Consistency (noun): Compatibility or agreement among successive acts,ideas, or events.
Just ask University of Kentucky Coach Bill Curry about his thoughts onthe 1996 season and he’ll discuss the ideal of doing things correctly,and doing them correctly every day.
“Consistency. Consistency. Consistency,” Curry said. “It sounds like abroken record, but it’s true. We have to be the same football team everytime out.”
A glance back at the previous season explains Curry’s emphasis on thetopic.
The much-improved 1995 Wildcats posted a 4-7 record, 2-6 in theSoutheastern Conference. A closer look shows that five of the games werelost by 10 points or less, including four in which Curry’s team wasahead or tied in the fourth quarter. Thus, the Wildcats were on theverge of a breakthrough season, but inconsistent offensive and defensiveplay left some close games unclaimed.
“Our spring practice goals were designed with that thought in mind,”Curry said. “We worked to become physically tougher, to become mentallytougher, and to better execute our systems and techniques. Achievingthose goals helps you achieve consistency and we made progress in eacharea. But these are goals with which you’re never through. You have towork on them every day.”
Curry’s quest for offensive consistency should be aided by the fact thathis team is entering its second season in the one-back offense installedby coordinator Elliot Uzelac.
The Uzelac attack helped UK rank second in the SEC in rushing yardagelast season and the Wildcats closed the campaign with 33 points againstCincinnati and 31 versus Tennessee — the first time Kentucky had toppedthe 30-point mark in consecutive games since 1987.
“We’ve just scratched the surface with what we can do in this offense,”Curry said. “There’s so much more to it than what we did last year. Wecan throw the ball more while keeping the same emphasis on a physicalbrand of running the football. When you do both well, that’s what youwant. That’s the next step.”
Junior quarterback Billy Jack Haskins returns to lead the offense. Inhis first season as a starter, Haskins threw for 1,176 yards and fourtouchdowns. He also authored a school-record 60.4 completion percentagefor the season.
Haskins will throw to an exciting collection of receivers. Six returninglettermen are vying for playing time along with a pair of transfers.Sophomore Craig Yeast led the team in receiving a year ago with 24catches for 337 yards and two touchdowns.
The running game has no more Moe after All-SEC tailback Moe Williams andhis 1,600 rushing yards departed for the National Football League. But,senior Raymond McLaurin ran well as Williams’ understudy last season andhas the ability to be a capable replacement.
The performance of the tailbacks, of course, will be dictated in part bythe play of the offensive line and tight ends. Four starters return atthose positions, including left guard John Schlarman, right tackle JonasLiening, and tight ends Isaac Curtis III and Marcus Cross. Schlarman,however, is likely to miss part of the season while rehabilitating aknee injury. Getting quality play from the newcomers will be a pressingconcern and they must mature rapidly.
On defense, new coordinator Rick Smith will continue with the 4-3 schemeemployed by former coordinator Mike Archer, is now with the NFL’sPittsburgh Steelers. Sticking with the same system will enhance theconsistency of the Wildcat stop troops.
Smith will be able to field a relatively experienced starting lineup. Ofthe 20 returning defensive lettermen, 11 have started at least one game.
Senior end Kurt Supe and senior tackle Chris Ward lead a defensive linethat saw intense competition for playing time during spring practice.The line appears to be one of the team’s areas with the most qualitydepth.
Senior linebacker Mike Schellenberger and junior linebacker Lamont Smithranked first and third on the team, respectively, in tackles lastseason. Additional experience is limited, however, and a new startermust be inserted at the other linebacker post.
Coach Smith has confidence in his young cornerbacks, Littleton Ward andTony Woods. Their play in spring practice enabled the coaching staff tomove former corners Kiyo Wilson and Van Hiles to free safety. The safetyslots should be in good hands with Wilson, Hiles, and Leman Boyd, who isa two- year regular at strong safety.
Like their offensive and defensive counterparts, the Kentucky specialteams had their ups-and-downs last season. Kio Sanford is a breakwaythreat on punt and kickoff returns. Soph punter Jimmy Carter returns buta new placekicker must be chosen.
