Vanderbilt (2-7, 0-6) at Kentucky (2-7, 0-6)
Nov. 11, 2000, 1:30 p.m. EST
Commonwealth Stadium, cap. 67,530
Wildcats Headlines
Final home game for Kentucky seniors
UK is second in the nation in passing offense, 16th in total offense
UK defense is eighth in the nation in fumbles recovered, fourth in the SEC inquarterback sacks
On the Tube
Live None.
Delay The UKTV Network will carry the game. Rob Bromley calls theplay-by-play, with Bill Ransdell handling analysis and Dick Gabriel providing reportsfrom the sidelines. Viewers should check their local listings for time and channel.
Ticket Info
Tickets are available for $22 each. Tickets may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 4p.m. at the Memorial Coliseum Ticket Office. Tickets may be charged on credit cardsby calling (859) 257-1818 or 1-800-928-CATS. Tickets also may be ordered onUK’s internet site, ukathletics.com.
On the Radio
The University of Kentucky Football Radio Network will carry the broadcast onapproximately 80 stations. The network includes new flagship stations WLAP (630AM) and WBUL (98.1 FM) in Lexington and 50,000-watt stations WHAS (840 AM)and WSAI (1530 AM).
Tom Leach calls the play-by-play for the Wildcats. Former Wildcat star Jeff VanNote is the analyst and Dick Gabriel is the sideline reporter.
The broadcast also can be heard around the world through the internet atukathletics.com.
Kentucky Results and Schedule (2-7, 0-6 SEC)
Sept. 2 Louisville 40, UK 34 (A, OT)
Sept. 9 UK 27, South Florida 9 (H)
Sept. 16 UK 41, Indiana 34 (H)
Sept. 23 Florida 59, UK 31 (A)
Sept. 30 Mississippi 35, UK 17 (A)
Oct. 7 South Carolina 20, UK 17 (H)
Oct. 14 Louisiana State 34, UK 0 (A)
Oct. 21 Georgia 34, UK 30 (H)
Nov. 4 Mississippi State 35, UK 17 (H)
Nov. 11 Vanderbilt, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 18 at Tennessee, time TBA
Vanderbilt Results and Schedule (2-7, 0-6 SEC)
Sept. 2 Miami (Ohio) 33, VU 30 (H)
Sept. 9 Alabama 28, VU 10 (A)
Sept. 16 Mississippi 12, VU 7 (H)
Sept. 23 VU 26, Duke 7 (H)
Sept. 30 Auburn 33, VU 0 (A)
Oct. 7 VU 17, Wake Forest 10 (A)
Oct. 14 Georgia 29, VU 19 (A)
Oct. 21 South Carolina 30, VU 14 (H)
Nov. 4 Florida 43, VU 20 (H)
Nov. 11 at Kentucky
Nov. 25 Tennessee
The Series
Overall: VU leads 35-33-4
Current Streak: UK has won four in a row
First Meeting: 1896, VU 6-0 in Nashville
Last Meeting: 1999, UK 19-17 in Nashville
Last VU Win: 1995, 14-10 in Nashville
In Lexington: UK leads 18-12-2
Series Notes: This is the 73rd meeting between the two schools, second-most of anyWildcats rivalry, behind Tennessee The teams have met annually since 1953 Vanderbilt posted 16 wins and a tie in the first 17 games of the series, from 1896 to1945 Kentucky got its first win against Vanderbilt in 1946 in Coach Paul BearBryant’s first year at UK Bryant had been a Commodore assistant coach in 1940-41before he was called into military service during World War II UK’s currentfour-game win streak is the longest against VU since winning six in a row from 1976-81.
How Experienced are the Tentative Starters?
Sr. Jr. Soph. RFr. Fr.UK 7 4 6 1 4VU 7 9 6 0 0
Wildcats From Tennessee
Kentucky has four players from Tennessee freshman kicker Clint Ruth is fromWhite House and three more freshmen, CB Leonard Burress, DT Dewayne Robertson,and LB Anthony Stevenson, are from Memphis.
Last Year vs. Vanderbilt
Kentucky clinched bowl eligibility for the second straight season with a 19-17 winover Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Tied at halftime, Kentucky got the lead for good on a safety when the Commodoreswere called for intentional grounding in the end zone. UK stretched the advantage to19-10 when Quentin McCord caught a short pass from Dusty Bonner and raced 80yards for a touchdown.
The Commodores rallied to cut the gap to 19-17 and had the ball on the UK 30with 2:21 to play when SS Patrick Wiggins knocked loose a fumble that was recoveredby the Wildcats. UK was able to run out the clock to preserve the victory.
The Kentucky defense came up big in this one, forcing four turnovers, holding VUonce on downs, and garnering the safety. Wiggins, making his first collegiate start,collected an interception, caused the game-clinching fumble, and made two tackles forloss. DE Dennis Johnson had two sacks, an additional tackle for loss, and helpedpressure the Vanderbilt quarterback into the safety.
FB Anthony White led the offense with 73 rushing yards on 13 carries, includingone touchdown. He also caught eight passes for 28 yards.
