2000 Kentucky Wildcats Football
Kentucky (2-4, 0-3) at LSU (3-3, 1-2)
Oct. 14, 2000, 8 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. CDT
Tiger Stadium (cap. 91,600)
Wildcats Headlines
Wildcats travel to Baton Rouge and will play for the first time in theexpanded Tiger Stadium
UK hoping an unprecedented third straight win over LSU
UK seventh in the nation in passing offense
UK defense is sixth in the nation in fumbles recovered, third in the SEC inquarterback sacks
On the Tube
Live The game will be available in Kentucky on a live pay-per-viewbasis. Rob Bromley will call the play-by-play and Bill Ransdell will provideanalysis. Delay None.
How to Order the Pay-Per-View Telecast
Many cable systems in the state of Kentucky are scheduled to carry theLSU telecast through the VideoSeat pay-per-view service. Fans should contacttheir local cable system to receive price information and to order the game. Notall cable systems in Kentucky will carry the telecast.
Home satellite dish owners (large C-band dishes) located outside theservice areas of the participating cable systems may order the game by calling800-887-8277.
The game will be made available to Dish Network satellite owners onchannel 461. No phone orders will be taken for Dish Network subscribers. They can order the game by following instructions on the television screen priorto kickoff on game day. Dish Network is the only small-dish service that willhave the telecast. The game will not be available on DirectTV, PrimeStar, etc.
Southeastern Conference rules prevent the game from being madeavailable to fans outside the state of Kentucky except for official alumni groupsthat have been approved by the University. There are no exceptions to thisrule. Official alumni groups should contact the University of Kentucky alumnioffice (859-257-8905) to receive approval. The cost per alumni group is $225.
On the Radio
The University of Kentucky Football Radio Network will carry thebroadcast on approximately 80 stations. The network includes new flagshipstations WLAP (630 AM) and WBUL (98.1 FM) in Lexington and 50,000-wattstations WHAS (840 AM) and WSAI (1530 AM).
Tom Leach calls the play-by-play for the Wildcats. Former Wildcat starJeff Van Note 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 (2-4, 0-3 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 at Louisiana State, 8:00 p.m.Oct. 21 Georgia, 7:00 p.m.Oct. 28 openNov. 4 Mississippi State (Homecoming), 1:30 p.m.Nov. 11 Vanderbilt, 1:30 p.m.Nov. 18 at Tennessee, time TBA(all times Eastern and subject to change)
LSU Results and Schedule (3-3, 1-2 SEC)Sept. 2 LSU 58, Western Carolina 0 (H)Sept. 9 LSU 28, Houston 13 (H)Sept. 16 Auburn 34, LSU 17 (A)Sept. 23 Alabama-Birmingham 13, LSU 10 (H)Sept. 30 LSU 38, Tennessee 31 (H-OT)Oct. 7 Florida 41, LSU 9 (A)Oct. 14 KentuckyOct. 21 Mississippi StateOct. 28 openNov. 4 AlabamaNov. 11 at MississippiNov. 18 at Arkansas
The SeriesOverall: LSU leads 34-15-1Current Streak: UK has won two in a rowFirst Meeting: 1949, UK 19-0 in Baton RougeLast Meeting: 1999, UK 31-5 in LexingtonLast LSU Win: 1997, 63-28 in LexingtonIn Baton Rouge: LSU leads 20-5-1Series Notes: Since the series began in 1949, the teams have played every yearexcept 1951 LSU’s longest win streak was 13 games, 1961-73 UK’slongest win streak is two games, 1949-50, 1992-93, and 1998-99.
How Experienced are the Tentative Starters? Sr. Jr. Soph. RFr. Fr.UK 7 3 7 1 4LSU 5 9 6 2 0
Last Year vs. Louisiana State
The Kentucky defense turned in another strong performance in leading theWildcats to a third straight victory, a 31-5 Homecoming triumph over LouisianaState.
It was the first time that the Wildcats had held LSU without a touchdownsince 1960. It was the lowest defensive point total of the Hal Mumme era. The defense limited the visitors to 227 yards and intercepted three passes.
FS Anthony Wajda paced the defense with a team-high eight tackles, twointerceptions, and a pass breakup on the goal line. His third-quarter pickoff setup a touchdown run by Derek Homer.
