Players Returning: Ryan Tydlacka (P), Craig McIntosh (K)

Incoming Freshmen: Joe Mansour (K)

Overview

Special Teams for Kentucky football has been somewhat of a lightning rod among fans the past few seasons.  Joker Phillips understands the importance of special teams play and decided to call it “special forces.”  The new coach wanted his team to understand the importance of special teams play.  The Cats let go assistant coach Steve Ortmayer, who did some great things while at UK, and replaced him with Greg Nord.  Nord was an assistant at Illinois and has UK ties. 

The Cats return two of the SEC’s best return men in Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb.  Both players are explosive and the staff wants them to have the ball in their hands as much as possible.  However, when they need a break, look for Raymond Sanders, Jerrell Priester or Mychal Bailey to possibly return kicks. 

With UK’s career leading scoring gone (Lones Seiber), Ryan Tydlacka will handle the punt and field goal duties initially.  Look for either Craig McIntosh or Joe Mansour to handle the kick-off duties.  Mansour has the strongest leg of the group, but is still working on timing and consistency.  With field position being so crucial, look for Mansour to take over the field goal and kick off duties at some point.  Coming out of high school, Mansour was named to the All-Georgia Decade team. 

As far as covering kicks, look for more speed than in recent years.  There will be several freshmen who make an impact with their speed and tackling abilities.  The Cats have potential for a “special” year in 2010 and the “special forces” unit could be the difference in a good season or a great season.

Players Lost: Micah Johnson, Sam Maxwell, Matt Lentz (injury), Jordan Aumiller (position change) and Ryan Mosby (transfer)

Players Returning: Danny Trevathan, Ronnie Sneed, Jacob Dufrene, Ridge Wilson, Qua Huzzie and Greg Wilson

Incoming Freshmen: Avery Williamson, Jewell Ratliff and Malcolm McDuffen.

Overview

The 2010 edition of UK linebackers could be the fastest unit fans have ever seen on the field.  The Cats lost key players in Micah Johnson and Sam Maxwell to graduation, therefore the staff expects Danny Trevathan to step up and be the defensive leader.  Trevathan will start at the “Will” linebacker position and is poised for a breakout season.  Last year he suffered a hand injury which forced him to wear a cast for most of the season.   Trevathan has the ability to earn All-SEC honors if he plays to his potential.

Ronnie Sneed has been named the starting “Mike” linebacker. He was pushed all summer by Qua Huzzie.  Sneed has backed up Micah Johnson thus far in his career, but he is ready to show UK fans he is up for the challenge.  Qua Huzzie or “Quazilla” as we like to call him, will be hard to keep of the field this year.  Huzzie is very fast and attacks the ball carrier. Look for him to see a lot of action this fall. True freshman Avery Williamson has been competing and will see action on special teams.  Avery has the ability to play, but is still learning the system.

It appears Jacob Dufrene and Ridge Wilson are battling for the starting “Sam” linebacker position.  Dufrene is a senior and understands the system better than Wilson.  However, Wilson is more athletic and faster.  At this point, either could start, but my gut says the staff will go with experience at this time.  Wilson could unseat Dufrene at some point during the season and become the starter.

Jewell Ratliff will see action as a true freshman.  He will make his biggest impact on special teams, but similar to Williamson he will have a role in 2010.  Greg Wilson has moved from the secondary to play linebacker, but it appears he is buried on the depth chart.  The Cats suffered a blow on the depth chart this week when Ryan Mosby decided to transfer.  Expect true freshman Malcolm McDuffen to redshirt the 2010 season.

With UK losing Corey Peters, Micah Johnson and Sam Maxwell, teams are going to try to run between the tackles.  This group of linebackers must stop the run and make plays. The biggest concern appears to be at the “Sam” position.  Sam Maxwell made a ton of big plays in 2010 which will be hard to duplicate in 2011.  With this unit’s speed, they have a chance to be special and make big plays in 2010.

Players Lost: Kyrus Lanxter, Eric Adeyemi

Players Returning: Chris Matthews, Randall Cobb, Matt Roark, Gene McCaskill, E.J. Fields, Aaron Boyd, LaRod King, Brian Adams

Incoming Freshmen: none, but Jerrell Priester and Raymond Sanders could potentially line up in the slot.  At this point, Sanders is the most likely to do so based on camp feedback. 

