Kentucky assistant head coach Steve Ortmayer, who also coaches tight ends, must be seeking advice from some of his coaching  colleagues in Lexington this summer on how to replace the best tight end in the SEC, and possibly the country, for that matter.  After all, Ortmayer finds himself in a position familiar to the other offensive positional coaches on Kentucky's staff; looking for ways to fill the holes left by André Woodson, Rafael Little, Keenan Burton, Steve Johnson, Wesley Woodyard, and Jacob Tamme.

Perhaps the second most difficult player for UK to replace is Tamme.  The three year starter, and two-time 1st Team All-SEC performer was as reliable a pass catcher and run blocker as has ever played the position in UK history.  Tamme, the Indianapolis Colt's fourth-round pick, racked up 133 receptions for 1,417 yards, and 11 touchdowns in his career.  Last year he snagged 56 balls for 619 yards, and 6 touchdowns.  Tamme's pass-catching ability afforded him many opportunities to bail out the offense, and he proved to be an excellent "relief valve" for an on-the-run Woodson. 

As good as Tamme's stats are though, they don't do him justice.  He was a leader in every sense of the word; he never took a play off, he sacrificed his body to block for his running backs and receivers, and he caught EVERYTHING thrown his way.  He was a physical, hard-hitting, soft-handed, prototypical college tight end. 

Tamme was big, strong and fast ( 4.58-40 ) enough to get out in front of the ball carrier and pancake opposing linebackers and defensive backs as well; his presence on the field is one reason the perimeter running game was so successful last year.  He could also run routes across the middle, or he could go outside, either way he was very effective catching the ball.  He could shed tacklers, and gain yards after the catch.  There just wasn't a whole lot the Boyle County product couldn't do.

Which leads us to the question: In an offense that relies heavily on the tight end to perform a variety of duties, are the youngsters ready to fill the void? 

The Replacements

T.C. Drake 6'6", 230 lb junior -- 1 catch, 2 yards, and 1 touchdown in 13 games played.  As a high school senior at Nelson County Drake caught 15 passes for 400 yards, good for a 26.7 yards per catch average.  WOW! 

Drake's touchdown catch last year came in the biggest game in recent UK history; versus LSU.  I remember it well because it was a fantastic end zone catch off of a deflection ( I think Keenan Burton ).  Drake was behind Burton and adjusted quickly to the wobbling ball.  He made a very nice grab, setting the tone for the game by putting up the first points of the three overtime epic. 

Drake is a very similar, physically, to Tamme.  Both are big and fast for their size.  But, can Drake have the impact on a game that Tamme did?  Probably not, but he has the tools to be a difference maker both receiving and blocking.

**Drakes sister Samantha, verbally committed to women's basketball coach Matthew Mitchell.  She is a rising junior at Nelson County High School.

Ross Bogue 6'5", 240 lb junior -- Played in thirteen games, mostly on special teams, and made 1 tackle. 

Bogue is considered to have a strong hold on the #2 TE spot behind Drake.  In the spring he demonstrated an ability to catch, and make yards after the catch.  Fall practice will tell us more about his potential. 

Maurice Grinter 6'3", 250 lb junior -- 4 catches for 21 yards.  Grinter will also play fullback, where last year he had 9 rushes for 36 yards. 

Grinter, out of Fairdale High School, has served in multiple capacities on the field for UK over his career.  This year he will be relied upon to provide some leadership at the tight end position simply because he has more on-field experience than either Drake or Bogue.  I also look for Grinter to play more at tight end this year simply to add some depth to the position.  He's often been in the game in goal-line situations because of his ability to gain tough yards. This year a goal-line two tight end set may be something we see.  I would think Grinter would be one of the two tight ends in the game in those situations. 

Grinter is also a powerful blocker.  He's very strong and loves to hit, which is why he excels at both the fullback and tight end positions.

Others at the position

Tyler Sexton 6'2", 240 lb junior -- Sexton, out of Pulaski County, will probably not see much playing time this year unless there are some major injuries at the position.

Chris Goode 6'4", 230 lb red-shirt freshman -- Goode didn't start playing football until his junior year in high school.  Yet he was still rated the #24 prospect out of Georgia his senior year, by PrepStar.

Freshman

Sean Stackhouse 6'4", 240 lb freshman -- The Jacksonville, Florida native was rated the #31 tight end prospect by Scout.com.  His senior year he caught 32 passes for 426 yards and 4 touchdowns.  He also participated in track and field, and basketball.  He was nominated for the US Army All-America football game.

Final analysis

In the spring both Drake and Bogue showed good skill sets.  The duo caught the ball well and exhibited good blocking skills.  Head coach Rich Brooks had this to say about the two tight ends:

"I feel that he ( Drake ) can be a very good tight end.  He and Bogue need to show consistency in technique, but they possess significant talent to shore up that position."

Based on the spring results, and coach Brooks' positive words, I think UK fans may see a continuance of the solid tight end play we've enjoyed for the last three years.  They may not produce Tamme numbers, but they don't have to.  They just have to catch the ball, and block like mad-men. 

Offensive Coordinator Joker Phillips likes to utilize the tight end, so we will all find out very quickly how effectively the position is being manned.

Trivia

Who holds UK's single-season record for most pass receptions? 