CB Eric Kelly had four pass breakups, tying the single-season schoolrecord with 13. LB Marlon McCree also had an interception and a tackle forloss and DE Matt Layow had three tackles for loss, including a pair of sacks.
Special teams also made a big contribution as Kendrick Shanklin startedthe scoring in the first quarter with a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown.
On offense, Kentucky set a school record by surpassing the 30-point markin the third straight game against an SEC opponent.
QB Dusty Bonner completed 26 of 41 passes for 294 yards. AnthonyWhite totaled 133 rushing and receiving yards, including a 34-yard touchdownrun. FB Derek Homer rushed for 31 yards and two TDs.
Injury Report
LB Chris Gayton (sprained knee) questionable
TE Chase Harp (sprained ankle) questionable
WR Jimmy Robinson (hamstring) questionable
FB Chad Scott (sprained ankle) questionable
OT Matt Brown (disl. shoulder) out indefinitely
DE Dennis Johnson (ankle) out indefinitely
C Nolan DeVaughn (knee) out indefinitely
Louisiana Ties
Kentucky has three players from Louisiana. Sophomore Keith Chatelain(Kenner) is the Wildcats’ starting center. True freshman wide receiver JustinHermes (Shreveport) is going through a redshirt season. Junior KendrickShanklin (Baton Rouge) returns punts and kickoffs and also has seen action asa reserve halfback.
Charting the Tendencies
Here are some tendencies that have generated success for the Wildcats inthe four seasons under Coach Hal Mumme. Kentucky’s record when:
UK scores 40+ points: 9-0
UK scores 30+ points: 17-5
Opp. scores less than 30 points: 14-7
UK loses 0 or 1 turnover: 10-1
UK is plus or even in turnover margin: 14-4
UK creates four or more turnovers: 6-2
UK rushes for more yards than opponent: 11-2
UK holds opp. to 100 or fewer rushing yards: 10-1
Night Games
Kentucky has an all-time record of 99-100-4 in night games, including1-3 this season.
UK Remembers Claiborne
The University of Kentucky football program is honoring the memory ofJerry Claiborne, former student-athlete, assistant coach, and head coach of theWildcats, who died on Sept. 24.
First, the Commonwealth Stadium flag was flown at half-mast throughSept. 28, the date of Claiborne’s funeral. And, in the last two games, theplayers’ helmets featured football-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 withnine. He was an assistant coach under Paul Bear Bryant.
In 1982, with the program struggling because of NCAA probation andoff-the field problems, Claiborne returned to his alma mater. He led theWildcats to the 1983 and 1984 Hall of Fame Bowls and restored the integrity ofthe program on every front.
Claiborne retired from coaching following the 1989 season, but stayedinvolved at UK by helping raise the funds for construction of the Nutter FieldHouse, which opened in 1993.
Wildcats Adjusting to New Defense
After the Florida game on Sept. 23, the UK coaching staff switched to a5-2 defensive alignment, replacing the 4-3 scheme that had been used.
The Wildcats first used the 5-2 alignment at Mississippi. The defensestruggled early, but got better as the game went along and allowed only a fieldgoal in the second half.
Against South Carolina, UK gave up 20 points. The Wildcats postedseveral stops in the second half with the game on the line.
In the last six quarters with the new lineup, the Wildcats have allowed just23 points.
Wildcats in the SEC Stats
Team and individual stats in the top three in the SEC:
Team
Passing Offense: 2nd, 317 yards per game
Total Offense: 2nd, 415.7 yards per game
PAT Kicking: T1st, 100 percent
Quarterback Sacks: 3rd, 19 sacks
First Downs: 2nd, 129 first downs
Fourth-Down Conversions: T3rd, 66.7 percent
Individual
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 317 yards per game
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 323.8 yards per game
Kickoff Returns: Kendrick Shanklin 2nd, 23.6 per return
PAT Percentage: Seth Hanson, T1st, 100 percent
FG Percentage: Seth Hanson T1st, 100 percent
Wildcats in the NCAA Stats
Team and individual stats in the NCAA top 25:
Team
Passing Offense: 7th, 317 yards per game
Total Offense: 25th, 415.7 yards per game
Fumble Recoveries: T6th, 10 recoveries
Individual
Pass Attempts: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 292 attempts
Comp. Per Game: Jared Lorenzen 2nd, 28.5 comp. per gm.