UK Schedule Among Nation’s Toughest
Kentucky has played the most difficult schedule in the Southeastern Conference andthe 11th-toughest schedule in the nation, according to the USA Today computer rankingscompiled by Jeff Sagarin (through games of Nov. 4).
The Wildcats have played four teams currently ranked in the nation’s top 25 Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi State.
Last year, Kentucky’s schedule was ranked No. 41 for difficulty, according to thefinal Sagarin computer ratings.
Final Home Game for UK Seniors
Seventeen Wildcats will play their final home game on Saturday. The list includes16 seniors, along with junior Jermaine White, who will be graduating in May and givingup his final season of eligibility:
OG Aaron Daniel, Valparaiso, Fla.
FS Willie Gary, Valdosta, Ga.
CB Kenneth Grant, Austin, Tex.
WR Alex Herman, Union, Ky.
RB Derek Homer, Fort Knox, Ky.
CB Eric Kelly, Panama City, Fla.
DE Matt Layow, Miami, Fla.
WR Quentin McCord, LaGrange, Ga.
LB Marlon McCree, Daytona, Fla.
WR Kyle McDuffie, Tallahassee, Fla.
QB Mark Perry, Chillicothe, Ohio
LB John Rader, Jackson, Ky.
WR Jimmy Robinson, Stone Mountain, Ga.
K Brandon Sanders, Versailles, Ky.
DE Grayson Smith, Salyersville, Ky.
OG Omar Smith, Miramar, Fla.
LB Jermaine White, Gainesville, Fla.
UK Starting Third-Most True Freshmen
Four UK true freshmen offensive tackle Antonio Hall, running back Chad Scott,and defensive linemen Jeremy Caudill and Dewayne Robertson have started a majorityof games this season.
UK ranks third in Division I-A for starting the most true freshmen. Nevada haseight true freshman starters and Texas is starting five.
New Defenses Helping Against the Run
Beginning with the Mississippi game on Sept. 30, the UK defense has used afive-man front, playing a 5-2 or 5-3 alignment, replacing the 4-3 scheme that hadbeen used.
The Wildcats used a 5-2 lineup against Ole Miss and South Carolina and wentwith the 5-3 in the last three games.
The change has helped UK improve its run defense. In the first four games,opponents averaged 185.5 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. Sincebeginning the five-man front, the Wildcats have allowed 148.6 rushing yards per gameand 3.9 yards per carry.
UK Could Break Team TFL Record
The Kentucky defense is near a record pace to break the school record for totaltackles for loss in a season.
The Wildcats have 71 tackles for loss in eight games this season, an average of 7.9per game. If they continue at the same pace, they will break the mark of 88 total TFL(an average of 8.0 per game) set in 1998.
McCree, Robertson Among SEC Leaders
Linebacker Marlon McCree, defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, and defensiveend Matt Layow are among the Southeastern Conference defensive leaders.
Through games of Oct. 28, McCree led the SEC in tackles for loss with 14. Robertson was tied for second with 12.5 tackles for loss along with Anthony Sessions ofTennessee.
McCree was fourth in the league in quarterback sacks with 5.5. Jarret Johnson ofAlabama and John Henderson led the SEC with six sacks each. Tied for third withMcCree, at 5.5 sacks each, were Derrick Burgess of Mississippi and Matt Stewart ofVanderbilt.
Lorenzen Spreading the Wealth
Redshirt freshman quarterback Jared Lorenzen has done a good job ofdiversifying his receivers this season. Lorenzen has completed passes to at least 10different receivers in seven of the nine games this season.
Lorenzen Breaks SEC Freshman Passing Record, Two School Records vs. Georgia
Freshman quarterback Jared Lorenzen needed only eight games to break the SECfreshman passing yardage record.
Lorenzen’s 528 passing yards against Georgia gave him 2,710 this season, eclipsingthe SEC record of 2,484 yards by Quincy Carter of Georgia in 1998. Lorenzen hasincreased his total to 2,974 yards.
Lorenzen’s 528 passing yards broke the single-game school record of 499 yardsby Tim Couch at Arkansas in 1998. Lorenzen also had 525 yards total offense vs.Georgia, breaking Couch’s single-game school mark of 498 yards at Louisville in 1998.
Kelly Ties Pass Breakup Record
Senior cornerback Eric Kelly has tied the school’s career record for passbreakups. Kelly leads the team with six PBU this season, giving him 25 for his career tying Van Hiles’ mark of 25. Here is the UK career list for pass breakups.
Player, Years Pass Breakups1. Van Hiles, 1993-96 25 Eric Kelly, 1997-2000 253. Brad Armstead, 1989-92 21 Gary Willis, 1989-91 21
Kelly and Willis also share UK’s single-season PBU record of 13, which Kelly tiedlast season.
UK Remembers Claiborne
The University of Kentucky football program is honoring the memory of JerryClaiborne, former student-athlete, assistant coach, and head coach of the Wildcats, whodied on Sept. 24.
First, the Commonwealth Stadium flag was flown at half-mast through Sept. 28, thedate of Claiborne’s funeral. And, since the games of Sept. 30, the UK helmets featuredfootball-shaped black stickers with the initials JDC.
