We've moved to a new site!!!

Aaron's UK Football Blog has changed names and moved to a new site called Bleed Blue Kentucky. All of the people and content will remain the same, our hope is to provide better coverage and more options. Thank You!

SEC Media Day Notes: UK

Here is a snap shot of reports coming through from various sources. We will update this thread as the day continues.

Paul Warford is not listed on the UK roster (which confirms ineligibility rumors and Joker has confirmed)

Mister Cobble is listed on 3rd team for UK (academic work to complete)

William Johnson is not listed on the roster (which confirms what we reported several days ago)

Joker mentioned Myron Walker was transferring (we knew that).

First three games TV schedule released: Louisville @ 3:30pm on ABC, Western Kentucky @ 7:30 on CSS and Akron @7pm on FSN.

Notes from Joker Phillips press conference:

Four freshman still have work to do to gain eligibility (likely Trimble, Rumph, Johnson and Patterson, possibly McAdoo)

Reports everyone will be ready for camp, no injuries at this time.

QB race is even, but would like to name a starter early. Doesn't want QB to manage games, but to win games.

Joker confirms 14 verbal commitments

Randall Cobb will be the sorest guy in the league from the number of touches he is going to get.

Will recruit South Carolina and Georgia hard.

Tee Martin has a bright future as a coach. He understands facebook and can recruit.

Brian Adams is a beast!

Best advise from Coach Brooks, "Don't listen to the noise."

Joker likes how Mike Summers' OL line up and punch people in the mouth.

Miss State players on David Turner

Larry Vaught interviewed several Mississippi State players today in Alabama for the SEC's media days. The interview gives great insight into the coaching abilities of David Turner. The Cats will need a very physical defensive line in 2010 and it sounds like Joker hired the right person for the job.

Pre Camp 2010 UK Depth chart

Here is the 2011 UK Depth Chart for the Preseason which has been released at Media Day.

LEFT TACKLE

66 Chandler Burden

52 Billy Joe Murphy

LEFT GUARD

70 Stuart Hines

79 Kevin Mitchell

CENTER

69 Matt Smith

63 Jake Lanefski

RIGHT GUARD

67 Larry Warford

59 Dave Ulinski

RIGHT TACKLE

75 Brad Durham

74 Trevino Woods

83 Ryan Wallace

TIGHT END

42 Nick Melillo

82 Anthony Kendrick

83 Ryan Wallace

WIDE RECEIVER

8 Chris Matthews

87 Brian Adams

27 Aaron Boyd

WIDE RECEIVER

18 Randall Cobb

16 La’Rod King

19 E.J. Fields

WIDE RECEIVER

13 Gene McCaskill

3 Matt Roark

QUARTERBACK

5 Mike Hartline

OR 7 Ryan Mossakowski

OR 12 Morgan Newton

FULLBACK

30 Moncell Allen

37 Greg Meisner

TAILBACK

20 Derrick Locke

23 Donald Russell

25 Jonathan George

PLACEKICKER

9 Ryan Tydlacka

93 Craig McIntosh

DEFENSIVE END

55 DeQuin Evans

51 Tristian Johnson

90 Justin Henderson

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

53 Ricky Lumpkin

92 Shane McCord

45 Antwane Gleen

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

98 Mark Crawford

68 Luke McDermott

97 Mister Cobble

DEFENSIVE END

96 Collins Ukwu

94 Taylor Wyndham

95 Patrick Ligon

STRONGSIDE LINEBACKER

57 Jacob Dufrene

48 Ridge Wilson

MIDDLE LINEBACKER

46 Ronnie Sneed

2 Qua Huzzie

WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER

22 Danny Trevathan

44 Ryan Mosby

CORNERBACK

15 Martavious Neloms

35 Cartier Rice

STRONG SAFETY

6 Taiedo Smith

33 Josh Gibbs

FREE SAFETY

21 Winston Guy

28 Dakotah Tyler

CORNERBACK

24 Randall Burden

14 Anthony Mosley

PUNTER

9 Ryan Tydlacka

Here is the final update

The new site will go live tonight around 8pm. It's been an experience designing a website from scratch, but fun as well. We will make one final post on this site (Aaron's UK Football Blog) tonight which will provide a link to direct everyone to the new site. All of the site content has been transferred. I think everyone will enjoy the new look and features. I'm sure we will run into a few glitches and all I ask if for everyone's patience. Thank You all for the support! Aaron

Status of the 2009 UK Red Shirts

A LOOK AT THE 2009 RED SHIRTS FOR UK

We now turn our attention to the 2009 Red-shirts for the UK football team. These players have had a year in the UK system and will now be counted on to become contributors to the team for the 2010 season. The good news about these players is that in times past, some/many of them would have immediately found themselves on the field as true freshmen. As it is, they have had another year to mature, get stronger, learn the system, and in some cases deepen their understanding of the game. We will look at the players in 3 separate categories: first we will look at the big name players who are expected to contribute in some big way to the team, at players who are perceived as being key backups this season, and then at players who are more unknown as to how they may impact the team.

