Aug. 17, 1999

First Day in Pads: The Kentucky football team had its firstpractice in pads with a one-hour, 50-minute workout Tuesday afternoon atthe Nutter Training Center.

“We’re not used to the pads yet, so our offensive executionisn’t where we want it to be,” Coach Hal Mumme said after practice.”The receivers dropped about eight balls early, but got better aspractice went on. We should be better tomorrow.”

There was a significant position change on defense as juniorJohn Rader, last year’s starter at middle linebacker, moved to defensiveend. Senior Jeff Snedegar’s move to middle linebacker and sophomoreRyan Murphy’s emergence gave the Wildcats three quality players at thatposition. “John is too good a player to have on the bench,” noted CoachHal Mumme. “We want to get him on the field, so we moved him to end.”

Junior wide receiver Quentin McCord missed practice with astrained groin muscle but is expected to return on Wednesday. Freshmanwide receiver Derek Abney continues to be out with a strained hamstring.

Here are more of Coach Mumme’s observations following practice:

• “Coach Morriss (offensive line coach Guy Morriss) is really pleasedwith (freshman offensive guard) Kip Sixbery. It’s looking like AaronDaniel is going to be our utility man at guard and center.”
• “(Freshman) Brad Pyatt is making a move at the ‘Z’ receiver. He’spushing Quentin McCord for a starting spot.”
• ” Lee Wesley (former linebacker who has moved to fullback) is lookingat home on offense. He played running back under Coach (Bill) Currybefore we moved him to defense. Moving him back really helps ouroffensive special teams, enables us to redshirt Mike Kamphake, and giveus another guy who can step in and do the job.”
• (On the role of senior running back A. J. Simon): “A. J. is anunselfish player who does everything we ask. He’s a great special teamsplayer. He helps us on offense as a blocker. He brings a lot to thetable. The more players you have like A. J. Simon, the more you’regoing to win.”
• “(Freshmen running backs) Jonathan Chapman and Artose Pinner won’t beredshirted. Both of them missed last season, Jonathan because of injuryand Artose was sitting out, and we didn’t want them to miss two years ina row. They’ll play some on special teams and play a lot in the juniorvarsity games.”

Kentucky Football Calendar: 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