Overview

The 2010 edition of receivers at UK should be much improved.  The past couple of seasons have been tough on the receivers.  Now the unit has “grown up” and ready to open things up in 2010.  The unit took a blow during the first scrimmage as Gene McCaskill tore his ACL and will miss the season.  McCaskill, No 3 on the depth chart, will redshirt this fall. 

The playmaker of the unit is Randall Cobb, however the Cats must stretch the field in 2010.  Chris Matthews is poised for a monster season and should provide the punch the Cats need down field.  If Matthews is able to become a deep threat, it will open up the middle for Randall Cobb.  While the Cats love to use Cobb in the “Wildcat” formation, it’s not always the ideal situation.

Hopefully E.J. Fields can stay healthy, as the staff expects big things from him.  Fields came up with a touchdown during the spring game.  Aaron Boyd returns after redshirting his sophomore year.  Many people still feel Boyd can contribute if he dedicates himself 100%. With McCaskill out, look for LaRod King to become the No 3 receiver.  King saw significant action as a true freshmen and is ready to take the next step. 

The one player everyone is excited to see on the football field is Brian Adams.  The former quarterback and baseball star is the fastest receiver on the team.  Adams sat out last season for health reasons, but is ready to contribute this fall.  The Cats also return Matt Roark, who has become a key player on special teams.  Roark has seen action at wide receiver, but appears to be buried in the rotation.  The Cats have several former high school quarterbacks playing wide receiver, so could the staff pull a little trickery this season?

The Cats secured another verbal commitment yesterday in Nile Daniel (3-Star / WR) from Georgia.  Daniel makes the 16th pledge for the 2011 recruiting class for UK.  The staff recently received news Justin Bean, who signed with the Cats in 2009, will do so again in 2011.  This time last year, the Cats had two verbal commitments. 

The UK staff recently stated they were pulling back some offers as they wanted to have room for key players.  One recruit told me he was informed me the staff they wanted to sign 18-20 recruits.  With the most recent commitment, the Cats are at No 16 and running out of room quickly.  We know the staff wants to add two more offensive linemen, at least one defensive lineman, two linebackers and at least one safety.  If the staff could flip the commitments of DaMarcus Smith, Jerrell Moore, Jamon Brown, they would take them as well.  Below are the key names to remember on both sides of the ball heading into the season.

Offense

Collins Moore (WR), Shamier Jeffery (ATH), Ricky Lunford (RB), Brandon Ford (RB), LaMont McMurry (ATH), Mitchell Henry (TE), Mark Wathen (TE), Nick Martin (OL), Zach West (OL), Cody Robinson (OL), Ray Ball (OL) and Zack Templin (OL). 

Defense

Terrence Coleman (DE/LB), David Washington (DT), Isiah Norton (DT), Tony Gillespie (DT), Desmond Floyd (DE), Jesse Hayes (DE), Preston Smith (DE), Antonio Poole (LB), Steven Daniels (LB), Lamar Dawson (LB), Desmond Wills (LB), Dwight Jackson (LB), Troy Gray (LB), Chris Tavarez (S), Damian Swann (S) and Ashely Lowery (S).

If the staff is able to add two more offensive linemen and three more players from above, the 2011 class will be very solid.  The Governor’s cup is huge and I can’t emphasize the impact it has on recruiting for both programs.  It’s possible, either team could flip commitments based on the outcome of the game.  It’s football time in the Bluegrass!  Check out my site, Bleed Blue Kentucky, for more information on the UK football program.

We are 14 days away from the first practice and just a little over a month away from the Joker vs. Strong (Part I).  For most, SEC media days is the official kick off to the college football season.  Some of you may have heard me the past two weeks as I made guess appearance on Larry Glover and Dick Gabriel’s talk shows.  The shows were fun, but I was creamed by fans for suggesting Mike Hartline would be the starter against Louisville.  Little did I know, Derrick Locke is on my team!  While I love the potential if Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski, the senior is ready to shut up his critics.  Is it possible one of the underclassmen beat out Hartline?  Yes, but based on what I’m hearing, he’s the leader of QB’s. 