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

In an effort to counter-balance our good friend Dick Vitale's upcoming list of the Top 50 college basketball players since the '78-'79 season, I thought I would put together a list of my own.  Vitale has issued a warning to UK fans via the Herald-Leader's own Jerry Tipton by stating that he "wouldn't be so sure" that UK will place any players on his list ( or is he just yanking our collective Big Blue chain?).  Well, since none of UK's players perform in the ACC, I guess that doesn't come as a shock. 

We'll assume that the winners of the Naismith Award ( no UK player has ever won the Naismith ), given annually since 1969 to the best college basketball player, will take up thirty of the fifty spots.  So I'm left to rank the remaining Top 20.  And away we go:

1.  Kenny Walker '82-'86, UK --  Two-time All-America '85 and '86, two-time SEC Player of the Year '85 and '86, three-time 1st team All-SEC '84-'86.  Walker averaged 15.8 points per game for his career ( he averaged 22.9 and 20.0 respectively in his junior and senior years ).  He averaged 7.1 rebounds per game for his career, and shot 57.1% from the field for his career.

2.  Jamal Mashburn '90-'93, UK -- Two-time All-America '92 and '93, two-time 1st Team All-SEC '92 and '93, SEC Player of the Year in '93, All-NCAA Final Four - '92, SEC Tournament MVP '92, All-SEC Tournament Team '91. Mashburn average 18.8 points per game in his three year career ( he averaged 21.3, and 21.0 ppg respectively his sophomore and junior years ).  He made 51.6% of his field goals, and 37.6% of his three-point attempts for his career.

3.  Kyle Macy '77-'80, UK -- DISCLAIMER -- Macy played one year at Kentucky ( and one year at Purdue before transferring ) prior to the beginning of the time period ( '78-'79 to '07-'08 seasons ) for these ratings -- Three-time All-America '77-80, three-time 1st Team All-SEC '77-'80, SEC Player of the Year '80, SEC Tournament MVP '79, two-time All-SEC Tournament Team '79 and '80.  Macy averaged 14.4 points per game for his UK career.  He also averaged 4.8 assists per game.  He shot 52.1% from the field, and 89% from the free throw line ( 91.2% in senior year ).

4.  Tony Delk '92-'96, UK -- All-America '96, three-time All-SEC, SEC Player of the Year '96, All-SEC Tournament Team '94, All-NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player '96, NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player '96, All-NCAA Regional Team '95 and '96.  Delk averaged 14.2 points per game for his career ( 17.7 senior year, 16.7 junior year, 16.6 sophomore year ).  He made 39.7% of his three-point attempts for his career ( 44.0% his senior year ).

5.  Tayshaun Prince '98-'02, UK -- Two-time All-America '01 and '02, three-time All-SEC '00-'03, SEC Player of the Year '01, SEC Tournament MVP '01.  Prince averaged 13.1 points per game in his career ( 16.9 and 17.5 his junior and senior years ).  He made 46% of his shots for his career, and averaged 5.6 rebounds per game.

6.  Sam Bowie '79-'81, '84, UK -- Two-time All-America '81 and '84, three-time All-SEC '80, '81 and '84, All-SEC Tournament Team '80.  Bowie averaged 13.4 points per game for his career ( 13.0 and 17.4 his freshman and sophomore years ).  He made 52.2% of his shots, and averaged 8.8 rebounds for his career.

7. Melvin Turpin '80-'84, UK -- Two-time All-America '83 and '84, three-time All-SEC '82-'84, All-SEC Tournament Team '84, All-NCAA Regional Team '83 and '84.  Turpin averaged 12.3 points per game for his career ( 15.1 and 15.2 for his junior and senior years ).  He made 59.1% of his shots, and averaged 5.9 rebounds per game for his career.

8. Ron Mercer '95-'97, UK -- All-America '97, SEC Player of the Year '97, SEC Tournament MVP '97, NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player '97, two-time All-NCAA Final Four Team.  Mercer averaged 13.3 points per game for his two year career ( he averaged 18.1 his sophomore year ).  He also averaged 4.1 rebounds per game for his career.

9. Scott Padgett '94-'95, '96-'99, UK -- All America '98, two-time All-SEC '98 and '99, SEC Tournament MVP '99, All-SEC Tournament Team '98, two-time All-NCAA Final Four Team '97 and '98, two-time All-NCAA Regional Team '97 and '98.  Padgett averaged 10.3 points per game over his career ( 12.6 his senior year ).  He made 38.1% of his three's his senior year, and 5.3 rebounds for his career.

10. Keith Bogans '99-'03, UK -- All-America '03, two-time All-SEC, SEC Player of the Year '03, SEC Tournament MVP '03, All-SEC Tournament Team '01.  Bogans averaged 14.2 points per game for his career ( 17.0 and 15.7 his sophomore and senior years ).  He made 38.3% of his three-point attempts his senior year, and 4.1 rebounds per game for his career.

11. Rex Chapman '86-'88, UK -- All-America '88, two-time All-SEC, SEC Tournament MVP '88.  King Rex averaged 17.6 points per game for his two career.  He made 40% of his three-point attempts for his career, as well as 48% of all shots for his career. 