Curry’s plan is that consistency of play in 1996 will lead to the goalhe almost reached in 1995: consistency of victory.
Kentucky Offensive Coaching Staff
Ray Dorr — Quarterbacks
Mike Drake — Running Backs
Dave Magazu — Centers and Guards
Joker Phillips — Receivers
Elliot Uzelac — Associate Head Coach Coordinator/Tackles/Tight Ends
Bill Curry, Jr. — Graduate Assistant
Kentucky will continue with the one-back offense installed bycoordinator Elliot Uzelac at the beginning of the 1995 season.
The move to the one-back attack proved fruitful as the offense showedsignificant improvement over the 1994 season. Points per game increased6.7 to 20.3 points per game. Total offense was up 42.7 yards to 322.4yards per game. Yards per play increased from 4.6 to 4.9.
The offense also helped generate individual accomplishments. TailbackMoe Williams rushed for 1,600 yards — more than any Wildcat ever –while breaking three conference records and tying or breaking 15 schoolrecords. Quarterback Billy Jack Haskins set a school record bycompleting 60.4 percent of his passes during the season.
The basic set features two wide receivers, two tight ends, and onerunning back, but there are many variations in this multiple offense.The goals of the offense are to be able to strike in any direction andmaintain a balance betwen rushing and passing yardage.
The offense returns 19 lettermen, including five starters. Thequarterback, running back, and wide receiver positions have returningplayers with success at the collegiate level. However, UK must depend onsome talented but inexperienced young linemen in order to rebuild aforward wall that lost three regulars.
Here’s a position-by-position look at the one-back offense, withcomments by each position coach.
Coach Uzelac . . . “We’re better (on offense) than a year ago. Thenumber one concern is depth, especially in the offensive line and atrunning back.
“(Quarterback) Billy Jack Haskins is much better than a year ago. We’remuch better in the receiving corps, but we looked at a lot of playersduring the spring and that led to some inconsistency. We have moretalent and speed (at receiver) than a year ago.
“I like (tailback) Raymond McLaurin a lot. He ran the ball better in thespring. He is starting to understand the position, catch the ballbetter, and improve his blitz pickup.
“I think we’ll be a better offensive line when we get everybody healthy.What we have to do is move forward with the second unit.”
Wide Receivers
Brent Allen 5-11 183 Jr-Sq Craig Carter 6-0 190 Fr-RS Kevin Coleman 5-10 185 So-1L Harold Dennis 5-9 175 Sr-1L Dietrich Harrington 6-1 185 Fr-HS Stuart Lackey 6-1 195 Jr-Sq Marvin Love 5-10 175 Jr-JC Norman Mason 5-9 179 Jr-Tr Kio Sanford 5-11 169 Jr-2L Tyler Siddens 5-11 175 Jr-1L Jaysuma Simms 6-0 182 Sr-3L Craig Yeast 5-9 175 So-1L
Playing time at the wide receiver slots will be very competitive. Sixlettermen return, including four players who have started at least onegame during their careers. Two transfers also figure into the mix.Overall, the group has excellent speed.
Craig Yeast was UK’s leading receiver in 1995 with 24 receptions for 337yards and two touchdowns. He was named to the Freshman All-SEC team …Kio Sanford played through multiple injuries and caught 11 passes for176 yards. He continued to shine on kickoff returns as well …Potentially a redshirt, injuries forced Kevin Coleman into action lastseason. In the last two games, he caught six passes for 144 yards andtwo touchdowns.
Jaysuma Simms caught seven passes last season … Speedy Harold Dennissaw his first action at receiver last season and caught one pass. Heplayed well during the spring and could see more playing time this year.
Murray State transfer Norman Mason has been impressive and will contend,as will swift junior college transfer Marvin Love … Sure-handed TylerSiddens and freshman Dietrich Harrington provide more depth.
Coach Phillips . . . “These are probably the most competitive positionson the team, but we need to be more consistent in our play. We haveseveral players who can make big plays and the ones who make themconsistently will be the starters.”