How about Derrick Locke being named to the All-SEC Coaches team as a running back?  Let’s hope Locke has the season he is capable of having.  How about “DQ” or DeQuin Evans?  This guy never played high school football and was named to the All-SEC Coaches 2nd team.  Amazing!  I’ve been really studying the UK roster and fans need to understand this team is young.  Now that Paul Warford is no longer with the team, the Cats will graduate nine seniors.  The Cats have a lot of talent, but it’s young talent. 

The only players who have not reported from the 2010 signing class are Mychal Bailey, Donte Rumph, Tim McAdoo, Tim Patterson, Dale Trimble and Jabari Johnson.  Mychal Bailey informed me this week his final two classes are going well and will talk to the staff once he completes them next week.  Bailey should have an immediate impact on special teams.  I’m hearing the staff is very optimistic about Donte Rumph.  Remember, he signed with the Cats each of the past three seasons so he deserves kudos for perseverance.  The staff stated if Rumph qualifies he will not redshirt.  I’ve heard Tim McAdoo will enroll at a junior college and Tim Patterson is still working to become eligible.  I’ve been told it’s literally 50/50 for Patterson this year.  Dale Trimble informed me he will report on August 1st and Jabari Johnson will report around the same time as well. 

The Cats received their 15thcommitment this week from Justin Bean.  He is a wide receiver who signed with the Cats two years ago and ended up being ineligible.  Personally, I think it’s odd the Cats have four wide receiver commits at this point and more offers on the table.  I would not be surprised to see a few position changes, because the Cats are only expected to sign 18-20 recruits in the next class.  They must sign at least two more offensive line and one more defensive lineman.  If everything holds true, that leaves two scholarships for other positions.  Joker said this week they were pulling back some offers to hold for key players.  They key players are Lamar Dawson, DeVante Parker, Jamon Brown and DaMarcus Smith.  A Big reason Joker hired Greg Nord was to work on the recruits in Louisville. 

If you want more in depth coverage of the Kentucky football program check out my new site Bleed Blue Kentucky (formerly known as Aaron’s UK Football Blog).  The new site has a recruiting big board with videos, chat room, video gallery and photo gallery.  Stop by and check us out.

We are 52 days away from the Governor’s Cup and I’m sure Papa John’s Stadium will be rockin’ on September 4^th.  The Cats are on a current three game winning streak against the Cards, but this game starts a new rivalry.  It’s Joker vs. Strong.  As everyone knows, this is the first game for either as head coach and neither wants to lose. 

Normally most would say the Cats have the momentum since they have won three straight. However, this is a road game and the Cards are riding a serious high with Charlie Strong at the helm. While this game is very important to both schools, it’s more important to UK.  The Cats can’t afford to lose against Louisville if they are going to take the next step and play in a bigger bowl. The SEC schedule is too brutal. 

At the same time, Louisville wants to show everyone they are back.  It’s a huge game and one that doesn’t get enough press outside of the Bluegrass.  I truly wish they would move this game to the end of the season like most other rivalries. 

Summer workouts are currently taking place and this is a crucial time for guys to establish themselves as leaders.  I continue to hear Mike Hartline is the leader of the quarterbacks and I still believe he will be named the starting quarterback against Louisville.  Joker Phillips is expecting the team to be in shape and ready to go on August 6^th. The staff issued challenges for summer workouts. 

Tee Martin wants the receivers to catch 10,000 passes this summer.  Joker Phillips wants the team to take care of their conditioning so they can work on reps in practice.  By all accounts, the team is accepting these challenges and the season can’t get here soon enough. 

If you interested in more information about the UK football program you can visit my blog at http://aaronsukfootballblog.blogspot.com.  GO CATS!

It’s June and school is out!  Now it’s time for freshmen to start reporting to college and prepare for college life as a student athlete.  By reporting early it allows them to start taking classes and settle into a routine.  These playerswill start working out together and learn from the upperclassmen.  As far as UK is concerned, we should start hearing some “work out” reports.  The Cats have several freshman who could make some noise this summer and earn some playing time this fall. 