12.  Dirk Minniefield '79-'83, UK -- Three-time All-SEC '80-'83, SEC Tournament MVP '82.  Minniefield's 646 career assists ranks #1 in the UK records books.  Minniefield made 52.4% of his shots for his career ( 55.0% and 54.3% his sophomore and senior years ).

13. Winston Bennett '83-'86, '88, UK -- Two-time All-SEC '86 and '88, All-NCAA Regional Team '86, All-SEC Tournament Team '88.  Bennett averaged 10.5 points per game for his career ( 15.3 his senior year ), as well as 6.0 rebonds per game ( 7.8 his senior year ).  He made 48.4% of his shots for his career ( 51.3% his senior year ).

14.  Chuck Hayes '01-'05, UK -- Two-time All-SEC '04 and '05,  All-SEC Tournament Team '04,  NCAA Regional '05, SEC Defensive Player of the Year '05.  Hayes made 50.3% of his shots for his career.  He also averaged 6.8 rebounds per game for his career ( 8.1 and 7.7 his junior and senior years ).

15.  Travis Ford '91-'94, UK -- Two-time All-SEC '93 and '94, two-time SEC Tournament MVP '93 and '94, NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player '93.  Ford made 44.4% of his three-point attempts in his three year career at UK ( he transferred from Missouri after his freshman year ).  He averaged 9.5 points per game for his career (13.6 and 11.3 his junior and senior years ).  Ford averaged 5.8 assists per game his senior year.

16. Wayne Turner '95-'99, UK -- All-NCAA Regional Team '97, NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player '98, SEC Tournament MVP '98, All-SEC '99, All-SEC Tournament Team '99.  Turner played in three straight Final Fours.  For his career he made 49% of his shots, and he averaged 4.4 assists per game his junior year.

17, 18, 19, 20.  The Unforgettables -- John Pelphrey, Sean Woods, Deron Feldhaus, and Richie Farmer '88-'92 ( Pelphrey and Feldhaus red-shirted the '87-'88 season, and Woods was ineligible the '88-'89 season ).  These four players are responsible for resuscitating Kentucky basketball from the probation induced near-death experience.

So there you have it.  My Top 50 best college basketball players since the '78-'79 season.  Hopefully, Dickie V will consider some of these great players for his list instead of including Chris Collins, Cherokee Parks, and Steve Wojciechowski.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats! 

This is the fifth in a series of posts which will breakdown the '08 football Cats.  Today we breakdown the receivers.

As with the linebacker corps and the running backs, UK's receiver brigade will be relying on some new faces to replace two very talented graduating players.  The loss of Keenan Burton and Steve Johnson severely impacts a position that has been very strong for the Cats for several years.  Last year alone the two terrific wide-outs accounted for 126 catches, which were good for 1,782 yards and 22 touchdowns.  Their individual career numbers are as follows:

• Burton -- 2,376 yards ( second to Craig Yeast in UK history ), 25 touchdowns ( also second to Craig Yeast in UK history ).  Burton's 16 touchdown catches his junior year tops the UK record books for most TD receptions in a single season. 
• Johnson -- 1,200 yards receiving in only two years, topped off with 1,040 yards last year.  He scored 14 TD's in his career, with 13 coming last year, which is good for the third most TD's in a single season by a receiver in Kentucky history. 

Burton and Johnson are two of only four receivers in UK history to amass 1,000+ receiving yards in a single season ( joining Yeast and James Whalen ).  Even more  important than eating up yardage, the two also made big play after big play:

• Johnson broke the hearts of Card fans with his 57 yard game-winning touchdown last year, his second TD of the game.  In the '08 Music City Bowl Johnson caught the game clinching TD with 5:19 left in the game versus Florida State.  He also scored the game winning TD against LSU last year, catching a 7 yard toss in the third overtime.  Last year versus Tennessee Johnson brought UK within three points with his 8 yard TD grab with 6:11 left to go in regulation, his second TD of the day.
• Burton scored a game-clinching 22 yard touchdown with 4:02 left  versus Arkansas, which put the all-important UL follow-up game in the books as a victory.  He also had two huge touchdowns versus Tennessee last year.

Both players exhibited tremendous leadership through their hard work off of the field, and great performance on the field.  Their numbers will be sorely missed, but the example they set for the younger players will be missed just as much. 

The Replacements

Dicky Lyons 5'11", 190 lb senior -- 56 catches, 655 yards, and 7 TD's last year.  For his career Lyons has 108 catches for 1,488 yards and 16 touchdowns.  Lyons is the clear leader to be the number one option for UK at the receiver position in '08. 

The senior has displayed an uncanny ability to get open, and elude after the catch.  His bravado and self assuredness sometimes rubs his head coach the wrong way, but he backs up his overactive vocal cords with results.  As an example; two years ago versus Mississippi State, UK was coming off of a beat-down administered by LSU in Death Valley ( 49-0 ).  Lyons proclaimed the following week that he "guaranteed" Kentucky would beat MSU.  Brooks cringed, and probably yelled a bit, but Lyons backed up his talk with one of the best touchdown catches I have ever seen; a back-of-the-end zone, one-handed, toeing the line, circus catch for six.  His talent has never been in question, this year though the coaching staff and his younger teammates are looking for more from the Louisiana native. 

