SB Nation Blog: Ken Howlett

'08 Kentucky Football: Linebackers

Ken Howlett — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:11:29 -0000

This is the third in a series of posts breaking down the '08 UK football team position-by-position.

How to replace the irreplaceable? That is the question Kentucky linebackers coach Chuck Smith must be asking himself as he lies in bed every night, not sleeping. Wesley Woodyard, the SEC's leading tackler the last two years has taken his speed, intensity, and general havoc-wreaking nature to the NFL's Denver Broncos. Which player will step up and replace Woodyard's 139 tackles, 5 pass break-ups, and 2.5 sacks? Which player will step up and replace Woodyard's leadership and Mike Singletary-type intensity? Which player will step up and replace Woodyard's jets ( 4.51 - 40 at the NFL combine ) as he comes around end? Which player will step up and replace Woodyard's refusal to allow that extra yard? Which player will step up and replace Woodyard on the first team All-SEC defense?

Well, since no one is truly irreplaceable, my money is on:

Braxton Kelley

Kelley a 6'0", 226 lb senior is, in my mind, the most likely to fill Woodyard's considerable cleats. Kelley has been good since he stepped on campus, earning All-SEC Freshman honors. Last year he made 63 tackles ( third on the team ), with 5 tackles for loss. He also grabbed an interception, and recorded 1 pass break-up. Kelley claims 189 career tackles.

The one caveat one must remember when evaluating Kelley's impact in '08, is the fact that he is moving from middle linebacker to the weak-side spot, formerly occupied by Mr. Woodyard. Kelly's transition though, was applauded in the spring by the coaching staff, possibly due to the fact that Kelley brings the same attitude to the football field as his predecessor. He has always been a hard-driving, aggressive, intense player, this year though he will be looked to for leadership. Woodyard not only led by example, he was the vocal leader responsible for defensive assignments after the play clock started. This aspect of Kelley's responsibilities is new. I have no doubt that he will embrace the challenge and continue in his upward career arc.

Kelley has watched and learned from one of the best linebackers in UK history for the last three years. Hopefully he's salivating at the chance to lead UK's defense in their next step toward respectability. If Kelley's '08 Blue-White game is any indication of what is to come, then UK football fans can rest easy. He posted 12 tackles, with a pick, and 1 tackle for loss.

Kelley, along with Trevard Lindley, have an opportunity to make a nasty mark on the UK record books. Together, the two terrific defenders can help change the perception of Kentucky football by leading this team to the seven win mark, all the while gaining the coveted three winning seasons in a row honor. Recognizing the possibilities this season holds has surely not escaped Mr. Kelley.

Micah Johnson

Johnson, the 6'2", 255 lb junior, is poised to take over the middle linebacker spot he shared with Braxton Kelley last year. Johnson made that magical leap from potential to performance last year. He posted 58 tackles ( fifth on the team ), with 5 tackles for loss. He also recorded 2 interceptions, and 5 pass break-ups.

The most positive aspect of Johnson's performance last year was the extraordinary improvement he made on passing downs. His freshman year Johnson struggled mightily with thinking, instead of reacting, on passing downs ( he did make the All-SEC Freshman team though ). Rich Brooks, when asked about Johnson's playing time, always responded that Johnson wasn't effective in passing downs, therefore he rotated him out of the lineup. What a difference a year can make.

To his great credit, Johnson seems to have mastered reacting instead of thinking. Last year he did a tremendous job covering receiving tight ends, and with his 4.6 speed his pursuit was noticeably more aggressive, and ended in success more often. I certainly expect Johnson to continue to improve during his junior year, and should prove to be yet another important component in UK's defensive revival. Given his incredible increase in productivity, Johnson has a chance to join Lindley and Kelley as the three ( instead of two ) anchors of Kentucky's defense.