Players ready to step up their careers:

Ryan Mossakowski (QB): Ryan spent last year red shirting due to a shoulder injury sustained in HS. He has a rocket for an arm and at some point will make a statement for the starting QB job. If Hartline, and Newton are inconsistent, look for him to get the nod in the last few games of the year.

Mister Cobble (DT): By some accounts, Cobble could have played his freshman year, but is now a year stronger and more familiar with the system. He was a beast in HS (200 tackles his last 2 yrs), and is vertically challenged, but by all accounts, Cobble is a real player. There continue to be rumors floating that he might be academically ineligible for the 2010 season. In some ways, he is the most important cog in this year’s defense due to a dearth of impact players at the DT position.

Qua Huzzie (LB): Qua was expected to compete for playing time in the ’09 season, but was injured during training camp, and had to red shirt. Although short in stature, he is known as a playmaker, for his ability to get to the ball, as well as a ferocious hitter. Look for Qua to become a player this year, at worst he should be in the 2 deep if not starting.

Key Backup Players:

Dakotah Tyler (S): Dakotah came to UK as a RB, but has transitioned to Safety. He has speed and has spent a year at UK learning the system and getting stronger. He should be in the 2 deep at safety, and is known for his striking ability on defense. He should be a Special Teams demon.

Jarvis Walker (S): Walker has much of the same skill set as Tyler. Again, at worst, he is a Special Teams demon and may also be in the 2 deep. He really seems to have a bright future in the defensive backfield with Tyler at some point in the future, especially if Mychal Bailey does not make it to UK.

Kevin Mitchell (OL): Kevin came to UK as an underappreciated OL. He is tall at 6’ 7” and most thought that he would require at least 2 years in order to make a significant impact on the team. At this point, Kevin is listed as the #2 OLG (behind S Hines), but may have a look in the future at OT. My understanding is that Kevin is one of those pleasant surprises in the program. Obviously, Kevin has worked harder and made more progress than some thought possible which is a testimony to his work ethic.

Brian Adams (WR): Brian came to UK as an athlete and red shirted last year due to a health issue which almost cost him his life. Brian has worked hard, and according to the coaches is really beginning to separate himself from some of the other WRs (reportedly, he is one of the fastest WRs on the team). Brian may get some field time this year, but look for him to really make a statement in 2011.

Anthony Kendrick (TE): Anthony red shirted last season and is now listed as the #2 TE behind N Melilo. The TEs at UK have been very lackluster over the last 2 seasons, so he, like J Aumiller now has their chance to shine.

Jordan Aumiller (TE): Jordan has begun to create some separation between him self and other players. His chance is now.

Tristian Johnson (DE): Tristian is an undersized DE at 6’ 1”. He is probably best suited as a pass rush specialist and is really probably more suited for a 3-4 defense as a linebacker. He is known as a fierce competitor and is listed as the #2 RDE behind D Evans, and ahead of J Henderson who is really making a statement for the #2 spot.

Patrick Ligon (DE): A coach’s kid from a winning HS program. Patrick is listed as the #3 LDE (strongside) behind C Ukwu and T Wyndham. His time does not seem to be now, but in the future. If he could add about 30 lbs, he might find a home at the DT spot where we are desperate for talent.

Still a Little Away:

Sam Simpson (OL): Sam came to UK as an OC and was ranked in the Top 10 at his position by some services. Like Ligon, Sam is a Coach’s kid and is known as a competitor. At this point, he is still probably a year away from making a significant move up the depth chart. It looks like Matt Smith, Marcus Davis, and probably Jake Lanefski are ahead of him, so there is a serious log jam for him to overcome. He has also been working out at OG some, so that may also help him move up as well.

Jonathon George (RB): A truly freakish athlete (Wrestler, Track Star, and Football player). He plays a position that UK continues to improve as far as recruiting. He is deep on the depth chart with more explosive talent coming in the 2010 class. It is hard to fathom how he will get many carries unless there are a significant number of injuries at the RB position.

