Georgia (5-1, 3-1) at Kentucky (2-5, 0-4
Oct. 21, 2000, 12:30 p.m. EDT
Commonwealth Stadium, cap. 67,530
)
Wildcats Headlines
Kentucky begins three-game homestand against No. 12-ranked Georgia
UK seventh in the nation in passing offense
UK defense is 11th in the nation in fumbles recovered, third in the SEC inquarterback sacks
UK taking on Georgia defense that leads the SEC in scoring defense, total defense,and passing defense
On the Tube
Live This is the SEC Game of the Week as regionally televised by Jefferson-PilotSports. Dave Neal calls the play-by-play. Dave Rowe is the analyst and Charles Davisprovides reports from the sidelines.
Delay None.
Ticket Info
About 200 single tickets (no pairs) are available. Tickets may be purchased from 9a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Coliseum Ticket Office. Tickets may be charged oncredit cards by calling (859) 257-1818 or 1-800-928-CATS. Tickets also may beordered on UK’s internet site, ukathletics.com.
On the Radio
The University of Kentucky Football Radio Network will carry the broadcast onapproximately 80 stations. The network includes new flagship stations WLAP (630AM) and WBUL (98.1 FM) in Lexington and 50,000-watt stations WHAS (840 AM)and WSAI (1530 AM).
Tom Leach calls the play-by-play for the Wildcats. Former Wildcat star Jeff VanNote is the analyst and Dick Gabriel is the sideline reporter.
The broadcast also can be heard around the world through the internet atukathletics.com.
Kentucky Results and Schedule (2-5, 0-4 SEC)Sept. 2 Louisville 40, UK 34 (A, OT) Sept. 9 UK 27, South Florida 9 (H)Sept. 16 UK 41, Indiana 34 (H)Sept. 23 Florida 59, UK 31 (A)Sept. 30 Mississippi 35, UK 17 (A)Oct. 7 South Carolina 20, UK 17 (H)Oct. 14 Louisiana State 34, UK 0 (A)Oct. 21 Georgia, 12:30 p.m.Oct. 28 openNov. 4 Mississippi State (Homecoming), 1:30 p.m.Nov. 11 Vanderbilt, 1:30 p.m.Nov. 18 at Tennessee, time TBA(all times Eastern and subject to change)
Georgia Results and Schedule (5-1, 3-1 SEC)Sept. 2 UG 29, Georgia Southern 7 (H)Sept. 9 South Carolina 21, UG 10 (A)Sept. 16 openSept. 23 UG 37, New Mexico State 0 (H)Sept. 30 UG 38, Arkansas 7 (A)Oct. 7 UG 21, Tennessee 10 (H)Oct. 14 UG 29, Vanderbilt 19 (H)Oct. 21 at KentuckyOct. 28 vs. Florida, in JacksonvilleNov. 4 openNov. 11 at AuburnNov. 18 MississippiNov. 25 Georgia Tech
The SeriesOverall: Georgia leads 41-10-2Current Streak: UG has won three in a rowFirst Meeting: 1939, UK 13-6 in LouisvilleLast Meeting: 1999, UG 49-34 in AthensLast UK Win: 1996, 24-17 in LexingtonIn Lexington: UG leads 19-6Series Notes: The teams played nine times from 1939-49, and after a six-year lull, have played annually since 1956.
How Experienced are the Tentative Starters? Sr. Jr. Soph. RFr. Fr.UK 7 3 7 1 4UG 9 7 6 0 0
Last Year vs. Georgia
Georgia jumped ahead early and held on to defeat Kentucky, 49-34, in Athens. The Bulldogs scored twice in the first six minutes and led 21-0 in the second quarterbefore the Wildcats got on the board. Kentucky played catch-up the rest of the way butwas never able to match the Bulldogs.
The balanced Georgia attack generated 577 yards of total offense. QB QuincyCarter threw for 306 yards and two TDs and ran for 87 more yards. The Bulldogdefense also made 11 sacks, grabbed three turnovers, and blocked a punt.
Despite the slow start, the Kentucky offense warmed to the task as the gameprogressed. QB Dusty Bonner completed 33 of 52 passes for 421 yards, most everallowed by Georgia. TE James Whalen enjoyed another banner day, grabbing 10 ballsfor 152 yards and four touchdowns. WR Kendrick Shanklin also had a good game,catching eight balls for 124 yards and adding a 54-yard punt return.