Returning players of note

Johnny Williams -- 6'3", 240 lb senior: 43 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass break-up. Williams will continue to battle with Sam Maxwell for the starting nod at the strong-side linebacker position.
Mikhail Mabry -- 6'2", 235 lb junior: 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception. Mabry will most likely back-up Micah Johnson at middle linebacker.
Sam Maxwell -- 6'3", 225 lb junior: 27 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 2 pass break-ups, 1 fumble recovery. Maxwell lost time last time last year to Johnny Williams. He will once again fight with the senior for playing time. He will be in the linebacker rotation.
A.J. Nance -- 5'11", 240 lb junior: 8 tackles. Nance finds himself third string middle linebacker going into the opening of practice on August 5th. It's doubtful he will be apart of the rotation, but he will see some playing time.
Jacob Dufrene -- 6'2", 215 lb sophomore: 3 tackles. Dufrene is listed third on the depth chart at the weak-side linebacker spot. As with Nance, he probably won't make the rotation, but he will see playing time.
Michael Schwindal -- 6'2", 220 lb junior: 4 tackles. Schwindal is changing positions for '08. For the last two years the Hancock County native has played at the free safety spot. He moved to the weak-side linebacker position in spring practice and excelled. Excelled so much that he is second on the depth chart at weak-side linebacker. He'll be backing up Braxton Kelley, so he's not likely to play an enormous number of downs, unless of course Kelley goes down to injury.

The newcomers

Danny Trevathan -- 6'2", 215 lbs. He has been compared to Wesley Woodyard because of his speed and intensity. He runs a 4.45 - 40 , which for those new to the sport, is very fast, especially for a linebacker. With the depth UK sports at the position I doubt Trevathan will see much, if any time. But, in football injuries are always the unknown factor in the pre-season, and linebackers possessing Trevathan's speed are very difficult to keep off of the field.
Taylor Wyndham -- 6'4", 204 lbs. Wyndham is rated the #47 strong-side linebacker prospect by Scout.com. His senior year in high school he played outside linebacker, but as he continues to grow and become stronger, he will probably be considered for a defensive end spot.

Final Analysis

Last years linebacker core recorded 5 interceptions, and 14 pass break-ups. Not bad numbers, but conversely they only sacked the quarterback 3 times. Obviously that number needs to rise ... considerably. Consistent pressuring of the quarterback wasn't executed last year i.e., the UT and S. Carolina games. This year there will be no Wesley Woodyard to bail 'em out.

It's really very simple. Williams, Johnson and Kelley have to perform better than they ever have to make up for the loss of Woodyard. And by "better" I mean more consistent; because consistency in performance is the only attribute lacking from this group. Spring practice though, brought kudos from the coaching staff on the linebackers play, so hopefully the trio will continue UK's recent trend of producing great linebackers.

Trivia

Since 1970, which UK football player holds the record for most tackles in a season with 183?

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Q&A with UK legend Cotton Nash

Ken Howlett — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:19:57 -0000

When I think of Cotton Nash, I think scorer. The three time All-America is simply one of the most prolific scorers in the storied history of Kentucky basketball. From 1961 to 1964 the 6'5", 220 lb Nash, in only 78 games played, scored 1,770 points. His career average stands at 22 points per game, to go along with his 12 rebounds per game average.

Nash is one of only six Kentucky players to garner All-America honors three straight years ( Alex Groza, Ralph Beard, Wallace "Wah Wah" Jones, Frank Ramsey, and Kyle Macy ). He's also one of only three Kentucky players to lead their respective teams in scoring for three straight years ( Jack Givens and Tony Delk ). He holds the distinction of being the UK player to reach 1,000 points in the fewest games; reaching the plateau in only 45 games played, four fewer than Dan Issel.

Cotton Nash is one of the reasons the University of Kentucky is at the pinnacle of college basketball. He was a player who dominated in his era, and established Kentucky's presence in the ever-changing landscape of college basketball in the early 1960's. His time in the blue and white spanned a differing and changing era of college athletics, and he separated himself and his team from those who attempted to knock the 'Cats from their lofty throne. The 'Cats posted a 60-18 record in his three years, and while he was certainly surrounded by talent, Nash was the man the opponents had to stop in order to beat UK. His ability to score, even when defended by nearly an entire team, is what makes him great, and his legacy nearly unmatched.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey his family moved from the northeast to Texas and then to Indiana, where he discovered basketball. From Indiana he moved to Louisiana for his junior and senior years in high school. Upon his arrival in Lexington, his impact was felt immediately when he scored 25 points in his very first contest at the varsity level. From that point forward he never looked back.