Claiborne played at Kentucky from 1946-49 as a defensive back, end, andblocking back. He still holds UK’s single-season record for interceptions with nine. Hewas an assistant coach under Paul Bear Bryant.
In 1982, with the program struggling because of NCAA probation and off-the fieldproblems, Claiborne returned to his alma mater. He led the Wildcats to the 1983 and1984 Hall of Fame Bowls and restored the integrity of the program on every front.
Claiborne retired from coaching following the 1989 season, but stayed involved atUK by helping raise the funds for the Nutter Field House, which opened in 1993.
Wildcats in the SEC Stats
Team and individual stats in the top three in the SEC:
Team
Passing Offense: 1st, 330.4 yards per game
Total Offense: 1st, 433.0 yards per game
FG Percentage: 3rd, 84.6 percent
First Downs: 2nd, 200 first downs
Individual
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 330.4 yards per game
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 336.4 yards per game
FG Percentage: Seth Hanson 2nd, 91.7 percent
FG Per Game: Seth Hanson 3rd, 1.22 FG per game
Wildcats in the NCAA Stats
Team and individual stats in the NCAA top 25:
Team
Passing Offense: 3rd, 330.4 yards per game
Total Offense: 16th, 433.0 yards per game
Fumble Recoveries: T8th, 13 recoveries
Individual
Pass Attempts: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 458 attempts
Comp. Per Game: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 29.3 comp. per gm.
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 2964 yards
Touchdown Passes: Jared Lorenzen T22nd, 15 passes
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 3rd, 336.4 yards per game
Points Responsible For: Jared Lorenzen 17th, 13.8 points responsible per game
FG Per Game: Seth Hanson T21st, 1.22 FG per game
Running Game More Effective
Kentucky’s running game is showing improved effectiveness this season. The Wildcats are averaging 102.6 yards per game in the 2000 campaign, up from75 yards per game last season. Even more important is the fact that UK fullbacks ChadScott and Artose Pinner the primary ballcarriers are averaging 4.9 and 4.8 yards percarry, respectively.
Offensive Line Growing
UK’s offensive line, with only one senior starter, has been an improved unit thisyear.
As mentioned in the previous note, rushing yardage is up from 75 yards per game to102.6 yards per game so far this season.
Pass protection has gotten better as well. UK has allowed just 16 quarterbacksacks in 476 passing plays this season a sack prevention ratio of 96.6 percent. Kentucky allowed 52 sacks last season.
Homer Looking to Move Up Charts; McCord Joins Century Club
Senior halfback Derek Homer ranks 11th in school history with 1,653 rushingyards. He needs 12 yards to eclipse Bill Leskovar (1,664) and reach the top 10.
Homer also has 122 career pass receptions and is third on the UK receiving list.
Senior wide receiver Quentin McCord has joined the century club with 103 catches.
Here is the UK career receiving chart: Player, Years Receptions1. Craig Yeast, 1995-98 2082. Anthony White, 1996-99 1943. Derek Homer, 1997-2000 1224. James Whalen, 1997-99 1205. Kevin Coleman, 1995-98 1076. Quentin McCord, 1996-2000 103
Block That Kick!
During the four seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of theKentucky defense, the Wildcats have blocked 11 opponent kicks, including eight fieldgoals, two punts, and one extra point. Here’s the list, with current Wildcats underlined:
1997, Indiana punt (Bob Holmberg)
1997, Alabama field goal (David Ginn)
1997, Georgia field goal (Jeff Zurcher)
1997, Georgia extra point (Lamont Smith)
1997, Louisiana State field goal (David Ginn)
1998, Arkansas field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1998, Louisiana State field goal (Jermaine White)
1999, Arkansas field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Mississippi State punt (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Syracuse field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Syracuse field goal (Jamal White)
A Note About the Defensive Statistics
There has been a change in how the Southeastern Conference is listing tackles forloss this season. The stat column tackles for loss combines tackles for loss on runningplays and quarterback sacks. In previous seasons, the tackles for loss column did notinclude QB sacks.
Defense Scoring, Too
During the four seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of the UKdefense, the defensive Cats have scored 10 times, including seven TDs, two safeties,and a two-point defensive PAT after a blocked extra point kick.
The UK defense has scored twice this season, Marlon McCree’s nine-yard fumblereturn at Louisville and Matt Layow’s 21-yard game-winning fumble return vs. Indiana.
Charting the Tendencies
Here are some tendencies that have generated success for the Wildcats in the fourseasons under Coach Hal Mumme. Kentucky’s record when:
UK scores 40+ points: 9-0
Opp. scores less than 30 points: 14-7
UK loses 0 or 1 turnover: 10-1
UK creates four or more turnovers: 6-3
UK rushes for more yards than opponent: 11-4
UK holds opp. to 100 or fewer rushing yards: 10-2
Scoring in the Blue Zone (20-and-in) Kentucky: Converted 26 of 32opportunities for 141 points (16 touchdowns, 10 field goals, three turnovers, one lost ondowns, one blocked field goal, one punt).
