Veterans Take the Field: The Kentucky football team had its first two practices on Friday with a pair ofone and one-half hour workouts at the Nutter Training Center.
One of the major questions of preseason practice is the progress of junior wide receiver Dougie Allen, whosustained a torn knee ligaments midway through the 1999 season. He appeared to go through the first day’spractices in good shape.
“The first day went well. I did what I had to do and there is time to get better,” said Allen, who is fromLexington. “The knee got a little sore toward the end of the second practice, but I didn’t have any problemsrunning on it.”
Allen caught 25 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns in the first five games last season beforesustaining his injury. He was leading the Southeastern Conference in kickoff returns, averaging 30.8 yardsper return, at the time of the injury. Allen has the option of redshirting the 2000 season and still would havetwo seasons of eligibility remaining.
“It’s too early to tell (if Allen will be able to play in games),” receivers coach Tony Franklin said afterpractice. “We’ll take a couple of weeks and see if Dougie’s knee will hold up under the pressure of a dailyroutine.”
As for the performance of his group of receivers on the first day, Franklin noted, “They looked good andcaught the ball well. They are having to make adjustments in running routes. They have to keep going onevery route and be ready at all times, no matter where they are, because Jared (quarterback JaredLorenzen) can throw it anywhere on the field.”
There was one injury on the first day. Senior Kenneth Grant, a returning starter at cornerback, sustained anankle injury during the morning practice. The severity of the injury will become more clear during the nextcouple of days.
The Wildcats return to the practice field on Saturday with practices at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Fans’ Day Set for August 13: The annual UK football Fans’ Day is scheduled for Sunday, August 13, atthe Nutter Field House next to Commonwealth Stadium. The event begins at 3 p.m., with free hot dogs anddrinks given to the first 2,000 fans. The food will be available outside Gate 1 of the stadium, next to theField House. Posters and schedule cards will be given away. The 2000 UK football media guides will beon sale for $10 each.
There will be games and activities for youngsters from 3-4 p.m. in the Field House. The players andcoaching staff will be available for autographs and photos from 4-5 p.m.
Note Change of Location for Fans’ Day: All of the Fans’ Day activities will be held in the Nutter FieldHouse. Earlier, it had been announced that the autograph session for players and coaches would be on thestadium field.
Claiborne Hall of Fame Enshrinement on August 11: Former Wildcat player, assistant coach, andhead coach Jerry Claiborne will be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame on Friday, August 11, inSouth Bend, Ind.
Activities slated for the Enshrinement Weekend on Aug. 11-12 include a golf outing, reception,enshrinement banquet, and fan festival. Coach Claiborne will be unable to attend. Claiborne’s son,Jonathan, will make the acceptance speech on behalf of his father.
Claiborne played at UK from 1946-49 and was an assistant coach under Paul “Bear” Bryant in 1952-53.In 28 seasons as a head coach at Virginia Tech, Maryland, and Kentucky, Claiborne posted a 179-122-8record. He was head coach of the Wildcats from 1982-89.
Kentucky Football Calendar: Aug. 12 Practice, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 13 Fans' Day, 3-5 p.m. at the Nutter Field House Aug. 14 Practice, 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Aug. 15 Practice, 2 p.m. Aug. 16 Practice, 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 Practice, 2 p.m. Aug. 18 Practice, 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Aug. 19 Practice, 2 p.m. Aug. 20 Off Aug. 21 Practice, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 22 Practice, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 23 Classes begin, practice at 2 p.m. Aug. 25 Kickoff Luncheon Sept. 2 Season opener at Louisville, 7 p.m.