Also, fans will learn which players are not going to make for academic reasons.  In most cases, these are players who will end up attending prep school or attend a Junior college.  The names I continue to hear as questionable are Mychal Bailey, Donte Rumph, Tim McAdoo, Tim Patterson and Farrington Huguegin.  If they show up next week, it should put all rumors to rest.  In some cases, the team may not have room and a player may have to greyshirt and enroll in January.  It’s possible this could happen to Max Smith and the newest UK signee Jewell Ratliff.  The Cats are tight on scholarships, therefore they may have to wait.  However, if a spot opens up one of the players could end up on campus early. 

The big news of the day was the announcement of the UK vs. UofL game which has been picked up by ABC for a 3:30pm start.  For a game that typically doesn’t get picked up until two weeks prior, ABC had decided to pick up the Governor’s Cup.  If you need more UK football updates, check out my blog (Aaron’s UK Football Blog).

Below are the players who red-shirted the 2009 season for Kentucky.  There are several players who will compete for playing time and others will have back up roles in 2010.   We will take our best guess based on feedback and spring reports as to each player’s role for 2010.  For more info on the UK Football Program, feel free to check out my site (Aaron’s UK Football Blog). 

Brian Adams (WR) had to sit out 2009 due to heath concerns.  Adams played quarterback in high school and was also a member of the UK baseball team this season.  Tee Martin has already named Adams the fastest receiver on the team.  Adams should see playing time this fall as his speed will help stretch the field.  Look for him to make an impact on special teams as well. 

Dakotah Tyler (S) came to UK as a running back and spent the 2009 season working in the back field.  However, Joker Phillips announced Tyler requested a move to Safety.  My guess is prep star from Indiana saw the writing on the wall with the UK backfield and figured his opportunity for playing time would come in the UK secondary.  Tyler has a good frame and will add more speed to the secondary.  This spring he found himself competing with Josh Gibbs for the bulk of playing time.  Again, if he doesn’t find himself starting on defense, he will most certainly have an impact on special teams.    

Jarvis Walker (S) and his brother came to UK from Louisiana.  Based on reports, Jarvis will play strong safety at UK.  He does have the size to make a move to outside linebacker at some point in his career.  Reports suggested Walker had a good spring and will compete with Josh Gibbs and Dakota Tyler for the starting job this fall. 

Jonathan George (RB) spent the 2009 season working on the UK scout team.  George has good speed and there was no reason to waste a year of eligibility with UK having depth at the position last year.  George has found himself in a battle for the back up role behind Derrick Locke.  In all reality, Donald Russell may have earned the back up role with his performance in the spring game, but George will receive carries.  He too is another speedster who will find himself on special teams.    

Jordan Aumiller (TE)came to UK as an athlete that many felt could see action at tight-end.  However, in 2009 the Boyle County athlete worked as a linebacker on the scout team.  Before spring, the staff announced Aumiller would indeed move to Tight End for 2010.  Reports suggest Aumiller had a good spring, but still has to learn the offense before he can assert himself.  He will compete with Ryan Wallace, Anthony Kendrick, Nick Melillo and incoming freshman Alex Smith for playing time. 

Kevin Mitchell (OL) will likely back up in 2010, but with UK losing four seniors the starting jobs are wide open.  UK didn’t sign many offensive linemen in the 2010 class so Mitchell will be another freshman, except he should be stronger and understand the game plan a year later.  Reports suggest the staff was disappointed with some offensive linemen they felt would step up in the spring and surprised by others.  Could Mitchell be one of the surprises in 2010?

Mister Cobble (DT)earned the respect of his coaches and teammates after being named the Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year.  The Cats lost Corey Peters to graduation and the NFL, therefore his job is open heading into the fall.  I believe Mark Crawford, Shane McCord and Cobble will battle for playing time.  Cobble has a very low center of gravity and plays hard on every down.  Cobble had a great spring, but must show up in better shape for fall camp.  In my opinion, Cobble is the one guy who must have a big year for the Cats to have a strong defense in 2010.

Myron Walker (DL) came to UK with his brother Jarvis (see above) and spent last season working on the scout team.  Myron is a load up front at 260 lbs and been described as “bowling ball” because he is 5’10”.  There have been some reports that suggest Myron could be leaving the program, however he was listed on the UK spring roster.  It appears he will have a back up role in 2010. 

