LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The Kentucky football team held its first practice of the 2008 season Tuesday afternoon at the Nutter Training Center.
The Wildcats worked out in helmets, jerseys and shorts in a split-squad format, with each group getting approximately two hours, 10 minutes on the field.
“It turned out to be a pretty good day, a little cooler and breezier than anticipated, so that was good, too,” Coach Rich Brooks said. “I think they’re anxious to get going. It’s obvious that a lot of guys have done a lot of hard work this summer and prepared for this.
“It (the split-squad format) gives us a lot more time to work with our young players and the ones who didn’t play as much last year. We’ll do this at least the first three days and see how it shakes out after that.”
Brooks also was asked about the urgency of making every practice count.
“We’ve discussed all of that, and particularly at the receiver position, because there’s going to be some of those guys playing out there,” Brooks said. “They have a lot of work to do and they don’t have a lot of time to do it.”
Pulley Dismissed: Junior quarterback Curtis Pulley has been dismissed from the team for violation of team rules, Coach Rich Brooks announced Tuesday.
Pulley was a reserve QB and wide receiver in the 2005-06 seasons. His career totals included:
- 39 completions in 64 attempts (60.9 percent) for 280 yards;
- 273 net rushing yards and three touchdowns;
- 23 pass receptions for 220 yards and one TD;
- three blocked field goals and a blocked extra point in special teams action.
Pulley, who redshirted the 2007 season, was entering preseason practice tied with Mike Hartline for the starting quarterback role.
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. 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.
