The leaders of the UK Whomp Squad, Micah Johnson and Trevard Lindley, will chat live on Cat Scratches today, starting at 12:15 p.m. Many expected Johnson and Lindley to bolt for the NFL following last season, but both decided to stay and play another season under Rich Brooks.

So get on Cat Scratches, which is UK’s official blog, at 12:15, and get an idea of how much WHOMP!!! the UK defense is gonna lay down on opponents this year.

It was Sam Maxwell and Trevard Lindley on the live chat. Here are some excerpts.

On expectations for the season:
Sam Maxwell: We want to go to the best bowl game that we can go to and to gain some respect in the SEC. To be able to do that we are going to have to beat some of the teams in the league that we have had problems beating in the past.

On not being picked to finish high in the SEC Race:
Sam Maxwell: They have never picked us to be high in the SEC. They are entitled to their opinion but we are the ones that are working hard everyday and know what type of team that we have.

On playing the season opener at Paul Brown Stadium:
Sam Maxwell: To change up the venue and bring some more excitement for the new season is fun. To play a team with a new coaching staff and system is similar to us and how we rebuilt the program not too long ago.
Trevard Lindley: I’m excited to play at the Bengals stadium. It will be our second NFL stadium that we’ve gotten to play at since I’ve been at UK. We played at the Titans’ field for the Music City Bowl.

Some new guys who will look to make a contribution this year:
Sam Maxwell: CoShik Williams is one of the guys that I feel like could make a big impact at running back. Also, Nick Mellillo at wide receiver. Nick is a very talented guy who has gained some weight. He can play wide receiver and tigt end and we hope to be able to get him in some miss matches.

On the talented defensive freshman class:
Sam Maxwell: They have come in and seem eager to learn the defense and we vets have taken the time to go over some things with them. A lot like what I was talking about earlier with the offense and how they are working with the young guys. I see a lot of athleticism in the newcomers during 7-on-7.

On how Randall Cobb’s offensive skills help the defense get better:
Trevard Lindley: He is a good player, so he is going to get his catches. He is short and quick, so it is always good to practice against him. Hopefully, he will continue to get better and push our defense.

On how Derrick Locke is coming along in his rehab:
Sam Maxwell: He has been coming along well and actually was running before spring was over, but we wanted to save him for camp. All in all, he has come back stronger and he says that he feels great.

On who is looking strong at DE this summer:
Sam Maxwell: Chandler Bruden is a beast .. he is what he is, just a beast. He is just looking great. He has the defense playbook learned and has experience. He had a really good spring game and I expect him to be a dominant player on the defensive side this year.