Patrick Ligon (DE)will likely back up at the defensive end position.  Ligon could possibly move to the interior line at some point in his career.  He is approx 6’5” and 260 lbs.  Joker has stated many times, UK needs to get longer at the defensive end position to interfere with passing lanes.  With Ligon’s height, he can do just that.  However, he may not be as athletic as some of the other ends on campus.  Because of spring classes and injuries, Ligon received a lot of reps this spring which should be huge for him heading into fall camp.

Qua Huzzie (LB)came to UK as another under-the-radar recruit from LaGrange and many schools over looked him due to his height.  In watching Huzzie’s film, what he lacks in height is made up with speed.  Huzzie attacks the ball and plays up-field.  He also has the speed to match up with running backs coming out of the back field.  Look for Huzzie to compete with Ronnie Sneed for the starting middle linebacker spot.    

Ryan Mosby (LB)came to UK as a three-star recruit from Texas.  Mosby fits the OLB mold as he is 6’ tall and 200 lbs.  Mosby has a good speed running a 4.5 forty-yard dash.  Ryan will likely back up Danny Trevathan and see action on special teams. 

Ryan Mossakowski (QB)could be the top recruit from the 2009 class and will battle with Mike Hartline and Morgan Newton for the starting job in 2010.  The staff has been impressed with decision making ability and he could win the starting job this fall.  Many people have written Mossakowski off because of Morgan Newton’s performance last year, but don’t count him out. 

Sam Simpson  (OL)was one of the prize recruits in the 2009 recruiting class for the Cats.  The center could have earned playing time last year, but the staff had depth and decided to use a redshirt on him.  Based on reports from spring practice, Simpson will have a back up role at center and has been working some at the guard position as well.  Simpson was also named the Scout Team Offensive MVP last season.

Tristian Johnson (DE/LB)is another LaGrange prospect Joker Phillips pulled out of Georgia.  With UK’s depth at defensive end and linebacker in 2009, there was no reason to waste a year of eligibility.  Johnson will be competing for a back up role this fall behind DeQuin Evans, Taylor Wyndham and Collins Ukwu.  Johnson had a great spring and Joker Phillips pointed out his intensity on several occasions.

RANKING THE TOP IN-STATE PLAYERS 2011 class by Aaron’s UK Football Blog

As most UK fans know, the state of Kentucky doesn’t produce many SEC caliber football players on a yearly basis.  On average the state produces about six players and UK typically signs a couple.  However, in 2011 things are a little different.  The state should produce more than a dozen recruits compared to years past.  Currently Kentucky has two in-state players committed and Louisville has five committed for 2011.  Several of the committed recruits have told me the rival school is still recruiting them. 

Below are 13 names to keep an eye on for the 2011 class.  Again, some of the players below have given verbal commitments, but are still being recruited by other schools.  Look for these players to attend camps and combines this summer to improve their recruiting stock.  Based on offers and interviews here are the rankings. 

Jon Davis (Eastern) has given his verbal commitment to Kentucky and could be the top athlete in the state.  Based on his size, speed and strength his stock will only continue to rise.  Davis could play fullback, linebacker or tight end at the next level, but prefers to play tight end.  Davis is still being recruited by Notre Dame, Louisville and Illinois.

Lamar Dawson (Boyle County) is one of Kentucky’s primary recruiting targets in the 2011 class. Dawson plays at a high level and will play Linebacker at the next level.  Most people feel Dawson is UK’s to lose because of Chuck Smith’s relationship at Boyle County.  I have personally interviewed Dawson and can tell you he is far from a “lock”.  Look for him to take all of his official visits.  He recently received an offer from Michigan. 

DeVante Parker(Ballard) has given his verbal to Louisville, but UK has made it clear they would continue to recruit the wide receiver.  Players like Parker don’t come around very often, so the school that inks him is getting a gem. Assuming both he and DaMarcus Smith stay committed to UofL, they could be connecting to one another for quite some time. 

Darrian Miller (Bryan Station) has already given his verbal commitment to Kentucky.  He projects to play on the offensive line at the next level and could possibly be the top football recruit in the state.  Offensive lineman are often not the “sexy” pick as top players, but anyone who understands football realizes their importance. 