Nash's #44 hangs from the rafters in Rupp Arena. He will always be considered one of UK's all-time great players. He is as deserving of iconic status as any player in Kentucky history.

Nash was one of the relatively few college athletes drafted by the NBA, who also played Major League baseball. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Nash with the twelfth pick of the '64 draft. He also played professional basketball with the San Francisco Warriors and the Kentucky Colonels. He made it to the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins. A two sport star indeed.

I recently had the great honor of speaking with Nash about a variety of issues, here is what the Kentucky great had to say:

ASOB -- You are from Lake Charles, Louisiana, how did Coach Rupp entice you to come to UK?

Nash -- Coach Rupp was given a heads-up by Cliff Barker ( member of the Fabulous Five ). He happened to be my high school coach my sophomore year in Indiana. When I left Indiana he told Rupp to keep an eye on me.

I wanted to stay in the same geographical area. And if you were going to play basketball in the SEC, you had to play at Kentucky.

ASOB -- What other schools did you consider?

Nash -- Several Big 10 schools, Indiana and Michigan State, ACC schools. UCLA probably recruited me the hardest and longest, but as I said, I wanted to stay in the same geographical area.

ASOB -- You were a big scorer from your first varsity game on. When did you realize that you could dominate at the collegiate level?

Nash -- It just kind of evolved. I just played as hard as I could for as long as I could.

ASOB -- How was your relationship with Coach Rupp?

Nash -- I really enjoyed playing for him. Practices were short and to the point. We only practiced an hour and forty-five minutes, but every practice was choreographed. We didn't have to do conditioning before or after practice because we were always moving. I liked that kind of efficiency. I appreciated him as a coach, and I think he appreciated me as a player.

ASOB -- Do you think that the national media has painted an unfair picture of Coach Rupp?

Nash -- What do you mean?

ASOB -- As far as his racism, and refusing to recruit black athletes?

Nash -- That's just media stuff. If had nothing to do with his outlook.

ASOB -- You played both basketball and baseball in college, and professionally. Which sport was your first love?

Nash -- Baseball, for sure. I never played basketball until I moved to Indiana, in the sixth or seventh grade. The only sport we played in New Jersey was baseball. We had the Giants, Yankees, and Dodgers, and everyone dreamed of playing in the Big Leagues.

I moved to Indiana and discovered basketball. I had never really heard of basketball until then.

ASOB -- Did the baseball program at UK have anything to do with your decision to attend Kentucky?

Nash -- The fact that they let me play both sports.

ASOB -- You were at Kentucky when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, did that on have an impact on the basketball team?

Nash -- Oh yeah. We reported to the ( Memorial ) Coliseum at 2:30 in the afternoon, just about the time they announced that he died. The whole world stopped, and so did we.

ASOB -- What player of recent vintage, or since you left, most reminds you, of you?

Nash -- At Kentucky I jumped center, and played the post. Back then the starting five could play all over the floor. We ran the ball ... my senior year we were in triple figures, I think I figured, every third game. I don't think there has been a player that played like I did ( playing all over the floor ). There aren't many players who do that anymore, they're more specialized.

ASOB -- What are your thoughts on Billy Gillispie, and the job he is doing?

Nash -- He needs more time to get his program injected. He's only had one year. He needs more time to instill his philosophy, and his way of doing things.

ASOB -- Do you have any thoughts on the recruitment of such young players?

Nash -- It doesn't make any difference. They have several years to make a commitment. It's just a bunch of publicity, it's meaningless at this time. There are so many things that can change; they can become interested in other sports, or could become overweight. It's all just publicity at this point.

ASOB -- Last years team experienced quite a turnaround, as an observer, what do you attribute the teams mid-to-late-season turnaround to?

Nash -- I saw the maturity and evolution of Joe Crawford. At the end he established his presence, and developed some NBA-type moves. I hope he gets a chance to make it with the Lakers.

ASOB -- Who was the best player you ever played against?

Nash -- Wilt Chamberlain, easily.