The Wildcats’ defense came up with five turnovers, including interceptions by CBEric Kelly and LB Jeff Snedegar.
Georgia Ties
Kentucky has six players from Georgia:
Sr. FS Willie Gary (Valdosta)
So. LB Morris Lane (Naylor)
Sr. WR Quentin McCord (LaGrange)
Sr. WR Jimmy Robinson (Stone Mountain)
So. HB Ernest Simms (Warner Robins)
Jr. SS Patrick Wiggins (Suwanee)
Notes on the TV Appearance
Kentucky has an all-time record of 21-61-1 on live national regional television,including a 1-2 mark this season Kentucky has a 3-10 all-time record onJefferson-Pilot Sports UK is 1-8 against Georgia on network TV Kentucky hasbeen a popular TV team under Coach Hal Mumme, with this marking the 27th livenational or regional appearance in Mumme’s 43rd game at UK.
UK vs. Ranked Opponents
Over the years, Kentucky has played 181 games against teams ranked in the APTop 20/25 poll. The Wildcats have a 35-141-5 record against ranked foes. UK is 3-17against Georgia when the Bulldogs are ranked.
Wildcats Adjusting to New Defenses
After the Florida game on Sept. 23, the UK coaching staff switched to a 5-2defensive alignment, replacing the 4-3 scheme that had been used.
The Wildcats first used the 5-2 alignment at Mississippi. The defense struggledearly, but got better as the game went along and allowed only a field goal in the secondhalf.
Against South Carolina, UK gave up 20 points. The Wildcats posted several stopsin the second half with the game on the line.
The coaching staff put in another wrinkle for the LSU game, playing a 5-3alignment.
Lorenzen Nearing SEC Freshman Passing Record
Freshman quarterback Jared Lorenzen has thrown for 2,182 yards this season. Heneeds just 80 yards to break the SEC freshman record of 2,261 passing yards, set byTommy Hodson of LSU in 1986.
Kelly on Verge of Pass Breakup Record
Senior cornerback Eric Kelly is nearing the school’s career record for passbreakups. Kelly leads the team with five PBU this season, giving him 24 for his career just one shy of Van Hiles’ mark of 25.
Here is the UK career list for pass breakups. Player, Years Pass Breakups1. Van Hiles, 1993-96 252. Eric Kelly, 1997-2000 243. Brad Armstead, 1989-92 21 Gary Willis, 1989-91 21
Kelly and Willis also share UK’s single-season PBU record of 13, which Kelly tiedlast season.
UK Remembers Claiborne
The University of Kentucky football program is honoring the memory of JerryClaiborne, former student-athlete, assistant coach, and head coach of the Wildcats, whodied on Sept. 24.
First, the Commonwealth Stadium flag was flown at half-mast through Sept. 28, thedate of Claiborne’s funeral. And, since the games of Sept. 30, the UK helmets featuredfootball-shaped black stickers with the initials JDC.
Claiborne played at Kentucky from 1946-49 as a defensive back, end, andblocking back. He still holds UK’s single-season record for interceptions with nine. Hewas an assistant coach under Paul Bear Bryant.
In 1982, with the program struggling because of NCAA probation and off-the fieldproblems, Claiborne returned to his alma mater. He led the Wildcats to the 1983 and1984 Hall of Fame Bowls and restored the integrity of the program on every front.
Claiborne retired from coaching following the 1989 season, but stayed involved atUK by helping raise the funds for the Nutter Field House, which opened in 1993.
Wildcats Battling Scoring Slump
Kentucky is battling a scoring slump as the Wildcats have not scored in the last sixquarters.
Ironically, however, Kentucky has still moved the ball. During the six scorelessquarters, UK has 616 yards of total offense. UK has had 16 possessions in the sixquarters and has driven into opponent territory 12 times.
Wildcats in the SEC Stats
Team and individual stats in the top three in the SEC:Team
Passing Offense: 2nd, 311.7 yards per game
Total Offense: 2nd, 413.0 yards per game
PAT Kicking: T1st, 100 percent
Quarterback Sacks: 3rd, 20 sacks
First Downs: 2nd, 152 first downs
Individual
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 311.7 yards per game
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 321.4 yards per game
PAT Percentage: Seth Hanson, T1st, 100 percent
FG Percentage: Seth Hanson T3rd, 87.5 percent
Wildcats in the NCAA Stats
Team and individual stats in the NCAA top 25:
Team
Passing Offense: 7th, 311.7 yards per game
Fumble Recoveries: T11th, 10 recoveries
Individual
Pass Attempts: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 347 attempts
Comp. Per Game: Jared Lorenzen 1st, 28.9 comp. per gm.