Tight Ends
Darrin Clark 6-5 245 Jr-1L Larry Coleman 6-2 255 Fr-RSMarcus Cross 6-4 240 Jr-2L Isaac Curtis III 6-3 250 Sr-3LAndy Dreisbach 6-2 245 Fr-RS Paul McGonagle 6-4 245 So-SqMike Piccione 6-4 250 Fr-RS Filmore Wester 6-0 240 Fr-RS
The one-back offense is a great opportunity for tight ends because thebasic set features two tight ends in the game.
Senior Isaac Curtis III started the first eight games last year before aseason-ending injury. He caught five passes for 42 yards … JuniorDarrin Clark started the final three games in place of Curtis. Clark hada good spring and enters fall practice as the starter at one slot …Junior Marcus Cross started all 11 games last season. He caught eightpasses for 54 yards and one touchdown. He enters fall practice as abackup behind Curtis.
Redshirt freshmen Andy Dreisbach and Filmore Wester moved to tight endduring the spring and hope to contend for playing time … Several tightends were recruited this year and the incoming freshmen could figure inthe mix.
Coach Uzelac . . . “We’re not where we need to be because ofinconsistency. Each of our tight ends, at times, has made really goodplays. We have to make them more consistently.”
Offensive Tackles
Kris Comstock 6-8 290 So-1L David De La Perralle 6-6 290 Fr-HS Jonas Liening 6-8 295 So-1L Jeremy Streck 6-5 290 So-Sq Jason Walker 6-5 264 Fr-RS Ryan Wassil 6-6 285 So-Sq
Sophomore Jonas Liening returns at right tackle. Liening played everyoffensive play last season and was named to the Freshman All-SEC team… The new starter at left tackle is likely to be sophomore JeremyStreck. Streck was one of the pleasant developments of spring practice,playing well at that post after moving over from the defensive line. Heshould improve significantly with game experience.
Sophomores Kris Comstock and Ryan Wassil, along with freshmen David DeLa Perralle and Jason Walker, have the size but need game experience. Atleast one of the four must come through in order for the Wildcats tohave quality depth.
Coach Uzelac . . . “We’re much better (at tackle) than a year ago. Theaddition of Jeremy Streck was very helpful. He’s not a finished productbut he has potential.
“Jonas Liening has made giant strides. He got thrown into a toughsituation (last season) but now he has game experience. Those two(Streck and Liening) lead the pack.
“I’m pleased with the progress of David De La Perralle. Kris Comstockhas worked hard on his technique. Ryan Wassil has gotten better.”
Offensive Guards
Cliff Bailey 6-4 275 Jr-Sq DeAnthony Honaker 6-1 280 Sr-1LMike Riddle 6-0 255 So-Sq John Schlarman 6-2 275 Jr-2LOmar Smith 6-3 280 Fr-HS
Junior John Schlarman was UK’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman lastseason. Not content to rest on his laurels, he had an outstanding springand was named the team’s Most Improved Offensive Lineman during springdrills. He is the projected starter at left guard, but is likely to missthe early part of the season because of a knee injury suffered at theend of spring practice. He is the leader of the young line and he willbe missed.
Senior DeAnthony Honaker, who has seen occasional reserve action duringhis career, played well during the spring and looms as the regular atright guard … Vying for Schlarman’s post and reserve duty are threeinexperienced players: junior Cliff Bailey, sophomore Mike Riddle, andfreshman Omar Smith.
Coach Magazu . . . “DeAnthony Honaker has made tremendous strides in hisabilities. He’ll be able to compete. John Schlarman is probably our bestlineman. He’ll be a force (when he returns).
“We have a lot of young kids who can contribute as time goes on.(Center) David Berringer can also play guard if needed.”
Centers
David Berringer 6-4 270 So-1L Chad Hudson 6-3 265 Jr-2LJason Watts 6-3 275 So-1L
Sophomore Jason Watts was pressed into service at the end of last seasonwhen John Schlarman was injured. He played well in the last two gamesand is slated to open as the starting center. He should improve as hegains seasoning.
