attitude. For without a leader focused on that which is attainable, making history, and winning championships, are unattainable. The Kentucky football program, under Rich Brooks' passionate, positive leadership has accomplished that which very few thought possible. So no, this fan doesn't begrudge the coach for reaching high to grasp the stars that have yet to shine on the Bluegrass.

Speaking of reaching for the heavens, Brooks put it like this:

"You're reaching for a higher star, obviously, in trying to be a team that competes for an SEC championship. When you get to a certain level it's a lost easier to get to that next level, and I think that's where we are."

The next level ... the next step ... climbing the ladder ... Reaching the plateau where the serious pliers of pigskin excellence congregate demands that UK accomplish that which, for decades, seemed improbable.

Our sage coach realizes in order for stars to be lassoed, and championships competed for, Kentucky must beat (not compete with) a series of division bad-guys the boys in blue have rarely bested. Although UK boasts a three-year running record of 23-16, its SEC mark in the same time-span is merely 9-15. The perpetrators responsible for UK's less than stellar SEC record in that time are Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The not-so-attractive numbers look like this (brace yourself): UK - 1 Bad Guys - 11.

Sometimes statistics are party-poopers extraordinaire, but can shed light on ones shortcomings. Brooks knows:

"I think, realistically, we SHOULD (emphasis mine) beat some teams we haven't beaten in awhile, and we better beat some teams that we haven't beaten in awhile, because there's a lot of them on our schedule."

"... teams that we haven't beaten in a while ..." To the aforementioned East bandits, add Alabama and Auburn. Both UK foes in 2009: The Tide's record versus UK is 34-2-1; Auburn holds a 24-5-1 mark against the Wildcats, and have won 15 in a row dating back to 1967.

Just so we're clear: UK must play four SEC East competitors against which they are 1-11 over the last three years, as well as two SEC West teams that hold a combined 7-58-2 all-time record against the 'Cats. Now we see why most college football prognosticators are giving long odds on UK's chances of winning north of five games.

But, laughing at long odds is Brooks' specialty, and the need to overcome feeds Brooks' fire. Just take a gander at the circumstances he has beat-down over the last three years. Circumstances he's overcome which have enabled him, today, to be in a position to talk about taking steps, and "reaching for a higher star:"

In 2006, UK sat at 3-4 after a 49-0 drubbing at the hands of LSU. His team, also having lost to Louisville by 31 points, was at a crossroads. His career at UK was stopped at the same crossroads, blinker on, ready to turn for home and the rocking chair. But no, not yet. Brooks rallied his charges in the face of dire circumstances, finishing the season 5-1, with one of those victories coming over Georgia, a team UK had lost to in 14 of its last 15 meetings.
In 2007, after losing an ugly, mistake-filled game against South Carolina 38-23, Brooks refused to allow his team to wallow in the misery caused by falling to a team they should have beaten. For coming to town was the No.1 team in the country, the LSU Tigers. And in what may be the preeminent moment in UK football history, the 'Cats coaxed unlikely victory into paying a visit to Commonwealth Stadium, even though victory visiting was the longest of shots.
In 2008, after losing his probable starting quarterback (Curtis Pulley), his All-SEC caliber receiver (Dicky Lyons), his star tailback (Derrick Locke), and his most explosive performer (Randall Cobb), Brooks once again magically propelled his offensively-challenged team to another winning season, and a UK record-setting third bowl win in a row.

Of course I've not even mentioned the fact that Brooks, upon arriving at UK in 2003, inherited a roster depleted by probation, and ravaged by attrition. And over the course of his first three years, facing overwhelming media and fan disillusionment, his steely fortitude enabled him to persevere and execute his program-saving game-plan. So far be it for me to sit here at my keyboard, in air-conditioned comfort, and question a warrior's optimistic outlook.

So from Brooks' mouth, to your screen, comes additional thoughts from the coach on why he believes the 2009 'Cats will break down barriers, and tug at Orion's Belt:

"I think that this years Kentucky football team, going into the season, is going to be a better team than I had going into last season. The reasons I feel that way, is I believe our offense will be much more productive, which it needs to be, because we were not very good a year ago. (Quarterback) Mike Hartline should show marked improvement, and I believe he will. All I have to do is think back three years ago, Andre' Woodson's sophomore season, what he accomplished his junior season, and it was significantly improved. I think Mike Hartline will see a lot of that same type of improvement. The people around Mike Hartline will be more experienced and better, as well. I mean, we played five freshmen receivers last year. (Hartline's) understanding of the offense will be greater, and his accuracy I think will improve along with that experience."

