The Kentucky football team received great news on Friday when the NCAA approved center Matt McCutchan?s appeal for a sixth year in which to complete his eligibility.
McCutchan received the sixth year based on injuries incurred during the 2001-02 seasons while attending the United States Naval Academy. He transferred to Kentucky and sat out the 2003 season because of the transfer rule.
McCutchan has been the Wildcats? starting center the past two seasons. He was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week in UK?s win over Indiana in 2004. He was named the team?s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman for the 2005 season by the UK coaches and also earned a place on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
McCutchan has been sitting out spring practice while rehabilitating an ankle injury from last season. He expects to be fully ready when practice begins in August.
?It couldn?t happen to a better person,? Brooks said. ?Matt has a passion for the game and does everything he can to help the team win.
?This is like getting a great recruit, except that he has experience. When we get all of our linemen back on the field, I think we?ll have a pretty good line.?
?I?ve stayed positive and optimistic through the whole process,? McCutchan said. ?Sandy Bell (UK Associate Athletics Director for Compliance who handled the appeal) did a great job. She worked very hard to get this done.
?I?m excited about this team. I think we?re on the rise and I want to be here when it happens. I believe we have the right mindset and the depth we need. If we stay healthy, we can compete in the SEC.?
Updated Team Information: With Matt McCutchan now eligible for 2006, here is Kentucky?s updated team information for the coming season:
51 returning lettermen (24 offense, 25 defense, two specialists)
20 lettermen lost (10 offense, eight defense, two specialists)
15 returning starters (eight offense, seven defense)
7 starters lost (three offense, four defense)
Practice Report: The Kentucky football team had a two-hour practice Friday morning at the Nutter Training Facility. Coach Brooks said the practice went well until the team period, when the Wildcat defense dominated the action as it has for much of the spring. Brooks also noted that the starting quarterback competition between junior Andre? Woodson and sophomore Curtis Pulley continues to be very close.
The team returns to action Saturday at 9:45 a.m. at Commonwealth Stadium, a practice session that will include a scrimmage.
Cheerleader Tryouts Open to the Public: Tryouts for the 2006-07 University of Kentucky Cheerleaders will be held Sunday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum. The event is free and the public is invited to attend, Coach Jomo Thompson has announced.
Kentucky has won 15 national championships, including the last three in a row under Coach Thompson, in the annual competition sponsored by the Universal Cheerleading Association.
Kentucky Football Calendar: Practices at Nutter Training Facility except when indicated otherwise.
Sat. Apr. 15 – Practice, 9:45 ? 11:45 a.m., Commonwealth Stadium
Mon. Apr. 17 – Practice, 9 ? 11:15 a.m.
Wed. Apr. 19 – Practice, 9 ? 11:15 a.m.
Fri. Apr. 21 – Practice, 9 ? 11:15 a.m.
Sat. Apr. 22 – Blue/White Spring Game, 1 p.m., Commonwealth Stadium
