2009 Kentucky Wildcats Preview

August 14, 2009

Rich Brooks has the football program moving in the direction he wants. In the past three seasons Kentucky has wins over LSU, Clemson, FSU, and Georgia. Along with that, the Wildcats are on a three bowl game winning streak, a first for the school.

In 2008 Kentucky finished with a 7-6 record (2-6 in SEC) and ended the season unranked. Their lack of depth showed when injuries started to take their toll on the team. The quarterback situation didn’t seem to resolve itself until the bowl game. Mike Hartline, brother of former Buckeye receiver Brian, impressed many with a 19 for 31(204 yds 1 TD) performance in the Libery Bowl. He earned himself the Offensive MVP honor and helped reclaim the job he had lost earlier in the season to receiver turned quarterback Randall Cobb.

Kentucky returns 7 starters on offense including the versatile Randall Cobb. The sophomore will probably the biggest threat at receiver and will be used in the Wildcat package. Along with Cobb, they return some upperclassmen on the outside and three senior tight ends. 6-5 freshman receiver, Chris Matthews, can contribute there as well.

At running back Alfonso Smith has great speed and will have an experienced offensive line to run behind. Junior Derrick Locke should also contribute but spent the spring recovering from knee surgery.

Other than the loss of three-year starter at left tackle, Garry Williams, Kentucky brings back depth up front. Senior Zipp Duncan will move from left guard to take Williams’ place. They also return a two-year starter at right tackle. Most of the backups have some starting experience as well. Kentucky only allowed 13 sacks all season. Fewest in the SEC, and fourth in the nation.

On defense, some contributors will be missed but the coaching staff doesn’t expect much drop off. Without a doubt, the star on defense will be Trevard Lindley. He’s one of, if not the best, corners in the nation. He’s started every game at UK and has made big plays when they’re needed. At safety, the coaches are high on sophomore Winston Guy on one side. The battle for the other safety position is still up for grabs.

Senior Micah Johnson also looks to be a playmaker at linebacker. He recorded 93 tackles despite missing a game and a half because of injury. He also ranked 6th in the SEC with 13 tackles for a loss. Senior Sam Maxwell should be able to step up on at Sam position, and Danny Trevathan should be the starter at Will.

Kentucky is hoping JUCO transfer DeQuin Evans can help out at defensive end. They lost star end, Jeremy Jarmon, due to testing positive for a banned substance in May. At tackle, Myron Pryor will be missed, but Ricky Lumpkin had backed him for two season and should be solid. Senior tackle Corey Peters looks to shine with the loss of Jarmon and Pryor alongside of him. JUCO transfer Mark Crawford will also be in the mix at tackle.

If the Wildcats can stay healthy I believe they will be making their fourth consecutive trip to a bowl game. The defense should be more of the same if some guys step up, but the offense must be able to make some big plays more consistently to take some pressure of the defense.

2009 Kentucky Wildcats Preview

2009 Schedule (’08 Record)

Miami (OH) (2-10)

Louisville (5-7)

Florida (13-1)

Alabama (12-2)

@ South Carolina (7-6)

@ Auburn (5-7)

ULM (4-8)

MSU (4-8)

Eastern Kentucky (8-4)

@ Vanderbuilt (7-6)

@ Georgia (10-3)

Tennessee (5-7)

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