ASOB -- Was Jerry West the best player you ever played with?

Nash -- Yeah, of course. He's definitely one of the best basketball players of all time.

I want to offer my sincere thanks to Mr. Nash for taking the time out of his busy schedule to participate in this interview.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

'09 Kentucky Football: The Secondary

Ken Howlett — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:08:08 -0000

This is the second in a series of posts which will breakdown the '08 football 'Cats. Today, our breakdown begins with the defensive secondary.

The unit that made the largest leap forward last year was the defensive secondary. Defensive Coordinator Steve Brown and Secondary coach Chris Thurmond are to be congratulated on coaching up the talent to a respectable level. The secondary allowed only 206 yard passing yards per game last year, giving up 24 touchdowns through the air. The '07 secondary also recorded 17 interceptions by 12 different players. They did allow an 11.4 yards per catch average, which is a bit high, but by comparison the '08 secondary performed light years more efficiently than any UK secondary in recent memory.

The unit did struggle at times last year, though; giving up 366 yards passing to UL's Brian Brohm ( WR Harry Douglas did his best Jerry Rice impersonation ), 256 yards to unheralded Chris Smelley of South Carolina, and Erick Ainge absolutely lit them up in the first half of the Tennessee game. He finished with 397 passing yards in the three overtime epic.

UK's secondary unit returns everyone except strong safety Roger Williams who recorded 37 tackles and 1 pass break up. Williams' experience and leadership will be missed, but there is simply an overabundance of talent ( if that's possible ) remaining in the secondary.

Trevard Lindley

Any discussion of UK's most talented player, regardless of position, has to begin with junior cornerback Trevard Lindley. For two years Lindley has terrorized wide-outs and quarterbacks with his quickness and anticipation skills. Last year Lindley posted 66 tackles ( second on the team ), with 3 interceptions and 11 big pass break-ups ( he's only four away from breaking the UK career record ). He's quite possibly the best returning cover corner in the SEC. He's also been added to the Nagurski Award watch list ( he would be the first UK player to win the award ), which goes to the nations top defensive player.

Making big plays, causing turnovers, changing games; all of these attributes are evident in Lindley's repertoire of talents. Cases in point:

Last year versus Arkansas it was Lindley who recovered a fumble and sped 66 yards to the end zone twenty-six seconds before the end of the first half. That play altered the flow of the game. Instead of Arkansas being up 13 points, they found themselves only up six going into half. The crowd, which had been deafening, suddenly were rendered near silent. Ole "mo" was swung our way.
Lindley's interception of a Brian Brohm pass set up UK's first score in the Louisville game last year. That play set the stage for what would become a monumental upset ( at the time ).
Lindley's fourth quarter interception of a Matt Flynn pass last year against LSU, set up the tying field goal.

Lindley was voted a Sophomore All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com. He will undoubtedly be the leader of a very strong unit. His ability to read the quarterbacks eyes, and anticipate his opponents cuts makes him an invaluable leader, and hopefully a teacher of his younger teammates.

Returning players of note

Marcus McClinton 6'1" , 201 lbs, Sr. -- 32 tackles, 1 int., 2 pass break-ups ( 8 games ). McClinton has had problems with his knees, which is why he missed five games last year. When he plays he's a play-maker, and a hard hitter. He is projected to be the starting free safety.

Ashton Cobb 6'0'' , 205 lbs, Jr. -- 41 tackles, 2 int., 1 pass break-up. Cobb brings speed and an ability to cause pain to the opponents receivers. He is projected to battle for the starting free safety job left open by the graduation of Roger Williams.

Paul Warford 5'11" , 200 lbs, Jr. -- 41 tackles, 2 int., 9 pass break-ups. Warford is being pressed by David Jones for the other starting cornerback spot. He played big last year, but that may not be enough to hold off Jones and a host of other contenders.

Calvin Harrison 6'1" , 200 lbs, Jr. -- 41 tackles, 1 int., 1 pass break-up. Harrison backed up Marcus McClinton in '07. He played extensively last year and produced at a high level. Like the other members of the secondary, he possesses great speed. Harrison will most likely be in a struggle with Ashton Cobb for the starting free safety spot.