David Berringer returns to game action this year. He redshirted lastseason after moving from the defensive line to the offensive line … Aninteresting experiment in the fall is the move of Chad Hudson fromlinebacker to center. A center in high school, Hudson has added some 30pounds in order to handle the bulkier assignment.
Coach Magazu . . . “Jason Watts has a lot of ability. Playing a littlelast year helped him in knowing what it’s going to take in this league.He’s still learning and moving toward his potential.
“David Berringer and Chad Hudson are the backups at this time. One ofthe luxuries we have is that some of our guards can play center and viceversa. That gives us some flexibility.”
Quarterbacks
Billy Jack Haskins 6-1 192 Jr-1L
Billy Jack Haskins is the only returning quarterback on the roster.Haskins started the last nine games of the 1995 season and led theWildcats to four victories. He threw for 1,176 yards and four touchdownsand set a school record by completing 60.4 percent of his passes.
Haskins also showed great leadership qualities. He earned the respect ofall observers of Wildcat football by playing the last three games ingreat pain because of a separated left shoulder.
Kentucky has two incoming freshman quarterbacks. Obviously, they willprovide depth while challenging for playing time.
Coach Dorr . . . “The key ingredient is the fact that we have a proven,established quarterback who can get us to a competitive edge in theSoutheastern Conference.
“Billy Jack Haskins’ biggest challenges in the spring were: one, to gothrough every play and not miss any drills; and two, build on theleadership capabilities that he established during the 1995 season. Hewasn’t challenged for the starting position but more was asked of him bythe coaching staff. His spring statistics (70 percent completion rate)equate his improvement.
“The summer months will be needed to improve his strength and to studythe opponents for the 1996 campaign. He was much improved from lastspring and he’s clearly established himself as our starting quarterback.
“The remainder of our depth at quarterback will come from our incomingplayers, who will have an opportunity to compete.”
Tailbacks
Carl Grinter 5-10 190 Fr-RS Raymond McLaurin 6-0 210 Sr-3L Lee Wesley 6-0 198 Fr-RS Anthony White 6-1 184 Fr-RS
All-SEC tailback Moe Williams and his 1,600 rushing yards have departedfor the National Football League, but the tailback position should bewell-handled by senior Raymond McLaurin. McLaurin gained 260 yards in abackup role last season, including 107 against LSU when an injuredWilliams left the game early in the third quarter. McLaurin continued torun well in the spring.
The backup position is up for grabs between redshirt freshmen Lee Wesleyand Anthony White … Talented incoming freshmen could vie for playingtime as well.
Coach Drake . . . “Raymond McLaurin has established himself as a verygood football player. He improved his total game during the spring. Ibelieve he’s ready for the challenge of being the starting tailback.
“I’m encouraged by the development of our young backs but I believe wehave lots of room to grow. I look forward to seeing our young backscompeting with our incoming players. The competition will be healthy. Itis critical that we develop some depth.”
Fullbacks
Mike Fisher 5-7 219 So-Sq Larry Morris 6-2 229 Fr-RS Ashley Moser 6-0 198 Fr-RS Bill Pollitt 6-0 214 Fr-RS A. J. Simon 5-11 232 Fr-RS Michael Woodfork 6-1 225 Sr-3L
A fullback is inserted when UK goes to a two-back set … LinebackerMike Schellenberger pulled double duty as the starting fullback lastseason but did not work out there during the spring.
Senior Michael Woodfork is the projected starter. He gives the team aveteran presence at the position and could also play tailback if needed… Redshirt freshman Larry Morris moved over from linebacker during thespring … Four walk-ons, led by hard-working sophomore Mike Fisher,give the position depth.
Coach Drake . . . “Michael Woodfork’s added weight and strength helpedhim to become a more consistent fullback than a year ago at this time.His continued development is important because of the situation he willplay. We’re going to lean on him to get the job done in criticalsituations. We’re looking for someone to step up and establish himselfas the backup.”
Kentucky Defensive Coaching Staff
Rick Smith — Coordinator/Defensive Backs
Bill Glaser — Defensive
Tackles Calvin Miller — Defensive Ends
Milan Vooletich — Linebackers
Mike Chism — Graduate Assistant
Rick Smith is in his first year as defensive coordinator after MikeArcher departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Wildcats will continuewith the 4-3 scheme used by Archer.
