Oct. 2, 2001
Quarterback Announcement Delayed Until Saturday: Following Tuesday afternoon’s two-hour practice at the Nutter Training Facility, Coach Guy Morriss said that the decision regarding Kentucky’s starting quarterback would not be revealed until game time.
“It’s partly because we don’t want South Carolina to know, and also we are looking for one of them to step up and earn the job,” Morriss said. “Both of them have done some good things in the games and in practice, but neither has really outdistanced the other.”
Sophomore Jared Lorenzen started the season opener, didn’t play the next two games, then played as a reserve against Ole Miss last Saturday. Lorenzen has completed 17 of 44 passes (38.6 percent) for 153 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He has added 12 rushing yards.
Boyd, a redshirt freshman, played as a reserve in the opener and started the last three games. He has completed 48 of 87 passes (55.2 percent) for 524 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has added 87 rushing yards, including two TD runs.
Chatelain Returns to Practice: Offensive guard Keith Chatelain, nursing a sprained ankle from the Ole Miss game, participated in some of Tuesday’s practice. Coach Guy Morriss has upgraded Chatelain’s chances of playing on Saturday from doubtful to questionable.
Pyatt to See Playing Time: Sophomore wide receiver Brad Pyatt is likely to see significant playing time when he becomes eligible for action Saturday.
Game action has been a long time coming for Pyatt. He has not played this year while serving a four-game suspension from the NCAA. He had played briefly in the first two games of the 2000 season, but was having significant troubles with foot injuries and decided to leave the team. Off-season surgery did wonders for his feet and he rejoined the team in the spring.
August was a time of good news and bad news for Pyatt. First, he learned that the NCAA had granted a medical hardship for the 2000 season, effectively making it a redshirt year for him. Later, however, the NCAA delivered the suspension.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for more than a year,” Pyatt said after Tuesday’s practice. “Right now I’m anxious and excited. My feet are the best they’ve been since eighth grade.
“The lesson I’ve learned from all this (injury and suspension) is patience. Don’t take anything for granted. Play every play like it is your last one, because you never know when you’re going to get to play again.”
Wide receivers coach Harold Jackson has been working Pyatt at the “Z” receiver.
“Since he’s overcome the foot surgery, he’s moved well,” Jackson said. “Brad was one of our most improved players in the spring. He catches the ball well. He’s worked hard to be in shape. We’ve been counting on him and he can be a shot in the arm for us.”
– UK –