Shomari Moore 5'9", 185 lbs, Sr. -- 20 tackles, 1 int., 2 pass break-ups. Moore backed up Paul Warford at a cornerback spot last year. In '08 Moore will have plenty of competition for playing time. He adds quality depth to a position vital to the success of the team.

Robbie McAtee 5'10", 175 lbs, Sr. -- 11 tackles, 1 pass break-up. McAtee played in 6 games last year as the back-up to Trevard Lindley at cornerback. Look for him to have a fight on his hands to keep his back-up status in tact. He'll have a freshman or two vying against him for the number two spot behind Lindley.

Question mark #1

There are a couple of question marks related to the secondary. The first being the status of Belfry High School product David Jones. Jones ( 5'10", 185 lbs ) can be forgiven if he doesn't know which unit to take the field with this year. He has played cornerback, wide receiver, and on the special teams in his three years at UK. Last year he played the receiver position, but in '08 the speed burner ( 4.4 - 40 ) looks to be battling for the starting corner-back spot opposite Lindley. If Jones succeeds he will have to unseat a very productive Paul Warford.

I think Jones should be commended for acquiescing to his coaches requests. Changing positions can't be an easy thing to do. Much less changing positions three times in four years. As long as David Jones and his jets are on the field I will have no qualms with the coaching staff.

Question mark #2

Former quarterback Matt Lentz turned heads and rocked receivers with his crushing hits in the spring. The 6'3", 210 lb sophomore made a seemingly effortless transition from signal caller to defensive back. His anticipation skills were readily apparent, possibly because of his history at quarterback. Lentz would bring great size to the secondary, and a bit of experience from his high school days; he played DB his sophomore year.

The secondary is loaded, but Lentz's unique combination of size, speed, and ability to read quarterbacks may propel him to serious playing time.

The newcomers

Kentucky's terrific '08 recruiting class is loaded with athletes, some of who will have the opportunity to see action in the secondary. Speed and tremendous athletic ability are the characteristics most abundantly apparent in the following newcomers:

E.J. Fields 6'2", 190 lbs, Fr. -- Fields was one of the premier athletes in the state of Kentucky last year while playing for Frankfort High School. As a defensive back he recorded 8 interceptions, 8 pass break-ups, and 59 tackles. Fields won the state 400 meter dash as a junior. He runs a 4.5 - 40, and was rated the #4 prospect in the state.

Winston Guy 6'1", 190 lbs, Fr. -- Guy, the Lexington Catholic recruit, who originally committed to Arkansas but came to his senses when the Hogs hired Bobby Petrino, will see playing time this year. His 4.35 speed, and overall athleticism will be tough to keep off of the field. Scout.com rated Guy the 12th best safety prospect in the nation, and he was rated the #3 prospect in Kentucky. Getting Guy was a stroke of luck for the UK staff, but as Yogi said, "I'd rather be lucky than good" any day.

Final Analysis

The strength of UK's defense lies in its secondary. That's not news. If the '08 'Cats are to reach the magical seven win mark their collective performance will need to improve, though. They must cut down on the number of third and long conversions, which was a problem last year. A fewer number of big plays ( 20 yards or more ) is also a goal of the unit, which will cause the opponent's yard per catch average to drop from 11.4. The defense as a whole gave up 29.6 points per game last year. If Rich Brooks harbors bowl hopes ( and I know he does ) that number must drop. The secondary can do their part by reducing the 24 touchdowns allowed through the air in '07.

Depth should not be a problem. There are a number of terrific athletes available to play. Some of those athletes have vast experience, some have none. My hope is that the older players will lead and guide the youngsters through their demonstrated work ethic. Producing a winning team is a learned process, which can only be taught by those who have succeeded. Lindley, Warford, McClinton, Harrison, and Cobb have all experienced great success on the field. My hope is that the rooks absorb all they can, because with the looming possibility of injuries, one never knows when one will be called upon to perform.

Trivia question

Which UK player holds the single-season record for most interceptions with nine?