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 3rd, 1902 yards
Touchdown Passes: Jared Lorenzen T7th, 12 TD passes
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 3rd, 323.8 yards per game
Points Responsible For: Jared Lorenzen 10th, 16.3 points responsible per game
Running Game More Effective
Kentucky’s running game is showing improved effectiveness so far thisseason.
The Wildcats are averaging 98.7 yards per game in the 2000 campaign, upfrom 75 yards per game last season. Even more important is the fact that UKfullbacks Chad Scott and Artose Pinner the primary ballcarriers are averaging5.0 and 4.8 yards per carry, respectively.
Offensive Line Growing
UK’s offensive line, with only one senior starter, has been an improvedunit this year.
As mentioned in the previous note, rushing yardage is up from 75 yardsper game to 98.7 yards per game so far this season.
Pass protection has gotten better as well. UK has allowed just 10quarterback sacks in 304 passing plays this season a sack prevention ratio of96.7 percent. Kentucky allowed 52 sacks last season.
Homer Looking to Move Up Charts Senior halfback Derek Homer ranks 11th in school history with 1,613rushing yards. He needs 52 yards to eclipse Bill Leskovar (1,664) and reachthe top 10.
Homer also has 112 career pass receptions and is fourth on the UKreceiving list.
Here is the UK career receiving chart: Player, Years Receptions1. Craig Yeast, 1995-98 2082. Anthony White, 1996-99 1943. James Whalen, 1997-99 1204. Derek Homer, 1997-2000 1125. Kevin Coleman, 1995-98 107
Starting Em Young
Coach Hal Mumme isn’t afraid to play true freshmen immediately. Infact, Mumme has started at least one true freshman in the season opener eachseason at Kentucky.
In 1997, running back Derek Homer and safety Willie Gary started theirfirst games as Wildcats. In ’98, safety David Johnson got the starting call in theopener. Last season, guard Kip Sixbery started the opener.
This year, freshman defensive tackles Jeremy Caudill and DewayneRobertson and offensive tackle Antonio Hall have started every game.
Another true freshman has joined the lineup as running back Chad Scottstarted the last three games.
Kelly Nearing Pass Breakup Record
Senior cornerback Eric Kelly is nearing the school’s career record forpass breakups. Kelly leads the team with four PBU this season, giving him 23for his career just two shy of Van Hiles’ mark of 25.
Here is the UK career list for pass breakups. Player, Years Pass Breakups1. Van Hiles, 1993-96 252. Eric Kelly, 1997-2000 233. Brad Armstead, 1989-92 21 Gary Willis, 1989-91 21
Kelly and Willis also share UK’s single-season PBU record of 13, whichKelly tied last season.
A Note About the Defensive Statistics
There has been a change in how the Southeastern Conference is listingtackles for loss this season. The stat column tackles for loss combinestackles for loss on running plays and quarterback sacks. In previous seasons,the tackles for loss column did not include QB sacks.
Checking the Defensive Progress
The Kentucky defense has shown improvement each season since CoachHal Mumme and defensive coordinator Mike Major took over in 1997. Here’sa chart of the progress:
1997 1998 1999 Yards Per Game Allowed 392.3 386.1 373.7 Points Per Game Allowed 32.9 30.9 29.4Turnovers Gained 20 16 31
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 eightfield goals, two punts, and one extra point. Here’s the list, with currentWildcats 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)
Defense Scoring, Too
During the four seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of theKentucky defense, the defensive Cats have scored 10 times, including seventouchdowns, two safeties, and a two-point defensive PAT after a blocked extrapoint kick.
The Kentucky defense has scored twice this season, Marlon McCree’snine-yard fumble return at Louisville and Matt Layow’s 21-yard game-winningfumble return vs. Indiana.
Scoring in the Blue Zone (20-and-in) Kentucky: Converted 19 of23 opportunities for 108 points (13 touchdowns, six field goals, one turnover, onelost on downs, one blocked field goal, one punt).
Opponents: Converted 22 of 28 opportunities for 125 points (15touchdowns, seven field goals, two turnovers, two held on downs, two missedfield goals).