Ryan Mosby (WLB): Ryan came to UK and it was thought that he would push for playing time. At this point, he has had a rough go of it and at times has been lost. The word on the street is that William Johnson is no longer with the team and if true, that should give him more reps and get him more comfortable on the field, if not, he may never see the field. He seems to be the #2 WLB behind D Trevathan, like many others, he has a chance to demonstrate his skills this year.

Player Profile: Jordan Aumiller

Aumiller hails from Danville, Kentucky where he attended Boyle County High School. That is the school that former UK and NFL Tight End Jacob Tamme went. It is also the same High School as 2011 LB prospect Lamar Dawson goes. Aumiller Redshirted last season and will be a Freshman this year. I've read some good things about Aumiller from the spring. He has good size (6-4) and has good hands.

Clint Tucker waivering?

Tonight I was a guest on Larry Glover's talk show and Jeff Drummond was the guest before me. Drummond reported that Clint Tucker could be "wavering" with his commitment to UK. I've been unable to reach Tucker, but did catch up with his teammate, Glenn Faulkner, who said, "I don't know really what's going on with Clint ,but I'm sticking with UK". I'm sure between Faulkner and Tee Martin, Tucker will be a Cat.

Player Profile: Ryan Tydlacka

Tydlacka is a junior from Louisville,Kentucky. He has played in 23 total games and has performed very well. He is the starting Punter and has Kicked Field Goals in some occasions. His career long is 51 yards against South Carolina.

Joker gives insights on team

Larry Vaught has a nice article on Joker Phillips comments from the recent convention in Ohio. The article has quotes from Joker that gives great insight into roles of certain players. There are no real surprises, except for putting to rest the rumors of Miles Simpson's move to linebacker. Could it happen? Absolutely, but it doesn't sound like it has happened yet. Some reports have suggested the move has already happened.

Nick Waisome narrows list to five

Nick Waisome (2011-CB) has narrowed his college choices down to five. No real surprise, but UK didn't make the list. The Cats had reportedly offered and expressed interest, but Waisome is down to Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU and South Carolina. The Cats currently have a commitment from Riyahd Jones and Daylen Hall for the 2011 class. The Cats are still in the mix with Justin Coleman and don't rule out Jared Boyd either.

All-SEC Coaches Team

Reports are coming out that Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb have been named to the Coaches All-SEC first team and DeQuin Evans was named to the All-SEC second team. Congrats to all three players who deserve the honors.

LSU offers Dawson

Another day, another big time program offers Lamar Dawson (2011-LB) from Boyle County, Kentucky. Dawson still remains priority number one for the Cats, however the staff isn't putting all their eggs in his basket either. The Cats have one commitment from Blake Terry and still in the mix for several other top linebackers.

Southern Pigskin takes a look at the Cats

Monday, July 19, 2010

SouthernPigskin takes a look at the Cats
Primarily, the publication takes a look at our quarterback position and profiles the options under center and the possibilities that we have coming into the 2010 season. As expected, the article gives deserved kudos to Derrick Locke and also mentions the rewards of Randall Cobb being able to concentrate on his true position which is wide receiver. While some fans may argue and petition for Cobb to see a large percentage of his snaps in the "WildCobb" set, it's important to remember that, like Darin McCluster from Ole Miss, Randall can best be utilized when he can get the ball in space and make the most of his god-give talent. In the end, SP talks about our front four on defense and how Coach Turner is moving from a read/react scheme to an attack mode. Basically, the DT's are now going to an upfield one-gap scheme versus the two-gap control mode that we've witnessed in the past. Either way, Joker Phillips has taken the reigns and has set the tone with a new era of Kentucky football. It's going to be an exciting ride.
Posted by Mike at 9:25 PM

Labels: http://aaronsukfootballblog-mike.blogspot.com/search/label/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southernpigskin.com%2Findex.php%2Fsite%2Fkentucky_qb_shuffle%2F

It's getting closer

Hat Tip to Rob Gidel for finding this video and sending out! It's getting closer!!

Jon Davis rumors

Rumors are flying wild suggesting Jon Davis has decommitted from Kentucky. I spoke to Jon exactly one week ago and he told me, "I don't know where the rumors are coming from." Could something have changed in the last week? Absolutely, but based on my interviews with him, I can't imagine there is any truth to these rumors.

Again, he told me he would be taking a couple of other visits to make sure he is 100% comfortable with his decision. I realize some fans have a difficult time with verbal commitments taking other visits, but it's part of the process.

