April 16, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky football team will have its second major scrimmage of spring practice Saturday and Coach Joker Phillips is looking for the defense to assert itself early in the scrimmage.

“It’s big to show up early,” Phillips said after Friday’s practice. “I think they showed up in the middle of the scrimmage last week but it’s important to start fast. They had some injuries, too (four defensive starters did not play last Saturday), and they’ll get some of those guys back tomorrow. I look forward to an exciting scrimmage. I expect them to play faster early.”

Phillips also commented on the progress of the linebacker positions, where new starters must be found to replace two All-Southeastern Conference performers, middle linebacker Micah Johnson and strongside linebacker Sam Maxwell.

“I’m really pleased with the way Qua Huzzie has progressed and there’s a good battle with Ronnie Sneed at middle linebacker,” Phillips said. “We also have a battle going on (at strongside) with (Jacob) Dufrene and Ridge Wilson. It’s important for us to come out of this (spring) feeling good about our linebacker play because that’s where we lose a lot of experience.”

The Wildcats practiced in Commonwealth Stadium on Friday, including a short scrimmage between the third-team offense and defense at the end of the workout.