Opponents: Converted 32 of 41 opportunities for 183 points (22 touchdowns, 10field goals, four missed field goals, three turnovers, two held on downs).
Numbers Here, Numbers There
Here are some career statistical superlatives among current players, includingregular-season games only.
Most Games Played: 42 by Aaron Daniel, Derek Homer, Marlon McCree
Most Games Started: 32 by Willie Gary
100-Yard Rushing Games: 4 by Derek Homer, 2 by Chad Scott, 1 by Artose Pinner
100-Yard Receiving Games: 3 by Quentin McCord, 2 by Derek Smith, 1 by JimmyRobinson, 1 by Kendrick Shanklin
Games With Double-Figure Tackles: 6 by Willie Gary, 4 by Marlon McCree, 2 byRyan Murphy, 1 by David Johnson
Charting the Nailbiters
Under Coach Hal Mumme, UK has a 7-7 record in nailbiter games, i.e., gamesdecided by seven points or less. The Wildcats are 1-3 in nailbiters this season.
In overtime, UK is 1-1 under Mumme, a 40-34 home win over Alabama in 1997and a 40-34 setback at Louisville to open this season.
Honoring the Wildcats in 2000
Center Nolan DeVaughn was chosen for the All-America Farm Team sponsored by Successful Farming magazine.
QB Jared Lorenzen was named the SEC Player of the Week by USA Todayfollowing the Louisville game.
DE Matt Layow was chosen for the National Good Works Team by the AmericanFootball Coaches Association. Layow was one of only 11 players from Division I-Awho were honored for their community service.
WR Jimmy Robinson was named to the Southeastern Conference Good WorksTeam in recognition of his community service.
Freshman DT Jeremy Caudill was one of only four players chosen for the NationalHigh School Scholar-Athlete Award as selected by the National Football Foundationand Hall of Fame.
Long snapper Coleman Barnes, WR Mike Beirne, and WR Neal Brown haveearned nominations for the Verizon Academic All-America Team.
Kicker Seth Hanson was elected UK’s Homecoming King in a vote by thestudent body.
Head Coach Hal Mumme
Hal Mumme (Tarleton State, 1975) has a 20-24 record in his fourth season as headcoach of the Wildcats. Mumme was the first UK coach to have a winning record in hisfirst three seasons since Blanton Collier in 1954-56. Along with Paul Bear Bryant andJerry Claiborne both of whom are in the College Football Hall of Fame Mumme is oneof three coaches who has taken Kentucky to consecutive bowl games. He was voted1997 GTE Region 2 Coach of the Year by his peers in the American Football CoachesAssociation and named the 1999 South/Southwest Coach of the Year by FootballNews. He is in his 12th season as a collegiate head coach and has a record of 85-51-1(.624).
Mumme had a 40-17-1 mark from 1992-96 at Valdosta State, where he took theBlazers to the NCAA Division II national playoffs in 1994 and 1996. He was named1994 Georgia Coach of the Year by the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the 1996 GTERegion 2 Coach of the Year by the AFCA, and the 1996 Gulf South Conference Coachof the Year when the Blazers won the league title.
Mumme had a 25-10 record from 1989-91 at Iowa Wesleyan College. He tookhis team to the Steamboat Classic bowl game in 1989 and ’90 and to the NAIA nationalplayoffs in 1991. He was named the NAIA District Coach of the Year in 1989 and1991.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mumme is receiving plenty ofcompliments, as two of his former assistant coaches Mike Leach (Texas Tech) andChris Hatcher (Valdosta State) have been hired as head coaches with the hope ofduplicating the success of his system.
Mummeball
UK coach Hal Mumme is known for his unconventional ways. Here are someexamples of his off-the-beaten-path approach:
Throwing the football: Mumme’s offensive goal is to throw the ball to set up therun. His run-pass ratio at UK in 1997 was 36 percent run and 64 percent pass. In1998, the ratio was 37 percent run and 63 percent pass. In 1999 the ratio was 44percent run and 56 percent pass. This season, it has been 34 percent run and 66 percentpass.
Taking risks: See the note later on this page for fourth-down analysis.
Limited hitting in practice: The Wildcats had four scrimmages in the spring andnone in August. The Wildcats do some live tackling work in practice, but there is noscrimmaging.
We’re not going to get anybody hurt if we can help it, Mumme says. Why get hurt during the week when you’re going to playon Saturday?
Mummeball is more classroom than battlefield, wrote John Clay of the LexingtonHerald-Leader in 1997. The head coach is not a Schwarzkopf but an alchemist, busyturning ordinary metals into gold.
The approach paid off with fewer injuries in 1997, when only four players on thetwo-deep depth chart missed games because of injury. Seven players missed at leastone game via injury in 1998 and 11 in 1999. By comparison, a total of 18 playersmissed games because of injury in 1996 under a conventional practice system.
Punting the ball out of bounds: UK’s punts are designed to go near the sidelineor out of bounds. The strategy improved Kentucky’s net punting from 32.7 yards perpunt in 1996 to 37 yards per punt in 1997. In 1998, Kentucky improved to 37.4 netyards per punt. The Wildcats set a school record last season with 39.92 net yards perpunt.