Numbers Here, Numbers There
Here are some various career statistical superlatives among currentplayers, including regular-season games only.Most Games Played: 39 by Aaron Daniel, Derek Homer, Marlon McCreeMost Games Started: 29 by Willie Gary100-Yard Rushing Games: 4 by Derek Homer, 1 by Chad Scott, 1 by ArtosePinner100-Yard Receiving Games: 2 by Quentin McCord, 1 by Jimmy Robinson, 1by Kendrick ShanklinGames With Double-Figure Tackles: 5 by Willie Gary, 3 by MarlonMcCree, 1 by Ryan Murphy, 1 by David Johnson
Charting the Nailbiters
Under Coach Hal Mumme, UK has a 7-6 record in nailbiter games, i.e.,games decided by seven points or less. The Wildcats are 1-2 in nailbiters thisseason.
In overtime, UK is 1-1 under Mumme, a 40-34 home win over Alabama in1997 and a 40-34 setback at Louisville to open this season.
Head Coach Hal Mumme
Hal Mumme (Tarleton State, 1975) has a 20-21 record in his fourth seasonas head coach of the Wildcats. Mumme was the first UK coach to have awinning record in his first three seasons since Blanton Collier in 1954-56. Alongwith Paul Bear Bryant and Jerry Claiborne both of whom are in the CollegeFootball Hall of Fame Mumme is one of three coaches who has takenKentucky to consecutive bowl games. He was voted 1997 GTE Region 2Coach of the Year by his peers in the American Football Coaches Associationand named the 1999 South/Southwest Coach of the Year by Football News. He is in his 12th season as a collegiate head coach and has a record of 85-48-1(.638).
Mumme had a 40-17-1 mark from 1992-96 at Valdosta State, where hetook the Blazers to the NCAA Division II national playoffs in 1994 and 1996. He was named 1994 Georgia Coach of the Year by the Georgia Sports Hall ofFame, the 1996 GTE Region 2 Coach of the Year by the AFCA, and the 1996Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year when the Blazers won the leaguetitle.
Mumme had a 25-10 record from 1989-91 at Iowa Wesleyan College. Hetook his team to the Steamboat Classic bowl game in 1989 and ’90 and to theNAIA national playoffs in 1991. He was named the NAIA District Coach ofthe Year in 1989 and 1991.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mumme is receivingplenty of compliments, as two of his former assistant coaches Mike Leach(Texas Tech) and Chris Hatcher (Valdosta State) have been hired as headcoaches with the hope of duplicating the success of his system.
Mummeball
UK coach Hal Mumme is known for his unconventional ways. Here aresome examples of his off-the-beaten-path approach:
Throwing the football: Mumme’s offensive goal is to throw the ball toset up the run. His run-pass ratio at UK in 1997 was 36 percent run and 64percent pass. In 1998, the ratio was 37 percent run and 63 percent pass. In1999 the ratio was 44 percent run and 56 percent pass.
Taking risks: See the note later on this page for fourth-down analysis.
Limited hitting in practice: The Wildcats had four scrimmages in thespring and none in August. The Wildcats do some live tackling work inpractice, but there is no scrimmaging.
We’re not going to get anybody hurt if we can help it, Mumme says. Why get hurt during the week when you’regoing to play on Saturday?
Mummeball is more classroom than battlefield, wrote John Clay of theLexington Herald-Leader in 1997. The head coach is not a Schwarzkopfbut an alchemist, busy turning ordinary metals into gold.
The approach paid off with fewer injuries in 1997, when only four playerson the two-deep depth chart missed games because of injury. Seven playersmissed at least one game via injury in 1998 and 11 in 1999. By comparison, atotal of 18 players missed games because of injury in 1996 under a conventionalpractice system.
Punting the ball out of bounds: UK’s punts are designed to go nearthe sideline or out of bounds. The strategy improved Kentucky’s net puntingfrom 32.7 yards per punt in 1996 to 37 yards per punt in 1997. In 1998,Kentucky improved to 37.4 net yards per punt. The Wildcats set a schoolrecord last season with 39.92 net yards per punt.
Playing true freshmen: Mumme believes in playing true freshmen. Inhis first three seasons at UK, 62 percent of his true freshmen played in theirfirst season.
