LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The Kentucky football team added shoulder pads to go along with helmets and shorts during Thursday’s final split-squad practice.
“It was a tale of two different practices,” Coach Rich Brooks said. “The second group (primarily first- and third-teamers) looked a lot better than the first group (primarily second- and fourth-teamers). It was a little sloppy, too many mistakes with shoulder pads on in that first group. (There are a) Lot of young players in that group. Obviously, it’s a little different activity with shoulder pads on. The receivers can’t get off the line of scrimmage quite as easy. There’s a lot of things they’ll learn from this. One more day in shoulder pads tomorrow before we go to full gear.”
Brooks noted that junior offensive tackle Justin Jeffries missed Thursday’s practice and would likely miss another day or two because of a jammed shoulder, but the injury did not appear serious. The coach also said he was pleased with what he’s seen of senior defensive end Nii Adjei Oninku and sophomore defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, both of whom are returning from surgery.
After three days of split-squad work, the Wildcats will have their first practice as a complete team on Friday. The first practice in full pads is set for Saturday.
Fan Day on Saturday:
The annual Kentucky Football Fan Day is slated for Sat. Aug. 9 at Commonwealth Stadium. Stadium gates 4 and 9 open at 6:30 p.m., when posters and schedule cards will be given away. There will be special activities on the stadium concourse, including the giant inflatable games for young Wildcats. The first 2,000 fans will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and drink (redeemable on Fan Day only).
Coach Brooks and the team will be introduced at 7:15 p.m., followed by an autograph session with the Wildcat coaches and players. Fans should note that there is a limit of two autographs per player and coach.
In addition, an equipment stand will be set up and fans can try on UK helmets and shoulder pads. UK athletic trainers also will have a station, demonstrating ankle taping and other activities. The autograph session ends at 9 p.m. and the event concludes with a fireworks show.
Game Tickets on Sale During Fan Day: The ticket booth outside of Gate 4 at Commonwealth Stadium will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. during Fan Day.
Season ticket packages are still available and may be purchased at the stadium on Saturday evening. Fans may also purchase single game tickets for the following games: Norfolk State, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt. For complete football ticket information, please visit or call (800) 928-2287.
