April 21, 2000
Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme is generally pleased with theprogress of spring practice as he looks forward to Saturday’s Blue/WhiteSpring Football Game that will mark the end of the spring session.
“I’d like to see good, crisp execution on offense and the bluedefense (first team) shut down the white offense (reserves),” said Mummeof his thought on the spring game. “I hope we’ll have good weather andno injuries.”
Mumme mentioned several players who have made significantstrides during the spring.
“On defense, (linebacker) Jamal White, (defensive end) ChrisDemaree, (defensive end) Dennis Johnson, and (defensive tackle) GraysonSmith have done well,” Mumme said. “I think you could put all thesafeties and cornerbacks in that category. The secondary has made twoor three great plays every day. Across the board, we’re deeper ondefense.”
“On offense, I’ve seen big improvement in Keith Chatelain atcenter, Derek Abney, Neal Brown, and Gary Hughes at wide receiver, andArtose Pinner at running back,” Mumme said. “All of the tight ends andslot receivers – Derek Smith, Chase Harp, Jimmy Robinson before he gothurt, Bobby Blizzard, and Mike Beirne – have looked good. QuentinMcCord has had about five great workouts in a row.” Mumme also notedthat some of the young offensive linemen got better, with Chatelain andtackle Matt Burke joining the five returning starters as players whowill be expected to contribute in the fall.
And, despite some injuries and off-the-field problems that havestruck his wide receivers, Mumme is confident that his wideouts will beproductive in the fall.
“We’re catching the ball well right now. If you have a wholebunch of guys doing that, this offense can go,” Mumme said.
The Wildcats have sustained three major injuries so far thisspring. Wide receiver Jimmy Robinson re-fractured his left humerus, butthe bone is expected to heal in time for the resumption of practice inAugust. Defensive lineman Chris Sheehan has a dislocated shoulder thatrequires surgery. A timetable has not been established for his return.On Wednesday, cornerback Octavius Bond sustained a torn meniscus in hisknee. He will have arthroscopic surgery and be limited during summerconditioning, but hopes to be ready for practice in August.
The Blue/White Spring Game will be played Saturday at 6 p.m. EDTat Commonwealth Stadium. The first quarter will be “touch football”played by the alumni teams. At the end of the first quarter, the scorewill remain on the board and the varsity will take the field. For thevarsity, the Blue squad will consist of the first team and somesecond-team players. The White squad will be comprised of second- andthird-team players.
Admission to the spring game is $5 and is good for all events of”Wildcat Weekend” – the baseball and softball games on Saturday andSunday in addition to the football game. Children eighth grade andyounger are admitted free. Parking is free to all “Wildcat Weekend”events.