Junior varsity team: Mumme continues to field a junior varsity teamagain this season. 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 down124 times and made it 63 times.
The 63 successes have helped lead to 34 touchdowns and six field goalsfor Kentucky. The 61 missed attempts have resulted in 19 touchdowns and twofield goals on the ensuing opponent possessions.
Kentucky has made 9 of 13 fake punts under Mumme.
The Wildcats have made 10 of 15 fourth-down attempts this season.
UK Football History
The Kentucky Wildcats are in their 110th season of intercollegiatefootball. The first Southeastern Conference school to introduce football (1881),Kentucky has an all-time record of 519-492-44 (.513).
Kentucky has two SEC championships, 1950 and 1976. The Wildcatshave been to nine bowl games, including the last two seasons. Kentucky’shighest in-season national ranking is third, by The Associated Press, on Nov. 20,1950. UK’s highest final ranking 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 juniorvarsity team. The team is comprised primarily of walk-ons, in addition to a fewscholarship players who are not being redshirted.
The 2000 team is coached by graduate assistants Rob Manchester andJohn Schlarman and student coaches Randy Garver and Tramaine Gaines. Manchester is head coach and defensive coordinator and Schlarman is theoffensive coordinator.
Here is the 2000 JV results and schedule: Mon. Sept. 18 Georgetown 42, UKJV 13 (A) Mon. Sept. 25 Campbellsville postponed, weatherMon. Oct. 2 Georgetown 38, UKJV 14 (H)Mon. Oct. 9 at Eastern Kentucky cancelled Mon. Oct. 16 St. Francis 6:00Thurs. Oct. 26 Hargrave Military Acad. 6:00Thurs. Nov. 9 at Pikeville College Club 7:00
Catscellaneous
Team captains for 2000 on offense are HB Derek Homer, WR QuentinMcCord, WR Jimmy Robinson, and OT Omar Smith. Defensive captainsinclude DB Willie Gary, CB Eric Kelly, LB Marlon McCree, and DT GraysonSmith.
Kentucky is in its 28th season in Commonwealth Stadium. The Wildcatshave a record of 95-72-4 (.561) in Commonwealth since the stadium opened in1973. Kentucky is 13-8 (.619) 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 full scholarships WR Neal Brown, WR Alex Herman, WR Gary Hughes, QB Mark Perry, DEGrayson Smith and SS Patrick Wiggins. Mumme has awarded 17 scholarshipsto walk-ons while at UK.
The Kentucky cheerleaders won an unprecedented 10th nationalchampionship at the 2000 Universal Cheerleaders Association competition inJanuary. 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 atwww.ukathletics.com.
The official Southeastern Conference web site is www.secsports.com.
Position-by-Position with the Wildcats
Offense
Kentucky is seventh in the nation in passing offense, 317 yards per game,and 25th nationally in total offense, 415.7 yards per game UK is second inthe SEC in both categories UK has led the SEC in passing offense all threeprevious seasons under Coach Hal Mumme.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has made progress since last season Rushingyardage is up 24 yards per game The Wildcats allowed 52 quarterbacksacks last season, but only 10 so far this year.
Matt Brown Starting left tackle has had injury problems this season Sustained a sprained ankle against Louisville Missed the South Florida game,breaking a string of 15 consecutive regular-season starts Returned for theIndiana game Dislocated his shoulder at Mississippi and is out indefinitely Did not begin playing football until his sophomore year of high school Hobbyis working on vintage cars.
Keith Chatelain Took over at center when Nolan DeVaughn was lostfor the season with a knee injury in the Louisville game Has started the lastfive games Has handled the shotgun snap well.
Aaron Daniel Fifth-year senior who is the utility reserve in the offensiveline Can play center or either guard position.
Nolan DeVaughn UK’s starting center suffered a knee injury in theLouisville game and appears to be lost for the season.
Antonio Hall True freshman has started every game at right tackle One of the nation’s most highly sought lineman prospects a year ago Hasexcellent musical aptitude, plays the piano, and is a gifted singer.
Josh Parrish Has started four games, twice at left guard and twice atright guard Played every offensive snap of the 1999 season at right guard.