Passing Yardage: Jared Lorenzen 3rd, 2182 yards
Touchdown Passes: Jared Lorenzen T11th, 12 TD passes
Total Offense: Jared Lorenzen 3rd, 321.4 yards per game
Points Responsible For: Jared Lorenzen t16th, 14.0 points responsible per game
Running Game More Effective
Kentucky’s running game is showing improved effectiveness this season. The Wildcats are averaging 101.3 yards per game in the 2000 campaign, up from75 yards per game last season. Even more important is the fact that UK fullbacks ChadScott and Artose Pinner the primary ballcarriers are averaging 5.0 and 4.8 yards percarry, respectively.
Offensive Line Growing
UK’s offensive line, with only one senior starter, has been an improved unit thisyear.
As mentioned in the previous note, rushing yardage is up from 75 yards per game to101.3 yards per game so far this season.
Pass protection has gotten better as well. UK has allowed just 13 quarterbacksacks in 362 passing plays this season a sack prevention ratio of 96.4 percent. Kentucky allowed 52 sacks last season.
Homer Looking to Move Up Charts
Senior halfback Derek Homer ranks 11th in school history with 1,625 rushingyards. He needs 40 yards to eclipse Bill Leskovar (1,664) and reach the top 10. Homer also has 115 career pass receptions and is fourth on the UK receiving list. Here is the UK career receiving chart:
Player, Years Receptions1. Craig Yeast, 1995-98 2082. Anthony White, 1996-99 1943. James Whalen, 1997-99 1204. Derek Homer, 1997-2000 1155. Kevin Coleman, 1995-98 107
Starting Em Young
Coach Hal Mumme isn’t afraid to play true freshmen immediately. Infact, Mumme has started at least one true freshman in the season opener eachseason at Kentucky.
In 1997, running back Derek Homer and safety Willie Gary started theirfirst games as Wildcats. In ’98, safety David Johnson got the starting call in theopener. Last season, guard Kip Sixbery started the opener.
This year, freshman defensive tackles Jeremy Caudill and DewayneRobertson and offensive tackle Antonio Hall have started every game.
Another true freshman has joined the lineup as running back Chad Scottstarted the last three games.
Kelly Nearing Pass Breakup Record
Senior cornerback Eric Kelly is nearing the school’s career record forpass breakups. Kelly leads the team with four PBU this season, giving him 23for his career just two shy of Van Hiles’ mark of 25.
Here is the UK career list for pass breakups. Player, Years Pass Breakups1. Van Hiles, 1993-96 252. Eric Kelly, 1997-2000 233. Brad Armstead, 1989-92 21 Gary Willis, 1989-91 21
Kelly and Willis also share UK’s single-season PBU record of 13, whichKelly tied last season.
A Note About the Defensive Statistics
There has been a change in how the Southeastern Conference is listingtackles for loss this season. The stat column tackles for loss combinestackles for loss on running plays and quarterback sacks. In previous seasons,the tackles for loss column did not include QB sacks.
Checking the Defensive Progress
The Kentucky defense has shown improvement each season since CoachHal Mumme and defensive coordinator Mike Major took over in 1997. Here’sa chart of the progress:
1997 1998 1999 Yards Per Game Allowed 392.3 386.1 373.7 Points Per Game Allowed 32.9 30.9 29.4Turnovers Gained 20 16 31
Block That Kick!
During the four seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of theKentucky defense, the Wildcats have blocked 11 opponent kicks, including eightfield goals, two punts, and one extra point. Here’s the list, with currentWildcats underlined:
1997, Indiana punt (Bob Holmberg)
1997, Alabama field goal (David Ginn)
1997, Georgia field goal (Jeff Zurcher)
1997, Georgia extra point (Lamont Smith)
1997, Louisiana State field goal (David Ginn)
1998, Arkansas field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1998, Louisiana State field goal (Jermaine White)
1999, Arkansas field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Mississippi State punt (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Syracuse field goal (Dennis Johnson)
1999, Syracuse field goal (Jamal White)
Defense Scoring, Too
During the four seasons that Coach Mike Major has been in charge of theKentucky defense, the defensive Cats have scored 10 times, including seventouchdowns, two safeties, and a two-point defensive PAT after a blocked extrapoint kick.
