BIG BLUE FANS FOR
FOOTBALL
2009
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Can Matthews, UK's new receiver, deliver?
Johnson Named to Lombardi Watch List
Kentucky Football Notebook
Aug. 18, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Senior linebacker Micah Johnson has been named to the preseason watch list for the Rotary Lombardi Award, given to the nation's top collegiate lineman, including offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers. The honor is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Houston, Texas
2009 - The Quarterback Battle
Mike Hartline [#5] Coming Off a Liberty Bowl Winning Performance
Begins August Camp As the Designated Starter
Will True Freshmen Morgan Newton [#12, Left] or Ryan Mossakowski [#7, Right]
Be Able To Take the Job From Hartline?
Coach Brooks Has Decided that Hartline Is His Man
At Least for the Miami Game
UK 2009 Football Media Day @ Rivals Video
How Will The 2009 Football Season Play Out for the Cats?
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For A Fans' Perspective
An Eight Part Series
Examining
The 2008 Kentucky Football Team by Position.
1. Defensive Line
Outlook: Kentucky has a solid starting base with Peters, but much of the overall success of the unit depends on the newcomers, particularly at end. When you consider how many fresh faces UK is breaking in, there might be some early lumps. But if Evans, Burden and Co. can gradually get acclimated, come SEC time, the drop-off from last year's line might not be as significant as originally expected.
2. Linebackers
Outlook: Normally the loss of two solid veteran starters like Kelley and Williams would be cause for concern. But the coaches are confident in Maxwell and Trevathan and say the linebackers will continue to be a team strength. The Cats do need to avoid injury here because there aren't many proven backups.
3. Secondary
Outlook: The Cats appear to be in better shape here than perhaps any other position on the team. There's an All-America shutdown corner in Lindley, a potential star in Guy, and plenty of depth and experience. Kentucky allowed 193.2 yards per game in 2008, its lowest total since 1994. If they avoid a rash of injuries, those numbers could be better this year.
4. Offensive Line
Outlook: Kentucky has gradually improved its numbers and its talent on the offensive line during the Brooks era. Now it's time for the production to reflect those improvements. UK has been decent but not overpowering on the line the past couple of seasons. If the Cats can raise their level of play, the offense should be light years better than it was a year ago.
5. Receivers
6. Running Backs
Outlook: Much of UK's fortunes hinge on the health of Smith and Locke. If they hold up, the Cats will have a nice threesome, including Allen, at tailback. If the injury bug starts to bite and Kentucky is forced to rely on freshmen, then count on plenty of growing pains.
Outlook: Kentucky has three-fifths of its quarterback equation figured out. Mike Hartline is the starter, Will Fidler is the backup, and we'll see Randall Cobb periodically in the Wildcat package.
But the UK staff is still trying to figure out what to do with freshmen Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski. When the duo, both four-star prospects, signed with UK, it was assumed that they had a legitimate chance to battle Hartline for the starting job. But with both on the outside looking in, UK Coach Rich Brooks and head coach for offense Joker Phillips must decide whether to play one of the freshmen or redshirt both. And if one of them does play, when is exactly the right time to play him?
Outlook: The Wildcats should be fine on returns but need Seiber to be consistent and Tydlacka to effectively balance punts and kickoffs to be successful.
Submitted by Richard Cheeks
Copyright 2009
SugarHill Communications of Kentucky
All Rights Reserved