Kip Sixbery Has started four games at left guard Played every downof the 1999 season at left guard, and at the age of 17 was the youngest full-timestarter in Division I-A football.
Omar Smith UK’s only senior starter in the offensive line Movedfrom right tackle to right guard for the 2000 season and is well-regarded as apro prospect Played left tackle vs. South Florida while Matt Brown was outwith an injury and has returned to left tackle since the Mississippi game as longas Brown is out with his dislocated shoulder Played every down of the 1999season at right tackle One of four Wildcats who have graduated already andhas his degree in social work.
Tight Ends
Chase Harp Reserve tight end has six catches for 103 yards, including along of 35 yards vs. Indiana Sustained a sprained ankle at Florida and missedthe last two games Hopes to return for the Louisiana State game Cameto 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 27catches for 359 yards and four TDs Ranks fifth in the SEC with 4.5receptions per game Had a career-high eight catches at Florida and asingle-game best of 99 receiving yards at Louisville.
Wide Receivers
Derek Abney Shares the X receiver position with Quentin McCord Has 23 catches for 276 yards and three TDs Best game came vs. SouthFlorida with five catches for 62 yards and two TDs Longest play this seasonwas a 50-yard TD at Mississippi Wears uniform No. 12 in honor of hischildhood best friend, Ezra Hartinger, who died when they were in seventhgrade.
Dougie Allen Starting Z receiver has made a remarkable recoveryfrom the knee injury and reconstructive surgery that occurred in Oct. 1999 Has 12 catches for 168 yards and two TDs, averaging 14.0 yards per catch Missed the Mississippi game because of a strained hamstring.
Bobby Blizzard Starting H receiver has caught 15 passes for 149yards Has worked hard to lose approximately 20 pounds and improve hisconditioning since arriving at UK in Jan. 1999.
Neal Brown Shares the Z receiver position with Dougie Allen Hascaught three passes for nine yards Nabbed his first collegiate touchdown ona two-yard catch against South Carolina.
Anthony Kelly Reserve receiver has four catches for 22 yards Alsodoes a great job covering punts and has six tackles this season.
Quentin McCord Shares the X position with Derek Abney Hasbeen a big-play receiver for the Wildcats with 22 receptions for 404 yards andtwo TDs, averaging 18.4 yards per catch Already has exceeded hisreception and yardage totals from last season Has four plays of 45 yards ormore this season.
Jimmy Robinson Playing in a rare sixth year to complete his eligibility,as he missed the 1996 and 1999 seasons because of injuries Has onereception for five yards Missed the last two games with a hamstring strain,hopes to return this week One of four Wildcats who have graduated alreadyand has diploma in the field of social work.
Running Backs
Derek Homer Starts at halfback but also sees action at fullback Hasgained 63 rushing yards Ranks 11th in school history with 1,613 rushing yards Fourth on the team in receptions with 21 for 183 yards Has 112 passreceptions in his career, ranking fourth in school history Coaches also havelauded his excellent blocking.
Artose Pinner Started the first two games at fullback Came off thebench at Florida to rush for 125 yards on 17 carries, the first 100-yard game ofhis collegiate career Team’s second leading rusher with 183 yards on 38carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt Also has seven receptions for 22yards.
Chad Scott True freshman got his first collegiate start in the Indianagame Team’s leading rusher with 297 yards on 59 carries, averaging 5.0 perattempt, and has three touchdowns Rushed for 106 yards in the win overSouth Florida Gained 63 yards vs. Indiana and scored his first two collegiatetouchdowns Rushed for 17 yards and a TD at Florida before sustaining asprained ankle Had 170 yards against South Carolina, 85 rushing and 85receiving.
Quarterbacks
Shane Boyd True freshman who is a fine prospect and has a very strongarm Coaches hope to redshirt him.
Jared Lorenzen Has completed 171 of 292 passes for 1,902 yards and12 touchdowns Second in the nation in completions, third in passing yardageand total offense (323.8 yards per game), and seventh in TD passes Hasthrown for at least 300 yards in five of six games Has had at least onetouchdown pass in every game Named the SEC Player of the Week by USAToday following his performance in the season opener at Louisville His 382passing yards and 388 yards of total offense against South Florida are the mostthis season by an SEC player Was chosen as the preseason SECNewcomer of the Year as predicted by the Blue Ribbon College FootballYearbook.