On sophomore Randall Cobb and some of the other performers on offense, Brooks had this to say -- "(Randall Cobb) will be a receiver most of the time and we'll have a package for him in our Wildcat formation in the backfield. He has exciting play-making ability. He can run it. He can catch it. He can return it. He can throw it. We have our players; Kyrus Lanxter came on and had a good bowl game. Gene McCaskill came on and had a good bowl game in our win over East Carolina at the Liberty Bowl. We have a young man by the name of Chris Matthews out of junior college who caught 86 balls, who's 6'6", 210, and runs in the 4.4's (in the forty-yard dash). I think the experience at tight end with T.C. Drake, Maurice Grinter, and Ross Bogue returning; all of those guys are going to be better than they were a year ago. And Mike's ability to get the ball to them will be enhanced because of their experience, as well as his own improvement."

Speaking about the defensive side of the ball, coach Brooks said: "Defensively, we lost some very good players, but the great news is winning three bowl games in a row, we've established (through recruiting) some depth and better SEC-ready talent. And we have some young people that I think are going to be impact players for us on the defensive side. And I do not see us slipping on the defensive side, (just) because we lost some good players."

In any sport, a vital part of being a successful coach is displaying a positive outlook to ones team. But even more important, having an established track-record which solidifies ones optimistic mind-set is key to selling ones team, and fan-base, on realizing the dreams and aspirations of all involved. Coach Brooks possesses such credibility.

Even though for many fans the expectations for the upcoming season are tempered due to UK's rigorous SEC slate, I have to believe. I have to believe because Brooks leaves me no choice. I have to believe, because I believe in Brooks. I believe, before he takes his final bow as UK coach (presumably in the next two years), that he will fulfill the promise demonstrated by his previous accomplishments. I believe he's the man to take UK to the next level ... the next step ... and to climb the ladder skyward toward the stars that he will someday grasp.

Thanks for reading and Go 'Cats!

It's Raining Donations - Buff Bites

irish1611 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:47:51 -0000

Former Buff, TE Ryan Wallace, Set to Transfer to Kentucky | KentuckySports.com
Ryan Wallace has decided to transfer to the Kentucky Wildcats. If you remember correctly, Wallace and Josh Smith's transfer were announced on the same day. While Smith's transfer has been much publicized due to the University blocking his plight to everywhere except the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins, Wallace was able to transfer to Kentucky:

Tight end Ryan Wallace, a former All-State player from Bowling Green High, is transferring to the University of Kentucky. Wallace spent his freshman season redshirting at the University of Colorado before leaving after the spring semester. He was in Lexington on Wednesday to meet with the coaching staff and applied for admission to UK. Wallace is expected to walk-on in 2009 and receive a scholarship in 2010. He will have three years of eligibility remaining after he sits out this season as a transfer. Wallace was a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com and performed mainly on the scout team during his only year at Colorado. Wallace's father, Kevin, who coached him at Bowling Green, said homesickness was the primary reason for his son's decision to leave Boulder. Wallace's grandfather passed away this past Thanksgiving. "Things happened personally within our family that had an impact on him, and he welcomes the opportunity to get closer to home."

Wallace also considered Western Kentucky but ultimately decided UK was the best fit. The Cats' top three tight ends, T.C. Drake, Ross Bogue and Maurice Grinter, are all seniors, which would give Wallace a chance to learn the system during his transfer year and compete for the starting job in 2010.

"The potential is there for me to get early playing time, and the fact that's it the SEC didn't hurt,"

Wallace said of his decision to attend UK.

"It's far enough that I can be myself, but close enough that my family can come watch me play." The 6-foot-5 Wallace said he gained 30 pounds during his redshirt year at Colorado and is now up to 245. He will report to UK in August and can began practicing immediately.