Offensive Coordinator Joker Phillips had this to say about Lyons in the spring:

"I've challenged Dicky this summer.  I've challenged him to bring our young guys up to speed on the offense and what they need to do.  I told him that will only help his game, because if we can get some help outside, teams won't be able to double him."

If there was ever an indispensable player, it is Lyons, this year.  Not only for his on-the-field production, but as Phillips has stated, his leadership.  The group of players backing up the starters ( heck, one may start ) are all very young and inexperienced.  Lyons is the only player available with extensive real life experience playing receiver in the SEC, against some of the fastest defensive backs in the country.  His input, and positive example are needed in order for UK to continue to grow terrific wide-outs.

DeMoreo Ford 5'10", 186 lb senior -- 7 catches for 47 yards in '07.  For his career Ford has made 20 catches for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He is currently rehabbing a torn patella tendon.  According to the coaches he is on schedule to return for fall camp, with the possibility of returning to full contact drills by mid-to-late camp.

Although Ford has not been on the receiving end of many passes in his three years on the gridiron, he has played extensively over the last two years: He caught a 70 yard touchdown pass in the Music City Bowl two years ago versus Clemson, showing off his ability to make yards after the catch, which is something the younger group of receivers have not done as of yet.

Ford returning to full speed is vitally important to the '08 passing game.  His knowledge of the playbook, and experience make him invaluable when considering the lack of the aforementioned attributes in the other receiver candidates. 

Kyrus Lanxter 6'3", 180 lb sophomore -- 1 catch for 6 yards in five games. 

Lanxter arrived at UK as a highly regarded recruit, but with the plethora of talented receivers last year, he did not see much playing time. This year though, the opportunity for Lanxter to make an impact is most certainly present.  Lanxter is currently listed as the second receiver at one of the two wide-out spots behind DeMoreo Ford.  Considering Ford's injury, and the lack of experience behind him, Lanxter will have ample opportunity to gain a starting position.

Lanxter was 1st Team All-State in Tennessee both his junior and senior years at Alcoa High School.  His senior year he caught 27 passes for 888 yards ( that's an incredible 32.9 yards per catch ), and 16 touchdowns.  He was also MVP of the State Championship game as a senior, posting 6 catches for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns in his teams win.  He was rated one of the Top 25 prospects in Tennessee by Rivals.com.  Like many of his comrades at the receiver spot he was a track star, running a 21.9 in the 200 meters.

Lanxter's speed is not in question, but his ability to gain yards after the catch has been brought into question.  Coach Brooks had this to say about Lanxter's struggles in this area:

"I was joking with Kyrus telling him that it looks like every time he catches the ball, it paralyzes his legs."

It's one thing to have great speed, it's another to know how to use that speed.  With the help of his older teammates and the coaching staff, Lanxter should be able to overcome his inexperience and thrive in the Wildcat's offense.

Anthony Mosley 6'0", 170 lb  redshirt freshman -- Mosley didn't begin playing football until his junior year in high school.  His senior year he didn't drop one ball, according to his coach.  He also runs a 4.36 - 40.  Going into spring practice Mosley was listed second behind Dicky Lyons at one of the receiver spots.

Terrence Jones 6'2", 192 lb redshirt freshman -- Jones, an Atlanta native, was voted All-South Region by PrepStar.  He ran a 4.5 - 40, and is considered a physical receiver.  He is listed behind Anthony Mosley and Dicky Lyons at one of the receiver spots.

The True Freshman

Offensive Coordinator Joker Phillips had this to say about the incoming freshman receivers:

They are "as good a class of receivers as I've ever brought in.  There are 5 or 6 kids in that group who could potentially have an impact at the position."

 

Coach Brooks countered Phillips' remarks with this:

"You never know with freshman, whether they'll be mature enough to do what you need them to do."

Aah, the angst of a head coach, live and in color.  The following players will be granted the all important opportunity of grabbing playing time.  Which ones will be "mature enough" to handle the load?  Only time will tell.

Aaron Boyd 6'3", 210 lb freshman -- Boyd is the first four-star recruit since Micah Johnson in '06.  He is considered one of the elite receiver recruits in the country.  Boyd was rated the #18 player in the Midwest by Scout.com, and the #1 college prospect in Kentucky by both Scout and Rivals.com.  The Henry Clay product produced big numbers his senior year: 55 catches for 1,157 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Boyd was a fixture at spring practice, and he brings an aggressive attitude with him.  He had this to say about his expectations:

"I see an opportunity there ( receiver ) and I want to seize it.  Joker ( Phillips ) quizzed me a lot on what's going on, and I talked a lot with the other receivers.  I pretty much have the offense down pat.  I feel like I'm a step ahead of everybody else who will be coming in.  If we were to play tomorrow I feel like I could come in and contribute." 

The only real knock on Boyd is his speed; he was clocked in the 4.6 range in high school.  Boyd had this to say about those who question his wheels:

"I've been around a lot of NFL people ( Aaron's brother is former UK and current NFL quarterback Shane Boyd ), so I think my knowledge of the game will help me adjust.  I've got the size and strength, and Keenan Burton has worked with me on getting off the line, so I think that will be a strength as well.  As far as my speed, I've got good game speed, and once the coaches start working with me, I think I can get it ( 40 time ) down in the 4.4 range."   