Smith must replace six starters, including All-SEC free safety ReggieRusk. A total of 21 lettermen return, including some experiencedreserves who can fill most of the gaps left by the departed starters.
Coach Smith . . . “One thing I’ve really stressed is that it is aprivilege to play defense at the University of Kentucky. They (theplayers) earned a scholarship as a high school player but they do nothave a right to play here. It’s a privilege that they must earn. Theonly right they have is to expect the very best on every play from theirteammates.
“That’s my philosophy and I think we made some progress in the spring interms of aggressiveness. We worked hard on fundamentals and must workhard to improve our conditioning during the summer. Physicalconditioning always precedes mental toughness and gives you a chance toplay hard.
“If you can get 11 players who have earned the privilege to play, andbelieve in each other, and believe they can win, then we can win.”
Defensive Tackles
Quincy Bell 6-3 270 So-1L Thad Corbin 6-3 266 Jr-2LJim Gibson 6-5 280 Jr-JC Mark Jacobs 6-3 260 So-1LGeorge Massey 6-3 265 Fr-HS Jeff Tanner 6-2 260 Sr-3LChris Ward 6-4 265 Sr-3L
For the second season in a row, Coach Bill Glaser must replace bothstarters. However, the task should be a bit easier this season as he hasmore experience than this time a year ago.
Seniors Chris Ward and Jeff Tanner have moved from end to tackle andshould be significant contributors …. Ward has been a two-year starterat end, making 51 stops last season, and is expected to start at lefttackle … Tanner is battling for playing time as a reserve.
Sophomore Mark Jacobs started twice last season and finished the springas the starter at right tackle. He made 19 tackles last season …Junior Thad Corbin has been a steady reserve the last two seasons andQuincy Bell saw game action in 1995 as a true freshman … Juniorcollege transfer Jim Gibson brings size and strength to the middle ofthe line … The coaches are excited about the potential of freshmanGeorge Massey, who enrolled in January and participated in springpractice.
Coach Glaser . . . “This year we have more experience than we did lastyear. Chris Ward and Jeff Tanner have played at end. Mark Jacobs andThad Corbin also have played some.
“We need to get Chris and Jeff as much repetition in practice aspossible to get them ready to play tackle. Their quickness and mobilitywill be a bonus.
“George Massey and Jim Gibson will be playing their first major collegegames and have the most to learn. Both have the strength and size weneed at that position.
“We need to improve our pass rush because the SEC has become more of apassing league. We’re looking for the best combination of run defendersand pass rushers.
“This position has to set a tone for the defense and give great efforton every play. Conditioning is a premium. They must come back in thebest shape of their life.”
Defensive Ends
Harold Bell 6-4 260 Jr-JC Michael Benjamin 6-4 255 So-TrBen Bird 6-3 265 Sr-1L Kurt Supe 6-3 260 Sr-3LJason Thomas 6-5 270 So-1L Anthony Watson 6-3 255 Fr-RS
The defensive end positions showed significant improvement last seasonunder new coach Calvin Miller. The Wildcat ends had 13 sacks in 1995,doubling the total of six and one-half sacks from the 1994 season.
There was excellent competition for playing time during the spring.Senior Kurt Supe and sophomore Jason Thomas finsihed the spring as thestarters, but they will be pushed hard and these positions should havegood depth.
Supe was leading the SEC in sacks last season with five when he wassidelined by a broken arm. He made a good return during the spring …Jason Thomas started the last two games last season and continued toimprove during the spring … Senior Ben Bird, a shot and discus man onthe track team, made 14 tackles last season in his first football action… Junior college transfer Harold Bell and redshirt freshman AnthonyWatson each made strong showings during the spring. Watson was named theteam’s Most Improved Defensive Lineman for the spring … Walk-onMichael Benjamin has the size but needs experience.
Coach Miller . . . “We had a really good spring, very positive. We got alot of learning done but have a lot of learning to accomplish.