More cash comes CU's way : Top Stories : Boulder Daily Camera
Just a few weeks after the University said they were delaying the $10 million practice facility construction for basketball and volleyball, the athletic department has received a sum of $5.36 million in donations from three parties in the last few days. On Friday, we learned about Louise Bennett Reed donating $4.75 million to fund athletic scholarships. Today, two more gracious parties donated a total of $610,000 to the athletic department for various projects:

Colorado's energetic athletic director was even more atingle than normal on Tuesday while announcing that the department had recently received two private donations totaling $610,000. One of the gifts, an anonymous donation of $360,000, was given so the football offices in the Dal Ward Center would be renamed the Eddie Crowder Football Operations Complex in honor of the legendary CU football coach and athletic director who died last year. The funds also allowed the athletic department to immediately replace the 18-year-old floor in the Dal Ward Center weight room with a rubber tile sports performance floor. Installation of the new floor was already underway on Tuesday. The second gift, a donation of $250,000 from John and Debbie Raeder, was given in support of the student-athlete academic center in the Dal Ward Center, which is now named for the Raeder family.

Thanks to those three parties for their donations. In the arms race that is college athletics, donations like this are extremely important considering the Buffs are on the lower side of athletic budgets. Go Buffs!

K-State improvements on hold | CJOnline.com
The economy has also affected other Big 12 schools from going forward with their plans to improve facilities. Kansas State has put a halt on their $70 million facilities project.

There won't be quite as many NCAA handbooks and high school coaching directories lying around Kansas State's athletic department this year. That was one cost-cutting measure cited by new athletic director John Currie at an open forum for K-State faculty and students Monday. But for most Wildcat fans, the more significant revelation involves K-State's $70 million facilities project, which Currie said has been shelved pending further evaluation.

Early College Football Betting Lines | Barking Carnival
The Barking Carnival, a Texas blog, claims to have some early football lines from the Golden Nugget. Right now, according to the Barking Carnival, the Buffs are 13 point favorites over Colorado State and 6 point dogs to Nebraska. Again, I haven't seen it published anywhere else.

Baker's Dozen: Q&A with Colorado head basketball coach Jeff Bzdelik
Coach Bzdelik sat down with the Examiner to answer questions about his favorite food, superstitions, alternative jobs, hobbies, etc.

Fulton qualifies for worlds - The Denver Post
The Colorado Buffaloes will not be playing the Air Force Falcons basketball this upcoming season:

Air Force men's basketball coach Jeff Reynolds said Tuesday his team's 2009-10 nonconference schedule is close to completion. Reynolds declined to reveal any opponents because "we don't have any contracts back." But he confirmed one team that won't be on the schedule — Colorado.

"I've had some dialogue with (CU) coach (Jeff) Bzdelik about it," Reynolds said. "Nothing's really changed from our standpoint, and that's pretty much where it is." Reynolds, a former Bzdelik assistant, said he didn't want to play a Bzdelik-coached team again (the teams met in 2007) because they are best friends.

Huskers to Wear Throwback Uniforms against Louisiana Lafayette - Corn Nation

Hinder in passing lane at QB camp - The Denver Post

One of the most highly recruited players in the country at his position, the 6-foot-4, 182-pound Hinder has been selected for a quarterback challenge under tutelage involving Hall of Famer Joe Montana. At the Steve Clarkson Academy, Hinder will be one of the "Super Seven" competing Thursday through Saturday, along with other top-flight high school quarterbacks including Montana's son, Nick, who has pledged to attend the University of Washington.

The drills will be filmed for a potential reality series that will search for the next great quarterback. Clarkson, who has mentored Joe Montana, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Leinart, Gino Torretta and Matt Cassel, among others, will be on the field for the challenge.

UK Football: Spring Practice Wrap-Up -- The Receivers

Ken Howlett — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:06:41 -0000

This is the third in a series of posts examining how the personnel for the 2009 UK football season are shaping up.

For most Kentucky football fans, the '08 season was filled with frustrations -- Frustration with the quarterback situation, frustration with injuries, and finally, frustration with the receivers inability to catch the ball.

Whether one receivers "dropsies" were contagious, or if the group of young wide-outs were overly anxious to execute the catch-and-run, the sad fact is that many times they forgot the initial phase of the operation, which is to "catch."

Most blame the youth of the 2008 receiving corps as the primary culprit for their collective misdeeds, and if that is indeed the case, hopefully, for the sanity of UK fans and the sanctity of the program, we'll witness a maturity upgrade in the '09 season.