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Kentucky football: Changing the culture

Ken Howlett — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:04:12 -0000

This is the first in a series of posts related to the beginning of the '08 football season. We will break down, position by position, the 'Cats lineup and their prospects for having a successful campaign. Today, I begin with the historical implications of the upcoming year.

With Kentucky ending last football season with a 35-28 Music City Bowl victory over Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles, they accomplished something not seen in these parts since 1951; back-to-back bowl wins. Sure, UK has participated in many, many bowl games in which they had opportunities to win two bowls in a row. Well, maybe not. The sad fact is that Kentucky has only participated in back-to-back bowls twice, since 1951. Of course, it is difficult to go to back-to-back bowl games when the team has only had back-to-back winning seasons three times since 1956 ( '76-'77, '83-'84, '06-'07 ).

Futility is synonymous with Kentucky football. We all know this. What astounds me is not the futility, but the magnitude of the futility. UK has been playing football in the SEC since 1933. In that time the Wildcats have posted a winning record in twenty-eight of those seasons. That equals out to UK having a winning season 38% of the time ( 28 of 74 ) -- If the Kentucky basketball team has anything resembling a sub-par year, peoples heads explode -- not a number of be proud of if you're a fan of the blue and white. Even worse, if one takes away the eleven seasons in a row that UK posted a winning record from '46-'56 ( Bear Bryant and Blanton Collier ), that drops the percentage to 27%.

Even Bryant, while he was head coach at UK, didn't dominate his opponents. Bryant coached UK from '46-'53. He posted a 60-23-5 record in his eight seasons, winning the SEC Championship, and the Sugar Bowl over #1 and undefeated Oklahoma in 1950. But that's the only SEC Title that Bear would ever win. All he could muster were two second place finishes, and one third place. Every other year Bryant's 'Cats ended up no better than fifth. His SEC record was 22-18-4 ( good for a .500 winning percentage ) ; that'll get ya fired at Florida.

The point is that even Bear Bryant, arguably the best college football coach in the history of the sport, couldn't win more than 50% of his league games while at UK. Plus, Bryant's greatest success was propelled by the arms and legs of one player; All-America, Babe Parilli. Parilli played at UK from '49-'51, those three years happen to be the ONLY time UK has participated in three straight bowl games. After Parilli graduated, Bryant never led UK to a bowl game again. He finished his career at UK with a two-year combined record of 12-6-3.

To drive the final nail into my point: Since the 1978 season, the UK football team has a record of 9-95 versus ranked opponents. 9-95! Unfathomable.

Thankfully, Rich Brooks and his staff of stalwarts, have laid a foundation upon which to institute a change of culture within the football program at the University of Kentucky. The foundation he has laid is constituted of bigger, stronger, faster athletes. Athletes that have been a rare commodity for the 'Cats over the last, oh, sixty years or so. Athletes that now have an opportunity looking them square in the grille.

Kentucky has never, ever won three bowl games in a row. Kentucky hasn't had three WINNING SEASONS in a row since the eleven in a row from '46-'56. That's fifty-two years without achieving more wins than losses, more than two years in a row. But this group of players have a chance to reconstruct the winning way, left behind so many years ago. This group of players can, with a winning season, change the nature of being a UK football player.

Previously the most often heard quote from a UK football commitment was that the player "wanted to help build something good at Kentucky". Building, building, building, it was always the same. Now though, if a winning season can be attained, the refrain will change to; "I want to continue the winning ways of the UK football team." There is a Grand Canyon of difference in those two statements, but Brooks has nearly bridged the gap.

Perception is the key word. What the coaching staff and this group of players have in front of them is the chance to change the perception of the program. The perception not only locally, among the fan base, but nationally. Being perceived as a winner, a consistent winner, is vitally important for the life-blood of any program: recruiting. Brooks has done a great job of spotting undervalued talent, but he can't win long-term without grabbing a few elite recruits every now and then. I bet those elite recruits are much more responsive and inviting while being visited by a coach in possession of three straight bowl wins. Ergo, the change in perception is most deeply felt in the living rooms of recruits.