Playing true freshmen: Mumme believes in playing true freshmen. In his firstthree seasons at UK, 62 percent of his true freshmen played in their first season.
Junior varsity team: Mumme continues to field a junior varsity team again thisseason. See the next column for a story on the JV squad.
Fourth-Down Analysis
In four seasons under Hal Mumme, UK has gone for it on fourth down 134 timesand made it 66 times.
The 66 successes have helped lead to 35 touchdowns and six field goals forKentucky. The 68 missed attempts have resulted in 20 touchdowns and three field goalson the ensuing opponent possessions.
Kentucky has made 9 of 14 fake punts under Mumme.
The Wildcats have made 13 of 25 fourth-down attempts this season.
UK Football History
The Kentucky Wildcats are in their 110th season of intercollegiate football. Thefirst Southeastern Conference school to introduce football (1881), Kentucky has anall-time record of 519-495-44 (.511).
Kentucky has two SEC championships, 1950 and 1976. The Wildcats have beento nine bowl games, including the last two seasons. Kentucky’s highest in-seasonnational ranking is third, by The Associated Press, on Nov. 20, 1950. UK’s highest finalranking is sixth in the AP poll in 1977.
Junior Varsity Team Returns
One of Coach Hal Mumme’s innovations in 1997 was the start of a junior varsityteam. The team is comprised primarily of walk-ons, in addition to a few scholarshipplayers who are not being redshirted.
The 2000 team is coached by graduate assistants Rob Manchester and JohnSchlarman and student coaches Randy Garver and Tramaine Gaines. Manchester ishead coach and defensive coordinator and Schlarman is the offensive coordinator.
Here is the 2000 JV results and schedule:
Mon. Sept. 18 Georgetown 42, UKJV 13 (A)
Mon. Sept. 25 Campbellsville postponed, weather
Mon. Oct. 2 Georgetown 38, UKJV 14 (H)
Mon. Oct. 9 at Eastern Kentucky cancelled
Mon. Oct. 16 UKJV 21, St. Francis 17 (H)
Thurs. Oct. 26 Hargrave Military Acad. 9, UKJV 5 (H)
Mon. Oct. 30 UKJV 44, Campbellsville 13 (H)
Thurs. Nov. 9 at Pikeville College Club 7:00
Catscellaneous
Team captains for 2000 on offense are HB Derek Homer, WRQuentin McCord, WR Jimmy Robinson, and OT Omar Smith. Defensive captainsinclude DB Willie Gary, CB Eric Kelly, LB Marlon McCree, and DT Grayson Smith.
Kentucky is in its 28th season in Commonwealth Stadium. TheWildcats have a record of 95-74-4 (.561) in Commonwealth since the stadium openedin 1973. Kentucky is 13-10 (.565) at home under Coach Hal Mumme.
UK has led or tied for the league lead in most players on the SECAcademic Honor Roll in 10 of the last 16 years.
Six current players are walk-ons who were awarded fullscholarships WR Neal Brown, WR Alex Herman, WR Gary Hughes, QB Mark Perry,DE Grayson Smith and SS Patrick Wiggins. Mumme has awarded 17 scholarships towalk-ons while at UK.
The Kentucky cheerleaders won an unprecedented 10th nationalchampionship at the 2000 Universal Cheerleaders Association competition in January. The Wildcats cheerleaders have won the last six national titles – 1995, 1996, 1997,1998, 1999, and 2000.
Wildcats on the Web
Visit the official University of Kentucky Athletics web site at www.ukathletics.com.
The official Southeastern Conference web site is www.secsports.com.
Position-by-Position with the Wildcats
Offense
Kentucky is third in the nation in passing offense, 330.4 yards per game, and16th nationally in total offense, 433 yards per game UK leads the SEC in bothcategories UK has led the SEC in passing offense all three previous seasons underCoach Hal Mumme The Wildcats’ best effort of the season was a 620-yard totaloffense performance against Georgia, which had come into the game leading the SEC intotal defense, allowing just 268 yards per game.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has made progress since last season Rushing yardage is up26 yards per game The Wildcats allowed 52 quarterback sacks last season, but only16 so far this year The Wildcats have a sack prevention ratio of 96.6 percent,third-best in the SEC.
Matt Brown Starting left tackle has had injury problems this season, missing fourgames Sustained a sprained ankle against Louisville and missed the South Floridagame Dislocated his shoulder at Mississippi and missed three more games Playedlast week vs. Mississippi State Did not begin playing football until his sophomore yearof high school Hobby is working on vintage cars.
Keith Chatelain Took over at center when Nolan DeVaughn was lost for theseason with a knee injury in the Louisville game Has started the last eight games Has handled the shotgun snap well.
Aaron Daniel Fifth-year senior who is the utility reserve in the offensive line Can play center or either guard position.
Nolan DeVaughn UK’s starting center suffered a knee injury in the Louisvillegame and is lost for the season.