The Kentucky defense has scored twice this season, Marlon McCree’snine-yard fumble return at Louisville and Matt Layow’s 21-yard game-winningfumble return vs. Indiana.
Scoring in the Blue Zone (20-and-in) Kentucky: Converted 19 of23 opportunities for 108 points (13 touchdowns, six field goals, one turnover, onelost on downs, one blocked field goal, one punt).
Opponents: Converted 22 of 28 opportunities for 125 points (15touchdowns, seven field goals, two turnovers, two held on downs, two missedfield goals).
Numbers Here, Numbers There
Here are some various career statistical superlatives among currentplayers, including regular-season games only.Most Games Played: 39 by Aaron Daniel, Derek Homer, Marlon McCreeMost Games Started: 29 by Willie Gary100-Yard Rushing Games: 4 by Derek Homer, 1 by Chad Scott, 1 by ArtosePinner100-Yard Receiving Games: 2 by Quentin McCord, 1 by Jimmy Robinson, 1by Kendrick ShanklinGames With Double-Figure Tackles: 5 by Willie Gary, 3 by MarlonMcCree, 1 by Ryan Murphy, 1 by David Johnson
Charting the Nailbiters
Under Coach Hal Mumme, UK has a 7-6 record in nailbiter games, i.e.,games decided by seven points or less. The Wildcats are 1-2 in nailbiters thisseason.
In overtime, UK is 1-1 under Mumme, a 40-34 home win over Alabama in1997 and a 40-34 setback at Louisville to open this season.
Head Coach Hal Mumme
Hal Mumme (Tarleton State, 1975) has a 20-21 record in his fourth seasonas head coach of the Wildcats. Mumme was the first UK coach to have awinning record in his first three seasons since Blanton Collier in 1954-56. Alongwith Paul Bear Bryant and Jerry Claiborne both of whom are in the CollegeFootball Hall of Fame Mumme is one of three coaches who has takenKentucky to consecutive bowl games. He was voted 1997 GTE Region 2Coach of the Year by his peers in the American Football Coaches Associationand named the 1999 South/Southwest Coach of the Year by Football News. He is in his 12th season as a collegiate head coach and has a record of 85-48-1(.638).
Mumme had a 40-17-1 mark from 1992-96 at Valdosta State, where hetook the Blazers to the NCAA Division II national playoffs in 1994 and 1996. He was named 1994 Georgia Coach of the Year by the Georgia Sports Hall ofFame, the 1996 GTE Region 2 Coach of the Year by the AFCA, and the 1996Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year when the Blazers won the leaguetitle.
Mumme had a 25-10 record from 1989-91 at Iowa Wesleyan College. Hetook his team to the Steamboat Classic bowl game in 1989 and ’90 and to theNAIA national playoffs in 1991. He was named the NAIA District Coach ofthe Year in 1989 and 1991.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mumme is receivingplenty of compliments, as two of his former assistant coaches Mike Leach(Texas Tech) and Chris Hatcher (Valdosta State) have been hired as headcoaches with the hope of duplicating the success of his system.
Mummeball
UK coach Hal Mumme is known for his unconventional ways. Here aresome examples of his off-the-beaten-path approach:
Throwing the football: Mumme’s offensive goal is to throw the ball toset up the run. His run-pass ratio at UK in 1997 was 36 percent run and 64percent pass. In 1998, the ratio was 37 percent run and 63 percent pass. In1999 the ratio was 44 percent run and 56 percent pass.
Taking risks: See the note later on this page for fourth-down analysis.
Limited hitting in practice: The Wildcats had four scrimmages in thespring and none in August. The Wildcats do some live tackling work inpractice, but there is no scrimmaging.
We’re not going to get anybody hurt if we can help it, Mumme says. Why get hurt during the week when you’regoing to play on Saturday?
Mummeball is more classroom than battlefield, wrote John Clay of theLexington Herald-Leader in 1997. The head coach is not a Schwarzkopfbut an alchemist, busy turning ordinary metals into gold.
The approach paid off with fewer injuries in 1997, when only four playerson the two-deep depth chart missed games because of injury. Seven playersmissed at least one game via injury in 1998 and 11 in 1999. By comparison, atotal of 18 players missed games because of injury in 1996 under a conventionalpractice system.