Player Profile: Josh Gibbs (Safety #33)

Gibbs enrolled at UK after attending Junior College at College of the Canyons in California. He was rated a 3* by Rivals.com. He is from Long Beach, California. He looks to be a backup this season.

Player Profile: Anthony Kendrick (Tight End #82)

Kendrick was rated as a 3* TE by rivals.com. He is from Katy, Texas. He was ranked the 30th best Tight End in the nation. He will be in the running for the starting job this year, but will likely be the backup. He Reshirted last season and will be a Freshman this year.

Joker on Greg Nord

Larry Vaught has another great interview with Joker Phillips on the hiring of Greg Nord. The article points out Nord's recruiting ability instate and talks about what he brings to the table. Nord could play a huge role in trying to flip any current Louisville commits.

Thomas Finnie picks Gamecocks

Per The Big Spur.com, Thomas Finnie (2011-CB) has committed to South Carolina. Finnie was a teammate of Brandon Gainer at Miami Central HS in Florida. The Cats had shown interest in Finnie, but it's unclear if an offer was ever extended. The Cats have also expressed interest in Delray Lewis (RB), Dwight Jackson (LB) and Marquis Lucas (OL) who are teammates of Finnie currently.

Leach's take on UK's offense

(Photo Courtesy of Kentucky Ink)

Tom Leach gives his take on the UK offense heading into the season. Leach feels QB play will be the key for UK's success this season. He makes a great point about the team needing a leader to win games, however I feel the staff has bigger questions to answer.

Personally, I feel retooling the offensive line is a much bigger concern along with stopping the run on defense. The Cats lost four starters on the offensive line and without Corey Peters and Micah Johnson stopping the run, teams will test the Cats up the middle on defense.

Randall Cobb doesn't feel he will run the "wildcat" as often in 2010 and I hope he's right. If the offensive line struggles, Cobb will find himself under center more than most would like. It wouldn't surprise me to see Jerrell Priester take a few snaps in the "wildcat" either.

2011 Recruiting Outlook - Offense

The 2011 recruiting is pretty close to being finalized with the Cats having 14 verbal commitments. As one recruit told me, the staff expects to sign 18-20 players for the class. Considering the Cats want to sign two more offensive lineman, that would leave roughly two to four more scholarships for other positions. Joker mentioned last week the staff is starting to pull back offers as they want to have a few spots available for key players. Here is my positional breakdown for the class along with the key names to remember. While there are other recruits who hold offers, these are the most likely candidates to choose UK based on interviews and discussions. We’ll cover defense tomorrow.

Quarterback

The Cats currently have commitments from Max Smith and Theltus Cobbins. Smith projects as a quarterback at the next level and will enroll in December. Cobbins will compete at quarterback, but could switch to another position if he doesn’t progress like the staff hopes. I can’t imagine the Cats taking another quarterback in this class unless they can sign either DaMarcus Smith or Shamier Jeffery. Smith is currently committed to Louisville and Jeffery is still uncommitted, but being recruited by a ton of other SEC programs.

Running Back

This is one area where the Cats can be picky for 2011. In last year’s class, the staff managed to sign Raymond Sanders, Miles Simpson and Brandon Gainer. There have been some rumors already that suggest Simpson will be moved to linebacker; however it hasn’t been made official yet. The staff stated Simpson would be a running back at UK on signing day last year. The only uncommitted recruit the Cats have extended an offer to is Ricky Lunford. The Cats are still pursuing Jerrell Moore who is committed to Louisville and Brandon Ford (Juco) has taken a visit to Lexington over the summer. Two other names to watch are Brandon Wilds and Devin Foster. Wilds camped at UK this summer and Foster was in attendance at the spring game. Neither holds an offer at this point, but could be options for the staff.

Wide Receiver

The Cats failed to sign a receiver in last year’s class, but have come out of the gates strong for 2011. The Cats currently have commitments Darien Thomas, Josh Forrest and Antonio Cannon. Some people feel Thomas could play Safety at the next level and Forrest has been rumored to play TE. However, based on interviews, all three will start out at receiver. Unless the Cats are able to add Collins Moore, Christian Jones or Shamier Jeffery, the odds of them signing another receiver are unlikely.

Tight Ends

Joker likes to sign Tight End type bodies as he feels the player becomes more versatile for the program. The Cats currently have commitments from Jon Davis and Terrell Mitchell. While Davis could play multiple positions, Mitchell will be a tight end at the next level. Davis wants to play offense and UK will give him that opportunity. However, most feel Davis has the potential to be an All-SEC type linebacker due to his size and speed. The Cats have been evaluating Mitchell Henry and Mark Wathen as possible tight ends. Neither holds an offer at this point, but both could play other positions as well.