Regarding Boyd's proclamation that he would like to catch "70 to 80" passes, and his four-star rating, head coach Rick Brooks had this to say about the talented freshman:

"He has the ability to be in the mix.  He's got to work hard.  He's got the tools, but he's got to work hard.  We'll see how all that plays out.  We've seen how a lot of people put pressure on a four-star guy saying, 'This guys going to be an immediate impact player', I don't like to do that to anybody, but he's got an opportunity."

"He's got an opportunity"; that may qualify as the understatement of the year.  Brooks and Phillips will take a long hard look at Boyd as the third receiver, but he has some strong competition for playing time. 

Randall Cobb 5'11", 180 lb freshman -- Cobb played quarterback at Alcoa High School ( where he was a teammate of Kyrus Lanxter ).  He was Tennessee's Mr. Football in Class AA.  He was named one of the Top 11 prospects in Tennessee by the Orlando Sentinel.  Rivals.com has Cobb rated as a Top 20 Tennessee prospect.  He is considered to be a superior athlete who rushed for 793 yards ( 9.0 yards per carry ) and 13 touchdowns in his senior year.

The biggest question surrounding Cobb is where to play him.  He was promised the opportunity to compete at the quarterback position, but he is realistic enough to know that UK is stocked at the position, although the question remains as to who will be the starter.  Cobb voiced his opinion on his possible playing time:

"I don't like sitting on the bench.  Curtis (Pulley ) and Mike ( Hartline ) are both good quarterbacks who are experienced, and it's going to take a lot of work to get to that level.  I just want to do whatever I can to get on the field and help our team win."

 Joker Phillips echoed those sentiments:

"He's going to play.  We've just got to figure our where."  Phillips continued, "He's a Keenan Burton-type worker, he's got a Keenan Burton-type attitude, and he's a Keenan Burton-type of athlete."

 The aforementioned Keenan Burton praised the youngster with these words:

"I've watched him in seven-on-seven drills, and he can play.  He seems like a humble guy that works hard, and that's better than a talented guy who doesn't."

Truer words have never been spoken. 

Even though Cobb last played receiver his sophomore year in high school, he has been getting instruction from Dicky Lyons and Kyrus Lanxter on his route running.  Cobb is considered the most athletic and versatile player on the squad, coupling that with his attitude and work ethic means keeping him off of the field will be a tough task.  It's also possible Cobb could see time on special teams returning kick.

E.J. Fields 6'2", 190 lb freshman -- Fields, a Frankfort High School product, was rated the #4 prospect in Kentucky by Rivals.com.  He was rated the #63 all-purpose athlete, and the #45 safety prospect by Scout.com.  In his illustrious high school career Fields ran for 2,677 yards and 39 touchdowns.  His senior year alone he amassed 1,400 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns.  He played both quarterback and corner-back.  He's been timed at 4.5 in the 40.  He's a three-time state champion in the 400-meters, and won the 200-meter state title his senior year.  He ran a 11.2 in the 100-meters.

With the receiver position being Olsen twin thin, Fields will probably be given the opportunity to earn a spot at one of the wide-outs.  He was recruited for the secondary, but his offensive skills, i.e. speed and elusiveness, dictate that he be given a shot at receiver.  As with Cobb, Fields is an incredibly athletic player who will see time on the field somewhere.

Eric Adeyemi 6'0", 165 lb freshman -- Adeyemi, a Miami, Florida native caught 31 passes for 455 yards and 4 touchdowns his senior year while operating in a run-first offense.  He was named All-Dade County, which is a great honor considering how talent rich that area is.  He's been timed running a sub-4.4 - 40, so he, like his receiver teammates brings tremendous speed with his game.  He won state championships in the 110-meter hurdles, and the 300-meter hurdles.

Adeyemi will be given a look at receiver this fall, but with a myriad of others fighting for spots, he may be relegated to learning, instead of performing on Saturdays.

Gene McCaskill 6'0", 175 lb freshman -- The Chester, S.C. athlete produced more than 2,500 yards passing, rushing and receiving, along with 30 touchdowns during his senior year.  He was named 1st Team All-State as as all-purpose performer.  He was named one of the Top 11 prospects in South Carolina by the Orlando Sentinel.  He played both quarterback and wide receiver.  He's been clocked running a sub-4.6 - 40.

McCaskill finds himself in a very similar position as Adeyemi; fighting for a chance to play, along with many others.  If he can gain some separation from his teammates he might see some game action, but if not, his freshman year may be a season of watching and learning.

Possible position switch

E.J. Adams 6'0", 190 lb junior -- Adams has been playing in UK's secondary for the last couple of years.  He snagged a huge interception ( which he ran back 49 yards ) on the goal line versus Vanderbilt two years ago, which secured the victory and bowl eligibility for UK.  He runs a 4.4 - 40, and boasts a 41-inch vertical leap.

With the secondary saturated with talent, the coaching staff felt like Adams could contribute at wide-out.  He made the switch in the spring and impressed the coaching staff by making several super plays.  He's another great athlete who's trying to find some playing time.  A good problem to have if your name in Rich Brooks, and a huge motivating factor if you're a player.  Adams will probably see time somewhere.  How much time and where, is yet to be determined.