Antonio Hall True freshman has started every game at right tackle One of thenation’s most highly sought lineman prospects a year ago Has excellent musicalaptitude, plays the piano, and is a gifted singer Member of the Lexington Singers, acommunity choral group.
Josh Parrish Has started six games, twice at left guard and four games at rightguard Played every offensive snap of the 1999 season at right guard.
Kip Sixbery Has started seven games at left guard Played every down of the1999 season at left guard, and at the age of 17 was the youngest full-time starter inDivision I-A football.
Omar Smith UK’s only senior starter in the offensive line Moved from righttackle to right guard for the 2000 season and is well-regarded as a pro prospect Hoped to play only at right guard this season, but injury problems have required him to fill in at both tackle slots as well Played left tackle infour games when Matt Brown was sidelined by injuries Played every down of the1999 season at right tackle One of four Wildcats who have graduated already andhas his degree in social work.
Tight Ends
Chase Harp Reserve tight end sustained a broken leg vs. Mississippi State andis out for the season Had 11 catches for 134 yards, including a long of 35 yards vs.Indiana Missed the Mississippi and South Carolina games because of a sprainedankle Came to UK as a quarterback and moved to tight end in the spring of 1999.
Derek Smith Starting tight end is the team’s leading receiver with 41 catches for610 yards and four TDs and a pair of two-point conversions Ranks fifth in the SECwith 4.6 receptions per game Caught five passes for 108 yards vs. Georgia and sixfor 102 vs. Mississippi State Had an 89-yard play against Georgia that is the thirdlongest pass play in school history Had a career-high eight catches at Florida.
Wide Receivers
Derek Abney Shares the X receiver position with Quentin McCord Has 32catches for 355 yards and three TDs Best game came vs. South Florida with fivecatches for 62 yards and two TDs Longest play this season was a 50-yard TD atMississippi Wears uniform No. 12 in honor of his childhood best friend, EzraHartinger, who died when they were in seventh grade.
Dougie Allen Starting Z receiver has made a remarkable recovery from theknee injury and reconstructive surgery that occurred in Oct. 1999 Has 20 catches for255 yards and two TDs Missed the Mississippi game because of a strainedhamstring.
Bobby Blizzard Starting H receiver has caught 21 passes for 176 yards Hasworked hard to lose approximately 20 pounds and improve his conditioning sincearriving at UK in Jan. 1999.
Neal Brown Reserve Z receiver has caught six passes for 25 yards Got hisfirst collegiate touchdown on a two-yard catch against South Carolina, one of only twopassing TDs allowed by the Gamecocks this season Has earned a nomination for theAcademic All-America team.
Anthony Kelly Reserve receiver has six catches for 46 yards Also does agreat job covering punts and has six tackles this season.
Quentin McCord Shares the X position with Derek Abney Has been abig-play receiver for the Wildcats with 36 receptions for 613 yards and four TDs,averaging 17.0 yards per catch Has five plays of 45 yards or more this season andthree 100-yard games Set career highs with seven catches for 126 yards vs. Georgia Has 103 career receptions, the sixth player in school history to reach the centurymark.
Jimmy Robinson Playing in a rare sixth year to complete his eligibility, as hemissed the 1996 and 1999 seasons because of injuries Once again, has become Mr.November for UK football Had one reception for five yards in the first eight gamesof the season, then grabbed four for 55 yards against Mississippi State on Nov. 4 Inseven November games during his career, he has 36 receptions for 422 yards and twotouchdowns more than half of his total career output (66-711-4 TD) One of fourWildcats who have graduated already and has diploma in the field of social work Named to the SEC Good Works Team in honor of his community service.
Running Backs
Derek Homer Sees action at halfback Has gained 103 rushing yards Ranks 11th in school history with 1,653 rushing yards, needing only 11 more yards toreach the top 10 Third on the team in receptions with 31 for 274 yards Has 122pass receptions in his career, ranking third in school history Needs only 15 morereceiving yards to hit the 1,000-yard mark for his career Coaches also have laudedhis excellent blocking.
Martez Johnson Got the starting call at fullback at LSU in the absence of injuredChad Scott Gained 53 yards on 11 carries at LSU and also caught three passes for20 yards.
Artose Pinner Started the first two games at fullback Came off the bench atFlorida to rush for 125 yards on 17 carries, the first 100-yard game of his collegiatecareer Team’s second leading rusher with 188 yards on 39 carries, averaging 4.8yards per attempt Also has nine receptions for 28 yards.
Chad Scott True freshman got his first collegiate start in the Indiana game and hasstarted five times Team’s leading rusher with 472 yards on 97 carries, averaging 4.9per attempt, and has four touchdowns Rushed for 106 yards in the win over SouthFlorida Gained 63 yards vs. Indiana and scored his first two collegiate touchdowns Had 170 yards against South Carolina, 85 rushing and 85 receiving Missed theLSU game because of a sprained ankle Notched a season-high 117 yards vs.Mississippi State.