“Jason Thomas improved considerably, enabling us to move Chris Ward andJeff Tanner to tackle. Kurt Supe picked up where he left off and will beeven better.
“Anthony Watson could be a great addition to us and it’s exciting to seewhat Harold Bell can do. Ben Bird will help us. He came a long way lastyear.
“We should have senior leadership in the defensive line. I think they’retougher and more physical than a year ago. If we can get them to playlike a pack of wild men, we will be successful in the coming season.They must develop themselves during the summer.”
Outside Linebackers
Dele Ali 6-3 220 Jr-2L David Ginn 6-5 225 Jr-2LJay McPeake 6-0 197 So-Tr Lamont Smith 6-2 230 Jr-2LJeff Snedegar 6-2 220 Fr-RS Anwar Stewart 6-3 230 Fr-RS
Lamont Smith is a returning starter but long-time regular David Snardonmust be replaced. Smith made 86 tackles last season, third-best on theteam … Dele Ali emerged as the starter at the other outside post aftermoving from strong safety. As a former defensive back, he should provideimproved pass coverage … Junior David Ginn is an experienced reserve… Redshirt freshmen Jeff Snedegar and Anwar Stewart have ability andneed game experience … Walk- on Jay McPeake is working to add moresize and strength.
Coach Vooletich . . . “Lamont Smith is a tough kid who plays hard andhas good experience. Dele Ali is a very intense player with ability andspeed.
“David Ginn has some experience and very good ability. Anwar Stewart hasvery good ability and speed. If he continues, he’ll be anotherproductive player. Jeff Snedegar has good size, ability, and strength.
“As a group, they have speed and toughness. They can be veryproductive.”
Middle Linebackers
Bob Holmberg 6-0 230 Jr-1L Mike Schellenberger 6-0 230 Sr-3LMiguel Viera 6-2 225 So-Sq
Mike Schellenberger was UK’s leading tackler last season with 104 stops.The second-team Academic All-American also brings good pass defense. Hehad five pass breakups last season … Junior Bob Holmberg emerged asthe backup middle linebacker last season, but his claim on the positionis being challenged strongly by sophomore Miguel Viera.
Coach Vooletich . . . “These are very, very intense kids. If they keepthat intensity they can be very productive players. As a group, they hada good spring and have to keep going. It’s a great group of kids whoexecute what they’re told.”
Cornerbacks
Shamseldeen Arulogun 5-10 180 Fr-RS Buddy Berry 5-11 173 So-Sq Frank Crossman 5-10 192 Jr-Sq Chris Ford 6-1 185 So-1L Littleton Ward 5-9 180 Jr-2L Marc Wilson 5-9 183 So-Sq Tony Woods 5-10 180 So-1L
The Wildcat cornerbacks will be young this season. Two starting spotsare open with the graduation of Steven Hall and the move of Van Hiles tofree safety … The onslaught of cornerback injuries last season gaveLittleton Ward his first significant playing time and he took fulladvantage. He projects to start at one corner … Tony Woods had anexcellent spring and was named the team’s Most Improved Defensive Back… Chris Ford returns to action after an injury redshirt season …Four walk-ons also are available, with redshirt freshman ShamseldeenArulogun seeing the most playing time during the spring.
Coach Smith . . . “Tony Woods and Littleton Ward emerged as players goodenough to play in the Southeastern Conference. Chris Ford has madesignificant improvement.”
Strong Safeties
Leman Boyd 5-10 196 Sr-3L Michael Moss 6-0 210 Fr-RS Given Ward 5-7 207 Fr-RS Jeff Zurcher 6-0 188 So-Sq
Leman Boyd is a two-year starter at strong safety. A steady presence,Boyd made 79 tackles last season and led the team in interceptions withthree … Three walk-ons joined the team last season with Jeff Zurcherbeing the top reserve coming out of spring practice … Incomingfreshmen have a chance to make an impact here.
Coach Smith . . . “I feel good about our safeties with Kiyo Wilson andLeman Boyd. Hopefully, Van Hiles will not have any more concussionproblems. Whatever we get out of him will be a plus.”