Jamon Brown (Fern Creek) has given his verbal commitment to Louisville, but isn’t 100% committed based on his comments.  Brown is another key recruiting target for Kentucky and David Turner is working hard to change his mind.  Brown has the size to contribute early at the next level and more schools are getting involved.  Solid defensive lineman are rare, just look at the NFL draft to see the importance.  

Zach West (Lexington Christian) has taken visits to both Kentucky, Louisville and Tennessee among others.  West holds offers from Penn State, Kentucky, Louisville and several others.  West projects to play Offensive Tackle at the next level due to his overall size.  There are mixed reports on West, but the there is no denying his potential. 

DaMarcus Smith (Seneca) has already given his verbal commitment to Louisville, but has taken multiple visits to Kentucky.  Smith will play Quarterback in college and has acknowledged he likes UK’s “Pro-Style” offense compared to Louisville’s “Spread”.  Joker Phillips and Company are actively recruiting smith. 

Jerrell Moore (Fern Creek) has given his verbal commitment to Louisville and appears to be a package deal with his teammates (Brown and Harrington).  Moore is very fast, but will need to put on more weight to be an every down running back in college.  He does have an offer from Kentucky to play running back.  Louisville is recruiting him to play Slot Receiver and to return kick-offs.  Illinois is also actively recruiting Moore. 

Forisse “Flo” Hardin (Ballard)could be the most underrated prospect in the state.  Hardin holds offers from Indiana and Kentucky while Louisville is showing interest.  Hardin’s brother plays for the Hoosier’s and his teammate, Devante Parker, has given his pledge to Louisville.  In watching his film, Hardin is fast, physical and will make an impact on defense at the next level. 

Jalen Harrington (Fern Creek) has given his verbal commitment to Louisville. Harrington projects to play Safety or Outside Linebacker at the next level.  He is another very athletic player who has a tremendous upside.  Much like Brown and Moore, he too appears to be a package deal to Louisville with his teammates.    

Henry Mitchell(Elizabethtown) is very athletic and received offers from the Big 10 and Big East.  Mitchell plays basketball which shows his athletic ability and all schools are recruiting him to play Tight End as he is 6’5”.  Neither Kentucky or Louisville appear to be showing much interest at this time.    

Conner Hempel (Ryle) is one of the top Quarterbacks in the state and already sports an offer from Western Kentucky.  Hempel will receive a lot of interest as he carries a 3.7 GPA and has schools like Stanford, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and Harvard recruiting him.  All of the in-state schools are recruiting him and he has already taken unofficial visits to most. 

Marcoreyon “Bubba” Tandy (Christian County) is one of the top wide receivers in the state for 2010.  Tandy already has an offer from Western Kentucky and will work out at UK on May 30th.  He is also receiving interest from other programs and should see more offers come his way.  If his workout goes well at Kentucky, he could become a Wildcat.

Now that spring football and the NFL draft are both over, fans don’t have much to look forward to these days.  If you’re a Kentucky fan, you should be excited for the former Cats who were drafted or signed free agent deals with NFL teams.  Nothing helps recruiting more than putting guys in the league. 

On the college front, assistant coaches are on the road recruiting.  Currently, coaches can visit a school twice during this period.  Once to evalute a player’s grades and the other to evalute their performance.  Spring evaluations are crucial, it allows programs to determine if their player rankings and also find a hidden gem. 

One date to remember for UK fans is May 30th.  UK will hold a high school camp which is a great time to evaluate recruits.  One in particular who will attend the May 30th camp is Bubba Tandy (2011-WR).  The Cats desperately need to sign a couple of receivers in the 2011 class and Tandy could be one of them. 

Below are links back to my blog for more information on Kentucky Football. 

ESPN Spring Wrap up- Kentucky

Jesse Hayes recruiting update

Brandon Shell (2011-OL) recruit update

Another offensive line recruiting target

Edward Muldrow (2011-LB) recruit interview

2011 Future Watch QB’s

Mr. SEC comments on UK’s 2010 class

Christian Coleman (2011-DL) recruit interview

2010 All-SEC Spring Team

2010 UK Football Camps

Damian Swann (2011-DB) Video