First Scrimmage on Saturday: The Kentucky football team will have its first scrimmage of spring practice Saturday, April 7, at 9 a.m. at the Nutter Training Center.
Saturday’s workout will be the eighth of 15 practices permitted during the spring, marking the midway point of the spring session. Coach Guy Morriss has been pleased with the consistency of effort he has seen to this point.
“We’ve not had a day in which we’ve dragged our way through,” Morriss said. “Practice seems to go by so fast. The tempo has been great.”
In other news, Morriss confirmed that junior tight end Bobby Blizzard has left the team.
“Bobby is a good football player but to accomplish the goals he wanted he felt like he needed to make a fresh start somewhereelse,” Morriss said. Over the last two seasons, playing as a tight end and slot receiver, Blizzard totaled 30 receptions for 275 yards,a 9.2-yard average, and no touchdowns.
“I’m leaving on good terms,” said Blizzard, who will complete the remainder of the semester at UK. “I’m not leaving for anyparticular negative reason. I just need to do what’s best for my situation. I want to wish good luck to my teammates and thecoaching staff.”
Ironically, spring practice began with tight end appearing to be perhaps the deepest and most talented position on the team. However, returning starter Derek Smith the first-team All-Southeastern Conference tight end last season will miss the remainder ofthe spring because of an injured shoulder. Chase Harp continues to miss practice because of a back injury and his time of return isuncertain.
With Blizzard’s departure, sophomore Eric Arling has been getting the majority of practice time at tight end. Arling caught onepass last season. Senior wide receiver Jermaine White also has been working at tight end in order to provide more depth at thatposition.
Ledford to Receive Lindsey Nelson Award: Cawood Ledford, the radio play-by-play voice of the Kentucky football andmen’s basketball teams from 1953-92, will receive the Lindsey Nelson Award, presented annually to an outstanding collegiatebroadcaster who has promoted or advanced the game of college football.
The award is given annually by the Knoxville Quarterback Club and will be presented at the annual awards banquet of the EastTennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 21, in Knoxville.
Spring Practice Schedule: Please note that times are tentative. Practices will be held at the Nutter Training Center.
Sat. April 7 9 a.m. (scrimmage)Mon. April 9 2 p.m.Wed. April 11 2 p.m.Fri. April 13 2 p.m.Sat. April 14 9 a.m. (scrimmage)Wed. April 18 2 p.m.Fri. April 20 2 p.m.Sat. April 21 Blue/White Spring Game, 4 p.m. at Georgetown College