Free Safeties
Tywone Grady 6-0 185 So-Sq Van Hiles 6-0 195 Sr-3LStephan Walters 6-0 184 So-Sq Kiyo Wilson 5-11 195 Sr-3L
All-SEC free safety Reggie Rusk went to Tampa Bay in the NationalFootball League draft. Former cornerbacks Kiyo Wilson and Van Hiles havebeen moved to the position … Wilson started four games at corner lastseason and made 29 tackles … Hiles was sidelined late in the season byrecurring concussions. He was held out of contact work in the spring andwill return to full action in August … Walk- ons Stephan Walters andTywone Grady add depth.
Special Teams
Bill Glaser — Coordinator
Kentucky’s special teams had mixed results during the 1995 season.Kickoff returns and kickoff/punt coverage were generally good. TheWildcats must continue that good play while improving the performance onpunt returns, punting, and placekicking.
Kickers
Tobin Anderson 6-0 195 Jr-JC Bill Coleman 6-0 176 Jr-SqBrian Johnson 5-8 164 Jr-1L
Brian Sivinski has completed his eligiblity, leaving the door open for anew kicker … Brian Johnson saw some action at the end of last season.He made his only field goal attempt, 33 yards against Tennessee, and allnine extra point tries … Tobin Anderson was outstanding in juniorcollege, making 20 of 27 attempts with just one miss from inside 40yards … Johnson and Anderson were bracketed as the starter in thespring and will continue their battle in August … Bill Coleman is inhis second year as a walk-on kicker.
Coach Glaser . . . “Brian Johnson is very consistent and has some gameexperience. We feel he is dependable on short- and medium- range fieldgoals. Tobin Anderson has a strong leg and is a very competitive guy. Hehas the range for long field goals and is likely to handle kickoffs.”
Punters
Tobin Anderson 6-0 195 Jr-JC Stephen Brown 5-11 183 So-SqJimmy Carter 6-0 174 So-1L
Jimmy Carter was the starting punter as a redshirt freshman last seasonand averaged 35.6 yards per punt. He had good placement and landed 20punts inside the opponent 20-yard line … Stephen Brown is in his thirdseason as a walk-on with the Wildcats … Tobin Anderson averaged 37yards per punt in junior college.
Coach Glaser . . . “Jimmy Carter got a lot of experience last year.Tobin Anderson has a strong leg and we’ll see how he develops. DarrinClark returns as the long and short snapper. He did a good job lastseason and we don’t expect him to do anything but get better.”
Kickoff Returners
Harold Dennis 5-9 175 Sr-1L Marvin Love 5-10 175 Jr-JC Kio Sanford 5-11 169 Jr-2L Craig Yeast 5-9 175 So-1L
The Wildcats have an excellent group of kickoff returners, but don’toverlook the unsung blocking heroes on the unit … Kio Sanford rankedsecond in the SEC in kickoff returns last season, averaging 24.1 yardsper return. He ranks second in school history in kickoff return yardage… Harold Dennis averaged 24 yards on five returns last season …Craig Yeast had eight returns, averaging 14.6 per runback … FormerCalifornia junior college sprint champion Marvin Love has outstandingspeed.
Coach Glaser . . . “Kio did a really good job last season. He is veryexperienced and capable. He does a good job reading the field.
“We use two returners and the most dependable guy will be the other one.The most important thing is hanging on to the football. Both playershave to be willing to block. All of them have good speed, so we’ll seewho develops.”
Punt Retuners
Norman Mason 5-9 179 Jr-Tr Kio Sanford 5-11 169 Jr-2LCraig Yeast 5-9 175 So-1L
Kio Sanford shared the duties with Antonio O’Ferral last season. Sanfordaveraged 4.0 yards per return and would like to return to his freshmanform when he averaged 8.4 yards per return … Norman Mason and CraigYeast also will be tried at the punt returning duties.
Coach Glaser . . . “Kio is good at catching the ball and will make a bigplay if we give him his chance. We have to do a better job of blockingfor him and getting him started.
“Craig Yeast and Norman Mason have good ability in running the ball andwe’ll also take a look at them.”
