Aug. 14, 1999

Wildcats Practice Twice, Defense Looking Quicker: The Kentuckyfootball team practiced twice Saturday with two-hour workouts at NutterTraining Center. The unseasonably cool weather, down approximately20-30 degrees from Friday’s sweltering temperatures, provided a morecomfortable environment for the players and coaches.

The Kentucky defensive unit has been extremely active in thefirst two days of practice and coordinator Mike Major is happy with whathe’s seen.

“First, we’re quicker, bigger, and faster than last year,” Majorsaid. “The second thing is that we have a lot of depth. We’re gettinga lot of guys on the field. The freshmen defensive linemen are doingwell and (sophomore linebacker) Jamal White made some big plays today.The secondary is intercepting some balls. I’m pleased with the firsttwo days.”

Jamal White was outstanding during Saturday’s practices. He made twointerceptions in the “bandit” drill at the end of the afternoonpractice. He made a spectacular leaping catch for the first pickoff,then got his second interception with a quick break and grab in front ofthe intended receiver. He also had an impressive coverage interceptionin the morning practice during the 7-on-7 drill.

Wide receivers Garry Davis and Vincent Harrison returned toaction after sustaining slight injuries on Friday, but four offensiveplayers missed practice again. Freshman wide receiver Derek Abney has astrained hamstring, junior offensive guard Aaron Daniel has a strainedback, freshman tight end Bobby Blizzard was ill, and junior kicker SethHanson has a strained quadriceps. None of the situations appear to belong-term.

The annual Fans’ Day is scheduled for Sunday. The team returnsto the Nutter Training Center practice field Monday with workouts at 10a.m. and 3 p.m., followed by an 8:30 p.m. practice at CommonwealthStadium.

Wells, Wesley Change Positions: Two defensive players havemoved to offense during the first week of fall practice. Redshirtfreshman Patrick Wells, a defensive lineman last season, has moved tocenter. Senior Lee Wesley, a linebacker the past two seasons, hasreturned to his original position of running back. Wesley saw briefaction as a running back in 1996, gaining 12 yards on five carries,including a one-yard touchdown plunge in the 25-0 win over Vanderbilt.

Fans’ Day Slated for Sunday, August 15: The annual UK FootballFans’ Day will be Sunday, August 15, at the Nutter Field House. Thefield house will open at 2 p.m. Free Coca-Cola and hot dogs will begiven away to the first 2,500 fans entering through the service gateentrance facing Alumni Drive. Posters and schedule cards also will begiven away. There will be children’s activities starting at 2 p.m.Players and coaches will be available for autographs and photos from 3-4p.m. Fans are encouraged to park on the Alumni Drive side of thefield house and use the service gate entrance on the Alumni Drive sideof the field house.

Kentucky Football Calendar: Sun. Aug. 15    Fans' Day, 2-4 p.m., Nutter Field House Mon. Aug. 16    Practice at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Nutter Training Center,8:30 p.m. at        Commonwealth Stadium Tue. Aug. 17    Practice at 2 p.m., Nutter Training Center Wed. Aug. 18    Practice at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Nutter Training Center,8:30 p.m. at        Commonwealth Stadium Thu. Aug. 19    Practice at 2 p.m., Nutter Training Center Fri. Aug. 20    Practice at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Nutter Training Center,8:30 p.m. at        Commonwealth Stadium                 Kickoff Luncheon at Hyatt Regency Hotel Wed. Aug. 25    Classes begin Sat. Sept. 4    Louisville at Kentucky, 3:30 p.m. EDT