The Kentucky program has been kicked around more than Richard Nixon, but the genesis of change is upon us ... IF this team can squeeze seven wins out of its schedule: Seven wins would fill up Commonwealth Stadium, and drive UL fans nuts ( hey, that's a double-dip ). Seven wins would mark a new standard for UK football. Seven wins would complete the foundation of the 'house' that Brooks built. Seven wins would propel Kentucky football into a stratosphere reserved only for astronauts and insane millionaires.

Seven wins would also change expectations for the fans. Suddenly we are expecting to win, demanding victories. How many times have I heard, "If they win five games or so I'll be happy." We fans have settled for mediocrity ( or worse ) for, well, forever. Out of desperation we even settled for a 1-AA head coach ( Hal Mumme ), when shouts of displeasure should have been screamed. That, is about to change. Once a taste for the good life is acquired, an addiction is likely to form. But, that's alright. A demanding fan base can help push forward positive change. It will be a welcome relief to expect victories, rather than expect the worse.

Get ready, the Cards are only 68 days away.

Happy birthday Alex

Today is my oldest daughter Alex's 5th birthday. Happy Birthday Alex! And would someone please ask Matthew Mitchell to stop sending her letters. She has a wicked two-handed, over-her-head, break-the-backboard set shot, but she can't read yet.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Quick Hit List

Ken Howlett — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:43:17 -0000

Lots of things going on in the Big Blue Nation. I thought I would catch up on a few items of interest. Here's a few nuggets to go with your eggs:

Daniel Orton

Matt Jones over at KSR has posted a feel good ( for UK fans ) interview with UK target Daniel Orton. The 6'10", 260 lb big fella is considered a Top 5 prospect by many. He speaks very highly of UK, plus he has a family connection to Coach Cyprien, and Billy Gillispie. I've never had a good feeling about Orton opting to attend UK, but after reading Jones' interview, I now have hope. A lot can happen, quickly, in recruiting. So I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best.

Top rated QB considers Wildcats

Morgan Newton, a Scout.com Top 10 rated quarterback has announced that he is pleased with what he sees happening in Lexington. So much so that he is now placed UK squarely on his list of possible college destinations. His list is considerable, and features Florida, Miami (Fla.), Purdue, Clemson, and our good friend Steve Spurrier at South Carolina.

But, I think UK is beginning to experience the payoff of having played in two consecutive bowls ( of course winning both games doesn't hurt ). The hard work of Coach Brooks, Joker Phillips and the entire staff will hopefully lead to more highly touted players showing interest in, and attending UK. Of course the coaches do a tremendous job of coaching-up the less heralded prospects, but having a few 4 and 5 star players would certainly be a welcome change-of-pace.

IU assistant skates

Jeff Meyer, former assistant basketball coach at Indiana has been exonerated in the Kelvin Sampson fiasco by the NCAA. What Meyer said after learning of his good fortune is what I cannot believe -- "I have always tried to do my work well and do good work within the NCAA rules." He continued, " ... I acknowledge making unintentional, isolated mistakes ... " -- This from a guy who admitted to giving a recruit a T-shirt and backpack. Even more puzzling was Meyer's defense strategy in fighting the NCAA; he claimed that he made LESS phone calls than Sampson and Rob Senderoff ( former IU assistant). NOT that he didn't make any calls, but that he only made a few calls.

How is giving a kid a T-shirt and back pack, and making a few illegal phone calls done unintentionally? What, does this guy hang out at high schools giving away T-shirts and backpacks, and one day, "oops ... I gave a T-shirt and back pack to a recruit." "I'm sorry, it was unintentional." Well, at least we know that the coaches coaching the young men of today all possess high integrity, and are upstanding contributors to society ready to mold the minds and bodies of our young warriors.

Tim Masthay

Kentucky football player ( P ) Tim Masthay join round-ballers Jared Carter and Ramon Harris by having his ticket punched to Africa ( Ghana ) in May. He visited the Third World country with a group of students from UK and Prairie View A&M. Masthay hopes to join the Peace Corps someday, and this trip served as a taste of what life might be like ... in the very near future.

I think it's great that these young men are embarking on mission projects in the service of others. Not all athletes are so narcissistic that one can hardly stand to be in their presence.

If you would like to read about Tim's trip in his own words, you can read his diary here.