UK's 2008 Receiver Numbers

Points Per Game -- 22.6

First Downs Receiving -- 98

Average Yards Per Reception -- 9.8

Average Yards Per WR Reception -- 9.7

Average Yards Per TE Reception -- 15.0

Wide Receiver Touchdowns -- 6

Tight End Touchdowns -- 2

The Receivers

Players lost to graduation/injury: Dicky Lyons, Jr -- Lyons played in only six games before injuring his knee. He caught 33 passes for 264 yards (8.0 yards per catch), and two touchdowns. DeMoreo Ford played in seven games before sustaining a career-ending injury. He caught three passes for 56 yards (18.7 ypc), and one touchdown.

Returning players of note: Randall Cobb 5-11, 190 lb sophomore -- 21 catches for 197 yards (9.4 ypc), and two touchdowns. Kyrus Lanxter 6-2, 195 lb junior -- 23 catches for 196 yards (8.5 ypc), and one touchdown. Gene McCaskill 6-0, 175 lb sophomore -- 15 catches for 182 yards (12.1 ypc). E.J. Adams 6-0, 200 lb senior -- 14 catches for 180 yards (12.9 ypc). E. J. Fields 6-2, 190 lb sophomore -- No receptions last year (converted defensive back). Eric Adeyemi 6-0, 170 lb sophomore -- 13 catches for 108 yards (8.3 ypc). Aaron Boyd 6-3, 210 lb sophomore -- Five catches for 46 yards (9.2 ypc). Matt Roark 6-6, 200 lb sophomore -- One catch for 16 yards. Nick Melillo 6-2, 215 lb junior -- No receptions last year (walk-on).

Everybody; the fans, the coaching staff, and the media, knew going into the 2008 football season that the receiver position was a huge question mark for the Kentucky football team. After losing Steve Johnson, Keenan Burton and Jacob Tamme to graduation, the 'Cats were left with only two experienced receivers (Dicky Lyons, Jr and DeMoreo Ford), and a host of freshman and sophomore talent that had caught nary a pass, much less tasted the end zone.

Unfortunately, Lyons suffered a season-ending injury in the sixth game of the year versus South Carolina, and Ford never was fully healthy (knee), playing in only seven games, and eventually calling it a career after suffering a concussion versus Mississippi State on November 1, 2008 (doctors advised Ford to give up football). Adding to the misery was Aaron Boyd's (the highest rated UK receiver recruit in recent memory) fall fight with mononucleosis, which stole all-important practice repetitions away from the talented receiver, and ultimately led to his meager production.

What head coach Rich Brooks was left with was a receiver corps apt to drop passes, apt to run the wrong routes, and apt to run before making the catch.

A receiving corps, that at the end of spring practice, had Rich Brooks singing the praises of walk-on Nick Melillo, a Trinity High School grad, who had four catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns in the Blue-White Game:

"He's going to move ahead of some scholarship players. Right now he deserves a better look, and he deserves to move up the depth chart."

Joker Phillips also loves the kid Melillo:

"He's 100 mile per hour on every play. I told him he needed to gain weight and he could possibly be a guy like Jacob (Tamme). He comes back and he's gained 15, 20 pounds in the off-season. He does everything you ask him. He's a coach's dream. He's a tough kid."

Sounds like "Rudy" with talent.

If I were anyone other than Randall Cobb, I would be looking in the rear-view mirror, because everybody's job is up for grabs.

Brooks even took a stab at his receiving corps, disguised as praise for Cobb:

"He reminded me of Dicky Lyons. He made a one-handed grab that was behind him, and got it and gained extra yards. Those are the plays we need our receivers to make from time to time."

He's right about Cobb; he can be very special, but he needs help.

Similar to last season, the question in '09 is; who will take the pressure off Cobb? Who will emerge as a legitimate receiving threat, so Cobb won't have to endure double and triple-coverage all night, as Dicky Lyons did last year.

As of now, the top candidates are: Kyrus Lanxter, Gene McCaskill, and Eric Adeyemi. All are blessed with tremendous speed (along with Cobb, possibly the fleetest group of wide-outs in UK history), and the talent to out-maneuver their secondary counterparts. But, will they catch the ball? Will they demand an honest secondary?

I wish I had the answer.

In the late spring, however, Phillips had some complimentary words for at least two Wildcat receivers:

"Gene McCaskill continues to get better. I think he's got a chance to help us. I've got to get E.J. Fields coming because he's got a great body and great speed and he's got to help us. We've got to continue to get him better."

