LEXINGTON, Ky. — Learning new systems was the primary focus as the Kentucky football team went through 15 practices under Coach Hal Mumme and his staff during 1997 spring drills.
“Overall, we were very pleased with the team’s progress during the spring,” Mumme said. “The players learned more here than our first spring at our previous schools (Iowa Wesleyan and Valdosta State).”
The offensive players showed fine aptitude for the new pass-oriented system. Quarterback Tim Couch showed both the physical and mental abilities that are needed. During the four spring scrimmages, Couch completed 76.1 percent of his passes (166 of 218) for 1,713 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Given more opportunity to show their talents, the receivers responded by playing well. Primary targets during the spring included wide receivers Kevin Coleman (31 receptions for 389 yards), Quentin McCord (26-264, 1 TD), Chad Spencer (25-316, 4 TD), Kio Sanford (18-179, 1 TD), Lance Mickelsen (13-134, 1 TD), Marvin Love (9-104, 1 TD), and Garry Davis (9-90); tight ends Jimmy Haley (16-174, 3 TD) and Darrin Clark (11-85, 1 TD); and halfbacks Anthony White (23-212, 4 TD) and Craig Yeast (22-170).
White led the way in the running game with 28 carries for 220 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. A. J. Simon (32-150, 2 TD) and Wendell Childs (33-131, 3 TD) were the leaders from the fullback position.
The starting offensive line returned intact from a year ago. The majority of the linemen’s time was spent on improving their pass blocking techniques.
The challenges on defense included learning the new scheme, dealing with inexperience following the graduation of seven starters, and moving several players to new positions.
Work in the defensive line was highlighted by a pair of position moves. Senior Dele Ali, a starter at outside linebacker last season, proved to be a hard man to block from his new position at end. Redshirt freshman Matt Layow ended the spring as a starter at tackle after his move from linebacker.
The linebackers and secondary will be relatively inexperienced but the young players impressed the coaches with their effort and enthusiasm. Three seniors, middle linebacker Bob Holmberg, strong safety Tremayne Martin, and cornerback Littleton Ward, will be counted upon for leadership in their areas. Martin had an outstanding spring with four interceptions during the scrimmages — including one returned 100 yards for a touchdown — and Holmberg and Ward also had pickoffs. Another position change that worked well was the move of Lee Wesley from fullback to outside linebacker.
One of the areas of stability was on special teams as punter Jimmy Carter and kicker Brian Johnson reaffirmed their positions. Special teams will get much more attention in August, Mumme said.
The spring practices concluded on April 26 with the Blue-White Spring Game. The Blue team, comprised mainly of the first-team offense and defense, defeated the second-team White squad 48-7. Couch completed 36 of 43 passes for 358 yards and four touchdowns. Halfback Anthony White scored four touchdowns, two each byrushing and receiving.