Ernest Simms Enjoyed his best collegiate game vs. his homestate school, Georgia Took a short pass and weaved his way 86 yards for a touchdown against theBulldogs, the fifth-longest pass play in school history Also had a 21-yard run againstthe Bulldogs Has three rushes for 40 yards this season and six receptions for 120yards Has noteworthy speed.
Quarterbacks
Shane Boyd True freshman who is a fine prospect and has a very strong arm Coaches hope to redshirt him.
Jared Lorenzen Has completed 264 of 458 passes for 2,974 yards and 15touchdowns Leads the nation in completions per game, is second in passing yardage,and third in total offense Leads the SEC in total offense and passing yardage Already has broken the SEC single-season freshman record for passing yardage Needs just 18 more completions to break the NCAA single-season record forcompletions by a freshman Has thrown for at least 300 yards in six of nine games Named the SEC Player of the Week by USA Today following his performance in theseason opener at Louisville Broke two single-game school records against Georgiawith 528 passing yards and 525 yards total offense The 528 passing yards is secondin SEC history and most ever in an SEC vs. SEC game The 525 yards total offense isthird in league history Was chosen as the preseason SEC Newcomer of the Year aspredicted by the Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook.
At 6-4, 275 pounds, Lorenzen might be the largest regular starting quarterback incollege history Was born 13 pounds, three ounces Has been a quarterback sincebeginning to play organized football at age five Has remarkable agility for a player hissize and rushed for 194 yards, with a net of 54 yards after sack yardage deducted Has rushed for five touchdowns Has run the quarterback sneak 16 times this season,making 10 first downs and three touchdowns Has avoided several sacks because ofhis size and strength, which have enabled him to get rid of the ball despite pressure.
Mark Perry Team’s backup quarterback Also the holder for placekicks.
Defense
The Wildcat defenders are fourth in the SEC in quarterback sacks with 21 TheCats are tied for eighth nationally in fumble recoveries with 13 The Wildcat defensehas scored twice this season on fumble returns The UK defense has 71 tackles forloss this season and could break the school record of 88 TFL set in 1998 UK led theSEC in turnover takeaways last season with 31.
Defensive Line
Jeremy Caudill True freshman has started every game in the defensive line Started four games at defensive tackle and the last five at nose guard when the Wildcatsswitched to a five-man front Has 18 tackles, including a season high of four againstIndiana Has 5.5 tackles for loss, including his first collegiate sack in the Indiana game Has remarkable physical gifts of strength and speed, which enable him to play as atrue freshman In September, was one of only four players chosen for the NationalHigh School Scholar-Athlete Award as selected by the National Football Foundation. He will receive his award at the annual NFF honors program in New York City inDecember.
Chris Demaree Hopes to return this week after missing the Mississippi Stategame because of an ankle sprain Has 26 tackles Has five tackles for loss (-21),including a sack at Louisville Is a cousin of Lonny Demaree, a sportswriter for theCommunity Voice newspaper in Lexington.
Otis Grigsby Has played in every game and started five games Has 17tackles, including four quarterback sacks (-33 yards) Caused two fumbles againstMississippi State, both recovered by the Wildcats.
Dennis Johnson Sidelined by a high ankle sprain in the Louisville game Hasnot played since the opener Second-team All-SEC performer last season.
Matt Layow Senior end has played outstanding football so far this season Leads the defensive linemen with 38 tackles Third on the team in total tackles for loss(11.5 for -48) and is second in quarterback sacks (4.5 for -33) Also has three fumblerecoveries With two minutes to go against Indiana, he picked up a fumble andrumbled 21 yards for the game-winning touchdown It was his second touchdown as aWildcat, also scoring on a six-yard interception return at Florida in 1998 Has twointerceptions during his career The brightest moment of his career came in the summerof 1999, while visiting his girlfriend in Lexington, when he saved the life of a chokingbaby Dedicated to community service and is one of only 11 players in NCAADivision I-A chosen for the National Good Works Team as selected by the AmericanFootball Coaches Association.
Dewayne Robertson True freshman defensive tackle has played very well Thehero of the Indiana game, causing two fumbles, both of which resulted in Wildcat TDs His last fumble caused came with two minutes remaining in the game, and the loose ballwas returned 21 yards by Matt Layow for the game-winning touchdown Has totaled33 tackles on the season Has a knack for penetrating the offensive line Rankssecond in the SEC, behind teammate Marlon McCree, in tackles for loss with 12.5 (for51 yards) Picked off an interception against Mississippi State.
John Robinson Moved into the starting lineup the last four games when theWildcats switched to a five-man line Had a career-high five tackles, including one forloss, at LSU Has 14 tackles on the season.
Nick Seitze Reserve defensive tackle has made nine tackles this season.
Grayson Smith Began the season as a reserve tackle, then moved to end whenDennis Johnson was hurt in order to provide more depth Has made six tackles,including one for loss Reached the semifinals of the heavyweight division of the 2000National Boxing Championships held in April.
Linebackers
Chris Gayton Was the starter at strongside linebacker until sustaining a sprainedknee at Florida Missed two games and returned vs. LSU Has 22 tackles,including a career-high nine at Louisville Has three tackles for loss (-10), includingone sack.