Offensive Line

The Cats signed Tim McAdoo in the 2010 class, but most don’t expect him to qualify. The Cats have one commitment from Darrian Miller and plan to sign two more offensive line targets. The most likely candidates are Nick Martin, Zach West, Cody Robinson and Ray Ball. Two other names to watch are Zack Templin and James Lewis. Templin doesn’t have an offer from the Cats yet, but attended camp and many feel an offer could come at some point. Lewis committed to Vanderbilt over UK and others. With the coaching change at Vandy, the Cats could make another run at Lewis.

UK is #1 (in November)

Per the Bleacherreport, UK is ranked #1 for the easiest schedule for 2010 in November. The CATS take on Charleston Southern, Vandy and Tennessee during that period. The Cats also have an Open Date the week before the UT game.

Player Profile: Ridge Wilson

Wilson came out of Central High School in Louisville as a 3* LB. He has a chance to start this season if he performs well in the fall. He only had 1 tackle last season, but played a lot of Special Teams. He ran into Trouble last year when he was was charged with 4th degree Assault charge for punching a female student. He was suspended from the team. Wilson has put that past him and will contribute this year for the Cats.

Player Profile: Dave Ulinski

Ulinski is a 6-5/320 pound Offensive Guard. He Redshirted his Freshman year in 2008, before playing in every game last season. He was rated as a 3* OL in High School where he attended DuPoint Manual in Louisville. He will be a backup this season but will likely see playing time.

Player Profile: Nick Melillo

Melillo looks to be the starting TE, but will have to fend off some tough compettion to keep starting. He originally attended Lindenwood College, but transferred to UK. He started his career as a WR, but moved to Tight End. He caught 5 passes last season.

Player Profile: Ryan Mosby

Mosby was rated as a 3* LB by Rivals.com. He is from Heath,Texas. He was ranked as a top 75 OLB prospect. He Redshirted his Freshman season and will try to compete this year for playing time.

Joker talks grade issues

Larry Vaught has a great interview with Joker Phillips regarding the status of Paul Warford, Mister Cobble, Mychal Bailey and Donte Rumph's eligibility for the fall semester. Recently, Warford and Cobble have been rumored to be on the fence this fall while Rumph and Bailey have been working hard to gain eligibility. I've also had two people tell me William Johnson is no longer with the team.

Warford is the most experienced UK corner on the roster so if he is ineligible, I would imagine Martavious Neloms and Cartier Rice immediately become the favorites. The other two names to watch are Jerrell Priester and Dale Trimble. Unless Priester suffers an injury during camp, I can't imagine he will redshirt. He has the best chance to play as a true freshman as anyone. Trimble told me he was expecting to redshirt. Because he was a late qualifier, it appears the staff wants him focused on his grades his first year. However, he could be thrown into the mix.

Cobble was expected to take Corey Peters position on the defensive line. If he is unable to go this fall, then expect Mark Crawford and Shane McCord to compete for the starting job. Another name to watch is Brice Laughlin, who is as strong and fast as any defensive lineman on the roster. Laughlin will need a lot of reps during camp to be ready, however with the new defensive scheme, it's very possible.

I've heard Rumph has made several trips to Lexington this summer and everyone is very optimistic he will gain eligibility. The key for Rumph is being in football shape. He is another big body and someone who was highly recruited out of high school. Bailey could make an impact immediately. He would push for playing time in the secondary, but certainly make an impact on special teams. The other safety's have a lot more reps than Bailey so he has some catching up to do. The last time I talked to Bailey, he felt he would gain eligibility. He was taking two summer courses and passing both. We'll know the status of each for sure in the next couple of weeks.

It's getting closer!!!!!

Hopefully this gets your heart pumping and ready for some football! Operation Win! First practice is in 20 days! The Governor's Cup kicks off in 49 days!

Bleed Blue Kentucky update

We hoped to have the new site up and running by now, but I continue to make changes and the web designers probably hate me. It's my hope (everyone keep your fingers crossed) the new site will go live by Monday. I can promise you the new site has a much better look, more features and will be worth the wait (at least I hope). Once we are ready to go live with the new site, we will put up one final post on this site to direct everyone to the new site. It's been an interesting experience working on a website, but fun at the same time. Stay tuned!