At 6-4, 275 pounds, Lorenzen might be the largest regular startingquarterback in college history Was born 13 pounds, three ounces Hasbeen a quarterback since beginning to play organized football at age five Hasremarkable agility for a player his size and rushed for 131 yards, with a net of41 yards after sack yardage deducted Has rushed for four touchdowns Has run the quarterback sneak 13 times this season, making eight first downsand three touchdowns Has avoided several sacks because of his size andstrength, which have enabled him to get rid of the ball despite pressure.
Mark Perry Team’s backup quarterback Also the holder forplacekicks.
Defense
Coordinator Mike Major calls his unit the Black Flag defense. The ideais to give his players the mindset of never surrender The Wildcatdefenders are third in the SEC in quarterback sacks with 19 The Cats aretied for sixth nationally in fumble recoveries with 10 The Cats are tied for47th in the country in total turnovers gained with 11 The Wildcat defense hasalready scored twice this season on fumble returns UK led the SEC inturnover takeaways last season with 31.
Defensive Line
Jeremy Caudill True freshman has started every game at defensivetackle Has 11 tackles, including a season high of four against Indiana Has3.5 tackles for loss, including his first collegiate sack in the Indiana game Has remarkable physical gifts of strength and speed, which enable him to playas a true freshman In September, was one of only four players chosen forthe National High School Scholar-Athlete Award as selected by the NationalFootball Foundation. He will receive his award at the annual NFF honorsprogram in New York City in December.
Chris Demaree Has 21 tackles and his impressive play as a reserveearned a starting role the last two games Has four tackles for loss (-20),including a sack at Louisville Is a cousin of Lonny Demaree, a sportswriterfor the Community Voice newspaper in Lexington.
Otis Grigsby Has played in every game and started three games sinceDennis Johnson was sidelined by injury Has 10 tackles, including sacks atLouisville and Florida.
Dennis Johnson Sidelined by a high ankle sprain in the Louisville game Has not played since the opener Second-team All-SEC performer lastseason.
Matt Layow Senior end has played outstanding football so far this season Has 24 tackles Third on the team in total tackles for loss (8.5 for -45) andis second in quarterback sacks (4.5 for -33) Also has three fumblerecoveries With two minutes to go against Indiana, he picked up a fumbleand rumbled 21 yards for the game-winning touchdown It was his secondtouchdown as a Wildcat, also scoring on a six-yard interception return at Floridain 1998 Has two interceptions during his career The brightest moment ofhis career came in the summer of 1999, while visiting his girlfriend in Lexington,when he saved the life of a choking baby Dedicated to community serviceand is one of only 11 players in NCAA Division I-A chosen for the NationalGood Works Team as selected by the American Football Coaches Association.
Dewayne Robertson True freshman defensive tackle has played verywell The hero of the Indiana game, causing two fumbles, both of whichresulted in Wildcat TDs His last fumble caused came with two minutesremaining in the game, and the loose ball was returned 21 yards by Matt Layowfor the game-winning touchdown Has totaled 24 tackles on the season Has a knack for penetrating the offensive line and leads the team in tackles forloss with 11.5 for 48 yards, including three QB sacks (-24).
John Robinson Moved into the starting lineup the last two games whenthe Wildcats moved into a 5-2 defensive scheme Had a career-high fourtackles and swatted a pass at the line of scrimmage in his first start atMississippi Has eight tackles on the season.
Nick Seitze Reserve defensive tackle has made seven tackles thisseason.
Grayson Smith Began the season as a reserve tackle, then moved to endwhen Dennis Johnson was hurt in order to provide more depth Has madetwo tackles 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 asprained knee at Florida Has missed two games and his status is uncertain Has 20 tackles, including a career-high nine at Louisville Has threetackles for loss (-10), including one sack.
Marlon McCree The starter at weakside linebacker His outstandingspeed and blitzing can create havoc with opposing offenses Leads the teamlead in tackles (53) and quarterback sacks (5.5 for 39) Second on the teamin tackles for loss (10.5 for 58) Recovered two fumbles at Louisville,returning one of them nine yards for a touchdown Had 10 tackles vs. SouthFlorida, four for loss, including two QB sacks Also had two sacks at Florida Notched a career-high 17 tackles at Mississippi Has accounted for 190yards of opponent losses during his career One of four Wildcats who hasalready graduated and has a degree in finance.