Final Analysis

In the spring Phillips had this to say about the receivers:

"You might have five straight plays where you run down-field, but you've got to get back into that huddle and be ready to go.  We're getting into that ( fatigue ) a little bit right now.  If you run the wrong route, it throws the whole process off, and we've had way too many missed assignments.  We're working to get our guys mentally tougher."

  

Youth, the only cure is experience, which is why it is so important for Lyons and Ford to demonstrate all that it takes to be successful in the SEC.  The talent is apparent, but can the talent adjust to a faster game speed?  Can the talent adjust to the demands of the coaches?  Can the talent accept that they must get better in order to win?

All of those questions will be answered starting August 5th.  I certainly look for Lyons to be the #1 option for whomever the quarterback is, but as Phillips astutely pointed out to Lyons; if there is only one viable option at receiver, then that receiver will see a multitude of double and triple teams. 

Ford's ability to stretch the defense also is a huge factor in the passing game.  Lyons isn't blessed with blazing speed, so Ford is the only returning player with any experience who has the ability to give the opponents secondary pause, as far as the big play is concerned.  The health of his knee will be watched very closely by Cat fans.

In order for UK to enjoy winning weekends this year one or more of the youngsters will have to step up and demand playing time through their performance in practice.  Which player that will be, I don't know, but the talent is abundant.  Certainly Lanxter, Fields, and Boyd all possess the physical abilities, but will they excel in route running, as well as learning the intricacies of the offense in time to cash in on their athleticism? 

My bet is that at least one of those above mentioned players will have a big year.  UK's receiving corps has looked thin before, going into the season, but someone always surprises.  Two years ago it was Dicky Lyons, last year it was Steve Johnson, this year it will be ... I'm not that smart.

Trivia

Who holds the UK record for the most pass receptions in a single game?

I failed to ask a trivia question at the end of my running back preview, so here goes:

Which running back holds the UK record for most rushing touchdowns in a season?

Thanks for reading, and Josh Hamilton IS Roy Hobbs!

Although I know you try to be as impartial as possible, I wanted to let you know that your advocacy of Billy Donovan and his recruiting efforts is appreciated by at least one college basketball fan.  To go to the great lengths you did to aid and abet Coach Donovan in his recruitment of prospects is truly heartening.  I think it's your innate ability to find the wounded, and provide them with a helping hand, but whatever the reason, you are to be commended for ruining your reputation, and revealing yourself to be an accomplished double-talker of extraordinary abilities.  All in an effort to assist the downtrodden Billy Donovan.

To write this piece on May 7, 2008 criticizing Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie for offering a scholarship to 15 year old Michael Avery, and then turn around sixty days later and write this glowing article regarding Billy Donovan accepting a commitment from 15 year old Austin Rivers, truly shows the love and father-like feelings you feel for the much-maligned, troubled soul that is coach Donovan.  You had to know that people were going to remember your earlier critical comments, but you ignored the possible ramifications, and in an effort to boost the national profile of Donovan, you completely contradicted yourself.  Kudos for this selfless act.  To put others before yourself is truly a rare attribute in today's society.

Furthermore, with much guile and cleverness you withheld the fact that the National Association of Basketball Coaches ( headed up by your favorite former UK coach Tubby Smith ) has only very recently "highly recommended" that head coaches refrain from offering scholarships to prospects before the end of their sophomore year in high school.  You probably did this because of the firestorm of criticism that came from all corners of the earth directed toward UK's evil, ill-intentioned head coach Billy Gillispie.  Because if you point out that Donovan broke with the alliance, and basically said "screw you guys, I'll do what I want", the acrimony pointed toward Gainesville would be palpable.  And, you and I both know that we can't have coach Donovan painted with anything but a perfect brush.  The fact that he did exactly the same thing as Gillispie, even after being asked not to, could certainly lead to more cries of displeasure from the self-righteous reporters so hellbent on spreading their venom.  But you came through for him in a big way, shuckin' and jivin' to the point of near collapse.

The most impressive aspect of your Good Samaritan activity is the fact that you cunningly hid Donovan's three previous accepted commitments from the "forbidden fruit":  Teddy " You can't rape who you love" Dupay, Mike Miller, and Nick Calathes were, as you know, all verbally committed to Donovan prior to the beginning of their junior years.  Once again, by ignoring the truth in the interest of aiding Donovan, you make yourself appear to be a hypocrite.  Normally you would deserve condemnation, but in this case, where your efforts are squarely pointed toward supporting a dejected comrade, you are to be lauded for throwing your reputation out with the bathwater.

The fact that you recognized that Donovan was hurting, deep inside, reflects well of your character and abilities to locate and soothe pain.  After-all, Donovan has only two National Titles to his name, and last year Florida didn't even make the Big Dance.  I know the future may look bleak and troublesome to the Florida coach, but with your continued help and guidance, I'm sure he will see his way through.

My only real concern is how Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski will feel about all of this?  You have done such a remarkably thorough job of kissing his hindquarters for so many years; do you think jealousy may be an issue that arises from your recent love affair with Donovan?  If you cut off Krzyzewski from all of your fawning he may begin to feel neglected, and I would hate for your touching relationship with him to fall apart over your newfound interest in Billy Donovan.  I honestly don't see any way around Krzyzewski finding out about your dalliance, so maybe you could recommend a threesome involving yourself, Krzyzewski, and Donovan.  Surely they wouldn't balk at the suggestion of sharing your love and kindness with one another.  Someone like yourself, who has so much love and caring to share, can surely handle the load.

