ESPN: Who has the most to prove?

ESPN has an article on the teams in the SEC who have the most prove heading into the 2010 season. The article points out part of which teams need to improve on. For the article, I believe they should have discussed UK's defense. The Cats defense will have a new face this year and has a lot to prove.

For the UK Edition of "Who has the most to prove?" I would say the following:

Joker Phillips- Can he pick up where Rich Brooks left off? During the off-season he has shown he is more than ready to lead the program at UK. Joker landed a stellar recruiting class and made some necessary changes to ensure the program continues on the right path. Still, UK has to win and climb the ladder. Are the Cats ready? Most think UK is still a year away, but I still think the Cats will be bowl eligible at the end of the 2010 season.

Mike Hartline- Is it possible he can win back his starting job? I think it's unlikely, but not impossible the Senior wins back his starting job. After Morgan Newton's performance, it's his job to lose at this point.

Derrick Locke- The Senior running back and speedster must continue to perform on Special Teams to show scouts he is ready for the NFL. Locke is always one play from making breaking a long run or returning a kick off for a touchdown.

Chris Matthews- The Senior Wide Receiver received a ton of praises from the coaching staff and teammates last fall. Matthews struggled learning the offense last year and should be much improved in 2010. He has the size and speed to play in the NFL and many are looking for Matthews to have a Steve Johnson type of Senior year.

Collins Ukwu- The Redshirt Sophomore earned the starting Defensive End job heading into the season last year, but things just didn't pan out for him. He has the size and speed to be an effective play maker. This is the year for him to create some separation or the incoming freshman could push him for playing time.

Ricky Lumpkin- The Senior Defensive Tackle has to anchor the line in 2010. Most people feel Lumpkin is a "solid" player, but he doesn't get the respect he deserves in my opinion. He must have a huge year if UK is going to make some noise in the SEC and make their 5th consecutive bowl appearance.

Tee Martin- The new assistant coach has big shoes to fill in many areas. Martin is going to work with the Wide Receivers and be a huge part of UK's recruiting success. Martin has already played a key role in landing a 2011 commitment and must continue to have an influence on recruiting to make UK successful. Is he ready for the SEC?