How the receivers perform this season will determine just how effective UK's offense will be. And if they continue down their current path, UK will be (to borrow a hardwood phrase) easy to guard. The opposing D-coordinators will have an elementary game-plan to put together -- "Spy" Cobb, and close hard on (Derrick) Locke and (Alfonso) Smith.

Maddening in all of this chaos, is the fact that all of UK's receivers are blessed with serious break-away speed; they can all gain separation on their defenders; and they all possess the physical tools of the trade. But, they must conquer the three mental aspects of the game -- Concentration, execution, and CONCENTRATION.

Freshman Receivers of Note

Chris Matthews 6-5 , 210 lbs -- The Los Angeles Harbor College transfer has two seasons of eligibility remaining, and he is expected to contribute right away. He's a Rivals 4-star recruit, and one of the top-10 JUCO prospects in the nation. Last year Matthews caught 80 passes for 1,235 yards and 11 touchdowns in only nine games. He runs a 4.5-40, and will push Kyrus Lanxter, Gene McCaskill, and Eric Adeyemi for playing time. He attended Dorsey High School, in Los Angeles.

Brian Adams 6-4, 210 lbs -- The Gainesville, Georgia native runs a 4.4-40, and will get a look at the receiver spot, as well as a possible punt returner. Adams is a 3-star recruit who played quarterback in high school.

North Hardin's LaRod King (6-6, 190 lbs) will also have the opportunity to earn some playing time in '09. He's a Rivals and Scout 3-star recruit who displayed his versatility in high school by playing quarterback, receiver, tight end, safety, and on special teams. Justin Bean (6-2, 180 lbs), a Tupelo, Mississippi product, is another freshman who will get a look at the wide-out spot. He's a 2-star recruit who caught 35 passes for 753 yards and six touchdowns in his senior season.

The Tight Ends

Players lost to graduation: Zero.

Returning players of note: Maurice Grinter 6-3, 260 lb senior -- 12 catches for 162 yards (13.5 ypc) and two touchdowns. T. C. Drake 6-6, 235 lb senior -- 12 catches for 204 yards (17.0 ypc). Ross Bogue 6-5, 250 lb senior -- One catch for eight yards.

The tight ends represent Kentucky's most solid offensive position on the field. UK returns experience, talent, athleticism, and depth at a position I thought was the most underused on the field last season.

Grinter, Drake, and Bogue all possess soft hands, and nimble feet. They provide the quarterback with a large target area, and an ability to make yards after the catch. While all three are terrific down-field blockers, I would like to see the trio thrown toward much more often.

Bogue came out of the spring No. 1 on the depth chart, but I expect Grinter to eventually win the job.

*T.C. Drake underwent successful sports hernia surgery earlier in the spring, but is expected to be a full strength by fall camp.

CliffsNotes Analysis

Randall Cobb is a stud, we all know that, but it will take more than Cobb's considerable talents to win football games in the SEC. That's just one more reason I would like to see UK's talented trio of tight ends utilized more effectively. With the receiving corps still posing a huge question mark, Grinter and company are answers, sitting there, unused.

Because of this (an unstable group of receivers), I foresee a major battle at the wide-out position this fall. Possibly coming out victorious in one of those battles with be JUCO transfer Chris Matthews. He has an excellent chance to earn a starting nod over one of the returning receivers, because of his demonstrable ability to catch the ball, while possessing the same speed numbers as his teammates. While it took UK's last JUCO receiver, the ultra-talented Steve Johnson, a full year to make an impact, Matthews isn't competing with Keenan Burton and Dicky Lyons for playing time. I look for this JUCO to receive serious consideration for meaningful game action.

Frankfort High product, and converted cornerback E.J. Fields also provides an interesting option for "head coach of the offense," Joker Phillips. Fields is sure-handed and as athletic as anyone on the offensive side of the ball. And, the fact that he was asked to make the switch to a very crowded position tells me that the coaches like his chances of seeing the field.

But, regardless of which player, or players, cut to the front of the line, it should be an interesting fall camp as it pertains to the receiver slot. Lots of competition, and lots of eyeballs monitoring the progress of that competition.

The bottom line, though, is simple -- They have to be better, much better than they were last year, if UK hopes to continue the upward tic that they have carved out over the last three years.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!