Players Working Out: The players are in the off-season strength and conditioning program supervised by coach Marc Hill, assistant Scott Brincks, and graduate assistants Keith Comeforo and Jamie Givens.

Coaches in Mix of Activities: The coaching staff is in a mix of activities during the next three weeks. The coaches are speaking at clinics, preparing for spring practice, and taking some time off.

Spring Practice Dates Set: Spring practice begins Mon. March 27 and ends with the Blue/White Spring Game on Sat. April 22. The time for the spring game will be 6 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium. The Wildcats may practice 15 days during the spring stint.

Whalen Writing Draft Diary for CNN/SI: Former UK tight end James Whalen is writing a draft diary for the CNN/SI website during the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, which is April 15. The diary is targeted for publishing on Wednesdays. Look for Whalen’s diary under the pro football section at www.cnnsi.com.

From 1997-99, Whalen went from unknown walk-on to first-team All-America. He caught 90 passes for 1,019 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior, leading the nation’s tight ends in all three categories. He set NCAA records for most receptions in a season by a tight end and most receptions per game (8.2) by a tight end. His 90 catches also broke UK’s single-season record for receptions, eclipsing Craig Yeast’s mark of 85 set in 1998.