Marlon McCree The starter at weakside linebacker His outstanding speedand blitzing can create havoc with opposing offenses Leads the team lead in tackles(73), tackles for loss (15 for -79), and quarterback sacks (5.5 for 39) Leads theSEC in tackles for loss Recovered two fumbles at Louisville, returning one of themnine yards for a touchdown Had 10 tackles vs. South Florida, four for loss, includingtwo QB sacks Also had two sacks at Florida Notched a career-high 17 tackles atMississippi Has accounted for 211 yards of opponent losses during his career One of four Wildcats who has already graduated and has a degree in finance.
Ryan Murphy Has started all nine games at middle linebacker Has 54 tackles,including four for loss Had a season-high 13 tackles at Mississippi and also caused aRebel fumble Had 12 stops at LSU.
Jamal White Sees action as the backup middle linebacker and at outsidelinebacker Has 18 tackles this season, including three for loss Had a season-highsix stops against South Florida and LSU Has two pass breakups.
Defensive Backs
Willie Gary Now starting at free safety after starting the first two games atcornerback in place of the injured Kenneth Grant Has totaled 59 tackles and threepass breakups this season, second on the team in both categories Grabbed a passinterception against Mississippi State Intelligent player who has played every positionin the secondary during his career at UK Has 32career starts, more than any currentWildcat.
Kenneth Grant Missed the first two games while recovering from an ankle sprainsuffered on the first day of practice Aug. 11 Played in the next six games and had 16tackles, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery Sustained a broken thumb in practiceon Oct. 26, but is able to play with a protective cast.
David Johnson Has played every game, including five starts at strong safety Fourth on the team in tackles with 40 and made a career-high 13 stops against Indiana Also had a pass breakup against the Hoosiers Has three tackles for loss (-5) Has made an excellent recovery after sustaining a broken orbital bone (eye socket) in the1999 season opener The injury threatened his career, but he made a full recovery.
Eric Kelly In his third year as a starting cornerback and is an outstanding coverman Playing with a broken thumb sustained in the opener at Louisville Has 27tackles and a team-high six pass breakups this season Has 25 pass breakups in hiscareer, tying the school career record Had 13 PBU last year, tying the single-seasonschool record One of four Wildcats who have already graduated and has his degreein social work.
Derrick Tatum Has started two of the last three games Has made 33 tacklesthis season Tied his career high with seven tackles vs. South Carolina and also had afumble recovery.
Anthony Wajda Started the first two games of the season at free safety and nowplays as a reserve Has 19 tackles and one interception Second-team All-SEC lastseason when he had five interceptions and three pass breakups and was SEC DefensivePlayer of the Week vs. Louisiana State.
Patrick Wiggins Started the opener at strong safety and now plays as a reserve Has 21 tackles this season Recovered an onside kick vs. Mississippi State SEC Defensive Player of the Week last season in the bowl-clinching win at Vanderbilt.
Special Teams
Coleman Barnes Team’s long snapper on punts and placekicks In his first year on the varsity after playing for the junior varsity lastseason Has earned a nomination for the Verizon Academic All-AmericaTeam.
Seth Hanson Team’s starting punter for the first eight games Has been handling field goals and extra points since the South Floridagame He is the first Wildcat to handle both roles since All-AmericanLou Michaels handled punting and kicking in 1957 Is in his first seasonpunting since his senior year of high school (1996) Averaging 37.1yards per punt, with eight landing inside the 20-yard line Has made 11of 12 field goal attempts, with a long of 40 yards, and is 19-20 on extrapoints Had a career-high three field goals vs. Georgia Ranks third inthe SEC and 21st nationally with 1.22 field goals per game Second inthe SEC in field goal percentage (91.7 percent) Was the team’sstarting kicker in 1997 and 1998 before going through an injury redshirtseason last year Has made 26 of 34 field goals in his career HoldsUK career records for extra points made (97) and attempted (102) In1998, set UK single-season records for extra points made (48) andattempted (51) and for most points made by a kicker (81) President ofthe school’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Named tothe 1999 National Good Works Team by the American Football CoachesAssociation in honor of his community service The UK 2000Homecoming King as elected by the student body.
Glenn Pakulak Saw his first varsity action by punting in theMississippi State game Performed impressively, with four punts for a40.2-yard average, with none of the punts returned His first punt wasdowned on the State three-yard line.
Clint Ruth True freshman has kicked off 30 times, with 24returned, three out of bounds, three touchbacks, and one onsides.
Brandon Sanders Has kicked off 12 times, with 10 returned, oneonside and one touchback Also handled placekicking against Louisvilleand made both extra point attempts.
Stephen Scaldaferri Saw his first varsity action by handlingkickoff duties vs. Mississippi State Kicked off three times, with onetouchback and two returned Earned his chance by kicking offimpressively for the UK junior varsity team.
Kendrick Shanklin UK’s primary kickoff and punt returner Averaging 20.5 yards on kickoff returns Averaging 1.1 yards on puntreturns Led the SEC last season in punt returns with a 13.5-yardaverage, including a TD return vs. Louisiana State.