At the very least you could tell Mikey that it was a one time thing.  Tell him Donovan was in dire straits and needed a helping hand.  Certainly Krzyzewski can pull himself away from filming his recruiting commercials long enough to comprehend and understand the need you satisfied.  If he gives you his scowl upon hearing the news, just remind him who has benefited the most from the relationship you two have fostered.  That'll shut him up. 

Whatever your solution, you are to be commended for so publicly standing up for your down-and-out-friend.  You have shown us all what ethics are all about.  You have provided us all a clear example of selflessness, while at the same time revealing your true nature and character. 

Thank you Dick, from the bottom of my heart.  The timeless lesson you have taught us all will be passed down to my young children, and that is; one should never be concerned with how one is perceived, if one is looking out for a friend.  So I encourage you to ignore the bottomless pit in your soul where your integrity at one time resided, because by taking an interest in other peoples needs, you have shown that integrity rightfully takes a back seat to a helping hand given.   

So pay no mind to the roar you hear from Wildcat fans, they don't understand you like I do.

With all sincerity,

Ken Howlett

This is the fourth in a series of posts breaking down the '08 football Cats.  Today we continue with a breakdown of the backfield.

As with the linebacker corps, the running backs have a huge void to fill.  A void once filled with one of the most prolific offensive players in UK history. Rafael Little, while recognized as an elite talent, was a bit under-appreciated by fans, I feel.  Possibly because of the presence of Andre' Woodson in the same backfield.  But Little's numbers cannot be denied:

• Little gained 5,343 all-purpose yards in his career -- 2nd all-time to Craig Yeast. 
• Little gained 4,320 total yards ( rushing + receiving ) in his career -- 5 th all-time in UK history.  He is the top ranked running back EVER in the career total yards category. 
• Little gained 2,996 yards rushing in his career -- 3rd all-time behind only the great Sonny Collins, and Moe Williams. 
•  Little hauled in 131 catches in his career -- 5th all-time.
• Little totaled 1,324 receiving yards in his career -- Tied for 9th all-time with former TE James Whalen ( Little is 2nd in receiving yards by a running back, to Anthony White ) 

To write that Little will be missed would be a gross understatement.  His versatility as a running back brought a whole new dimension to the passing game, and his ability to chew up chunks of real estate from the backfield made him a true double threat.  Losing Little would spell doom for most teams, but Kentucky is fortunate enough to possess three talented, experienced running backs to run the ball down the throats of the Cards, Gators and Vols:  

Tony Dixon 

The 5'9", 203 lb senior running back ran for 411 yards ( 5.7 yards per carry ), caught 13 balls for 91 yards, and scored 4 touchdowns last year.  His freshman and sophomore years Dixon had the following combined totals: 547 yards rushing, 199 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. 

Dixon has struggled over the course of his career with staying healthy.  He broke a leg and had to red-shirt his second year.  His ( RS ) sophomore year he struggled with a strained hamstring, and last year Dixon missed three games with an ankle injury.  Keeping him healthy is vitally important to UK's success.  Dixon has demonstrated an ability to come up big, in big games, and although there is talent behind him, he brings invaluable experience. 

Dixon also possesses some tangible leadership qualities; he was elected to the team leadership council as a sophomore, which is a rare accomplishment.  More importantly he has displayed leadership and extreme toughness on the field.  As a sophomore, he led UK to a rare victory over Georgia with his gutsy fourth quarter play: In the that game, while nursing a strained hamstring, he accounted for 54 of the 69 game winning yards, while scoring the go-ahead touchdown from three yards out.  It was a huge victory for UK on their return to pigskin relevance.

I look for Dixon to receive the most carries of the three primary backs if he stays healthy, and holds on to the ball.  He's proved over his career that he is effective running the ball in all situations; he's fast enough to turn the corner, and big and bad enough to run through the defensive line.  He can catch the ball out of the backfield, which is a talent that will probably be utilized more this year than in previous years.  Versatility is also an attribute that Dixon brings to the Cats, and will ensure his presence between the lines in '08.

Alfonso Smith 

The 6'1", 190 lb junior running back ran for 149 yards ( 7.1 yards per carry ), caught 7 passes for 22 yards, and scored 3 touchdowns last year.  Smith was chosen the "Most Outstanding First-Year Offensive Player" as voted on by the coaches. He posted some impressive freshman numbers: 60 rushes for 250 yards, 6 receptions for 96 yards, and 2 touchdowns. 

There are no two ways about it; the kid has jet engines masquerading as his legs.  He boasts a 4.24 - 40, and a 10.52 - 100.  The Waggener High School alum has impressed Cat fans in his first two years, and '08 should be know different.  He'll see his share of carries in a crowded backfield, and I think he'll battle to get to the 1,000 yard mark.  His ability to break long runs whenever he carries the ball, as well as his versatility as a pass catcher makes him Joker Phillips' best friend.  

Smith announced his intentions with authority in the Blue-White game with 170 yards rushing.  