Ryan Murphy Has started all six games at middle linebacker Has 32tackles, including one for loss Had a season-high 13 tackles at Mississippiand also caused a Rebel fumble.
Jamal White Sees action as the backup middle linebacker and at outsidelinebacker Has nine tackles this season Had a season-high six stopsagainst South Florida, including a quarterback sack.
Defensive Backs
Willie Gary Now starting at free safety after starting the first twogames at cornerback in place of the injured Kenneth Grant Has totaled 40tackles and two pass breakups this season, second on the team in bothcategories Intelligent player who has played every position in the secondaryduring his career at UK Has 29 career starts, more than any currentWildcat.
Kenneth Grant Missed the first two games while recovering from anankle sprain suffered on the first day of practice Aug. 11 Has started thelast four games and has 10 tackles, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
David Johnson Starting strong safety since the South Florida game Third on the team in tackles with 35 and made a career-high 13 stops againstIndiana Also had a pass breakup against the Hoosiers Has three tacklesfor loss (-5) Has made an excellent recovery after sustaining a brokenorbital bone (eye socket) in the 1999 season opener The injury threatened hiscareer, but he made a full recovery.
Eric Kelly In his third year as a starting cornerback and is an outstandingcover man Playing with a broken thumb sustained in the opener at Louisville Played with a fiberglass cast, covered by foam padding, in four games Has 18 tackles and four pass breakups this season Has 23 pass breakups inhis career, second on the school career list, just two short of the school record Had 13 PBU last year, tying the single-season school record One of fourWildcats who have already graduated and has his degree in social work.
Derrick Tatum — Team’s top reserve at cornerback and also serves asthe nickel back when the Wildcats utilize five DBs Has made 23 tacklesthis season Tied his career high with seven tackles vs. South Carolina andalso had a fumble recovery.
Anthony Wajda Started the first two games of the season at free safetyand now plays as a reserve Has 11 tackles and has the team’s onlyinterception of the season Second-team All-SEC last season when he hadfive interceptions and three pass breakups and was SEC Defensive Player ofthe Week vs. Louisiana State.
Patrick Wiggins Started the opener at strong safety and now plays as areserve Has 13 tackles this season SEC Defensive Player of the Weeklast season in the bowl-clinching win at Vanderbilt.
Special Teams
Coleman Barnes Team’s long snapper on punts and placekicks Hada high snap on his first extra point in the Louisville game, but has snapped wellsince In his first year on the varsity after playing for the junior varsity lastseason.
Seth Hanson Team’s starting punter and also has been handling fieldgoals and extra points since the South Florida game If he continues as aregular in both roles, he will be the first Wildcat to do so since All-AmericanLou Michaels handled punting and kicking in 1957 Is in his first seasonpunting since his senior year of high school (1996) Averaging 37.0 yards perpunt, with five landing inside the 20-yard line Has made all seven field goalattempts, with a long of 40 yards, and is 16-16 on extra points Was theteam’s starting kicker in 1997 and 1998 before going through an injury redshirtseason last year Has made 22 of 29 field goals in his career Holds UKcareer records for extra points made (94) and attempted (98) In 1998, setUK single-season records for extra points made (48) and attempted (51) andfor most points made by a kicker (81) President of the school’s chapter ofthe Fellowship of Christian Athletes Named to the 1999 National GoodWorks Team by the American Football Coaches Association in honor of hiscommunity service.
Clint Ruth True freshman who has shared kickoff duties with BrandonSanders Has kicked off 22 times, with 15 returned, two out of bounds, andthree touchbacks.
Brandon Sanders Has shared kickoff duties with Clint Ruth Haskicked off 12 times, with 10 returned, one onside and one touchback Alsohandled placekicking against Louisville and made both extra point attempts.
Kendrick Shanklin UK’s primary kickoff and punt returner Averaging 23.6 on kickoff returns, second in the SEC and 29th nationally Averaging 1.9 yards on punt returns Led the SEC last season in punt returnswith a 13.5-yard average, including a TD return vs. Louisiana State.