Name from the past

Eshaunte Jones, a 6'4" wing out of Fort Wayne has been released from his LOI to Oregon State. That isn't new, but UK being on his list of possible schools is. Nebraska ( he visited Lincoln this past weekend ) seems to be the favorite at the moment for the one time Indiana commitment, but if Gillispie wants another guard for the '08 class ( who wouldn't? ) then I would not count out UK.

Based on the programs that have offered Jones, he must have had a bang-up year at Hargrave Military Academy last season. Tennessee, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Georgetown, Missouri and Memphis have all extended scholarship offers. Strong competition. I'm sure we'll know something soon.

Close encounter

I ran into new Western Kentucky head basketball coach Ken McDonald Saturday night. After I finally surmised it was McDonald, I approached him and wished him well. I did though tell him to "leave Terrence Boyd alone" (Boyd is a 4 star shooting guard out of Oklahoma who has both UK and WKU on his list). McDonald laughed and told me, "I think he's about to commit to us". I then threw my iced tea in his face and ran.

Not really. I have heard nothing but good things about McDonald, and if he's able to attract 4 star players to Bowling Green, his stay will be very successful.

McDonald is highly respected both as a person, and a coach. I wish him well and if Boyd doesn't attend UK, I hope he has a great career on the Hill.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Evidence lacking: Where's the beef Brigid?

Ken Howlett — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:20:25 -0000

I have seemingly been the lonely voice of dissent in the recent discussions about Dakotah Euton and his attempt to transfer to Scott County. My differing attitude is based solely on the fact that cheating in high school athletics in the state of Kentucky has been a common-place occurrence for many years. I believe that when an elite athlete, and his elite athlete teammate ( Chad Jackson ) decide to transfer to the same school, which is located a couple of hundred miles from their previous residence, that all due diligence is required by the KHSAA to ensure no enticements were offered by either the school, or that school's boosters.

KHSAA: Chad Jackson ineligible at Scott Co.

Ken Howlett — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:34:02 -0000

Unbelievable.

Out of Africa

Ken Howlett — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:09:46 -0000

As most probably know, our good friends Ramon Harris and Jared Carter have just returned from a thirteen day trip with Athletes in Action to Africa (Mali and Senegal). The two players have been very talkative since their return to the US, and what they are saying is rather intriguing to this fan.

First of all these two young men are to be commended on their willingness to experience a culture so vastly different than their own. Traveling to third world countries can be intimidating, simply because one doesn't know what to expect. With an abundance of negative stories about out-of-control athletes, it is refreshing to witness two athletes behave in such a selfless manner. The fact that Harris and Carter represented the University of Kentucky in the grandest of fashions makes the story even sweeter for most UK fans.

Who we have, and who we have coming in

Ken Howlett — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 05:36:33 -0000

A Sea of Blue contributor Slim Wagers, after reading my post from below on Gillispie and friends, wondered why I did not include information about the scholarship situation at Kentucky. Well, I was going in a different direction at the time, but upon reflection, I think Slim is right.

So for Slim, and others who care, here is the current UK Basketball roster, along with the "forward thinking' commitments.

Current UK Roster .

J. Carter -- Senior A.J. Stewart -- Sophomore

J. Meeks -- Junior P. Patterson -- Sophomore

M. Porter -- Junior J. Harrellson -- Sophomore

P. Stevenson -- Junior D. Miller -- Freshman

K. Galloway -- Junior D. Liggins -- Freshman ( has yet to qualify)

R. Harris -- Junior

These young men represent players on scholarship. Hampton University transfer Matthew Pilgrim is currently on-campus, but nothing official has been announced regarding his status.

Commitments

2009/'10 2011/'12

Jon Hood -- G/F 6-7 Vinny Zollo -- F 6-8

G. J. Vilarino -- G 6-0 2012/'13

2010/'11 Michael Avery -- G 6-4

Dakotah Euton -- F 6-8

Dominique Ferguson -- F 6-9

K.C. Ross-Miller -- PG 6-0

Kentucky boys narrowly escape victory

Ken Howlett — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 05:35:41 -0000

Need I say more. Payback in the 'ville.