Derrick Locke

The 5'10", 180 lb sophomore running back ran for 521 yards ( 5.5 yards per carry ), with 7 catches for 86 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

If Alfonso Smith has jet engines for legs, then Locke must be rollin' with rocket boosters for wheels.  The Hugo, Oklahoma native can flat out motor.  He posted a 4.21 - 40 at Pro Day this past spring at UK.  Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks said that Lockes 40 that day was the fastest he's ever seen in person.  Locke endears himself even more to UK fans with his "run around you, or run over you" attitude.

Locke saved UK's bacon versus Arkansas last year.  With Little hurt, and Dixon benched after his second fumble of the game, Brooks turned to his freshman track star.  Locked responded like a true gladiator, running the ball 9 times for 48 yards in the last half of the fourth quarter.  He ran around and through defenders with abandon.  I cringed more than once while watching him take on a linebacker in pursuit of yardage.  Heart, grit, and determination.  Keeping him off of the field will be very difficult to justify, and I feel that by the middle of the year he may claim the spot of primary rusher ( currently held by Tony Dixon ). 

Locke is also a great testament of the ability of Coach Brooks to recognize talent.  He did not receive many D1 offers, and the few programs that did show interest wanted him as a defensive back.  After viewing a game tape provided by Locke, Brooks did not hesitate to tell the young man he could play running back at Kentucky.  Kudos to Papa Brooks. 

Locke, as with Dixon and Smith, has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.  I see him replacing Little's screen pass yardage from last year; Locke, with the ball, with three or four blockers out front, could prove to be a pleasant sight for Kentucky fans. 

Lockes rare combination of speed, and his head-hunting persona make him a dangerous weapon.

Moncell Allen

The 5'7", 225 lb sophomore running back had 39 yards ( 3.5 yards per carry ), with 2 catches for 8 yards last year.

Coming out of high school Allen was tabbed a Top 50 running back according to Rivals.com.  Originally from New Orleans, his family was forced to relocate to Charlotte, NC.  He's a former teammate of UK receiver Dicky Lyons, Jr.  Both attended Holy Cross High School in New Orleans.

Allen had a very good Blue-White game after entering the spring as a bit of an unknown; he ran 15 times for 85 yards.  His strong spring performance has encouraged the coaching staff enough to possibly include him in the running back rotation. 

He's an excellent blocker, and can provide a change of pace, countering the three burners in from of him on the depth chart.

Antoine Brown

The 5'9", 190 lb junior running back has played in 11 total games, carrying the ball 7 times for 15 yards. 

Brown had a good spring, but he'll probably only see serious playing time if there are significant injuries at the running back spot.

FULLBACKS

Maurice Grinter

The 6'3", 250 lb junior running back/fullback/tight end/ slot receiver had 9 carries for 35 yards, with 4 catches for 21 yards, and 1 touchdown.

The Fairdale product has been tried at multiple positions since his arrival three years ago.  This fall Grinter is most likely to be used as a back-up fullback. 

He has one interesting career achievement; the first time he touched the ball at the collegiate level he scored on a 1 yard touchdown run versus Texas State in his freshman year ( '06 ).

John Connor

The 5'11", 228 lb junior had 37 yards ( 6.2 yards per carry ), with 37 receiving yards on 7 catches, scoring 4 touchdowns.

Connor will be the starting fullback.  He has proved himself to be an excellent blocker as well as being adept at doing what fullbacks are supposed to do when they run the ball; get the tough yards.  He also catches the ball well, especially for a fullback, which adds another wrinkle to Joker's playbook. 

He played in all thirteen games last year, and just as Grinter, he scored a touchdown the very first time he touched the ball in college; he scored on a 17 yard pass versus, you guessed it, Texas State. 

Final Analysis

Kentucky is blessed.  Having three studs back, along with a very good fullback, can only mean good things for UK.  With the existing quarterback situation, the running backs will carry the bulk of the offensive load for the Blue and White.  Making that load a lot lighter is the fact that The Big 3 ( Dixon, Smith, and Locke ) offer a tremendous amount of diversity to the offensive game-plan.  They can all catch and elude, they can all turn the corner, and two of them have the nitro-afterburner package. 

The depth of the talent Kentucky boasts will also mean that UK's offense should rule the fourth quarter.  Brooks and Phillips will spread out the carries allowing their ball runners to remain fresh, and by the fourth quarter a fatigued defense will have trouble containing the triumvirate.

I also feel that the ratio of runs to passes will change a bit.  Last year UK ran 407 running plays ( for 2,225 yards ) for running backs, and 528 pass plays.  That's 56.5% pass plays.  I'll forecast a five to seven percentage point drop in that number for '08.  Unless one of the two quarterback candidates proves Woodson-like, the running backs should dominate the offensive numbers.

Notes

Red-shirts Stephen Ball and Matt Ramsey will likely compete for playing time at fullback.

The dismissal of running back Brandon Jackson in the spring will probably not be felt this year.  Jackson was the #2 rated prospect in Oregon coming out of high school, and was considered a big-time get by the coaching staff ( he was a Top 50 running back according to Rivals.com ).  But with the plethora of experienced backs on the roster he would not have seen the field, except in the case of an outbreak of injuries.

Thanks for reading, and keep it goin' Josh Hamilton!