Punting the ball out of bounds: UK’s punts are designed to go nearthe sideline or out of bounds. The strategy improved Kentucky’s net puntingfrom 32.7 yards per punt in 1996 to 37 yards per punt in 1997. In 1998,Kentucky improved to 37.4 net yards per punt. The Wildcats set a schoolrecord last season with 39.92 net yards per punt.
Playing true freshmen: Mumme believes in playing true freshmen. Inhis first three seasons at UK, 62 percent of his true freshmen played in theirfirst season.
Junior varsity team: Mumme continues to field a junior varsity teamagain this season. See the next column for a story on the JV squad.
Fourth-Down Analysis
In four seasons under Hal Mumme, UK has gone for it on fourth down124 times and made it 63 times.
The 63 successes have helped lead to 34 touchdowns and six field goalsfor Kentucky. The 61 missed attempts have resulted in 19 touchdowns and twofield goals on the ensuing opponent possessions.
Kentucky has made 9 of 13 fake punts under Mumme.
The Wildcats have made 10 of 15 fourth-down attempts this season.
UK Football History
The Kentucky Wildcats are in their 110th season of intercollegiatefootball. The first Southeastern Conference school to introduce football (1881),Kentucky has an all-time record of 519-492-44 (.513).
Kentucky has two SEC championships, 1950 and 1976. The Wildcatshave been to nine bowl games, including the last two seasons. Kentucky’shighest in-season national ranking is third, by The Associated Press, on Nov. 20,1950. UK’s highest final ranking is sixth in the AP poll in 1977.
Junior Varsity Team Returns
One of Coach Hal Mumme’s innovations in 1997 was the start of a juniorvarsity team. The team is comprised primarily of walk-ons, in addition to a fewscholarship players who are not being redshirted.
The 2000 team is coached by graduate assistants Rob Manchester andJohn Schlarman and student coaches Randy Garver and Tramaine Gaines. Manchester is head coach and defensive coordinator and Schlarman is theoffensive coordinator.
Here is the 2000 JV results and schedule: Mon. Sept. 18 Georgetown 42, UKJV 13 (A) Mon. Sept. 25 Campbellsville postponed, weatherMon. Oct. 2 Georgetown 38, UKJV 14 (H)Mon. Oct. 9 at Eastern Kentucky cancelled Mon. Oct. 16 St. Francis 6:00Thurs. Oct. 26 Hargrave Military Acad. 6:00Thurs. Nov. 9 at Pikeville College Club 7:00
Catscellaneous
Team captains for 2000 on offense are HB Derek Homer, WR QuentinMcCord, WR Jimmy Robinson, and OT Omar Smith. Defensive captainsinclude DB Willie Gary, CB Eric Kelly, LB Marlon McCree, and DT GraysonSmith.
Kentucky is in its 28th season in Commonwealth Stadium. The Wildcatshave a record of 95-72-4 (.561) in Commonwealth since the stadium opened in1973. Kentucky is 13-8 (.619) at home under Coach Hal Mumme.
UK has led or tied for the league lead in most players on the SECAcademic Honor Roll in 10 of the last 16 years.
Six current players are walk-ons who were awarded full scholarships WR Neal Brown, WR Alex Herman, WR Gary Hughes, QB Mark Perry, DEGrayson Smith and SS Patrick Wiggins. Mumme has awarded 17 scholarshipsto walk-ons while at UK.
The Kentucky cheerleaders won an unprecedented 10th nationalchampionship at the 2000 Universal Cheerleaders Association competition inJanuary. The Wildcats cheerleaders have won the last six national titles – 1995,1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.
Wildcats on the Web
Visit the official University of Kentucky Athletics web site atwww.ukathletics.com.
The official Southeastern Conference web site is www.secsports.com.
Position-by-Position with the Wildcats
Offense
Kentucky is seventh in the nation in passing offense, 311.7 yards per game, and26th nationally in total offense, 413 yards per game UK is second in the SEC in bothcategories UK has led the SEC in passing offense all three previous seasons underCoach Hal Mumme.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has made progress since last season Rushing yardage is up 26yards per game The Wildcats allowed 52 quarterback sacks last season, but only 13so far this year.
Matt Brown Starting left tackle has had injury problems this season Sustained asprained ankle against Louisville Missed the South Florida game, breaking a string of15 consecutive regular-season starts Returned for the Indiana game Dislocated hisshoulder at Mississippi and is out indefinitely Did not begin playing football until hissophomore year of high school Hobby is working on vintage cars.
Keith Chatelain Took over at center when Nolan DeVaughn was lost for theseason with a knee injury in the Louisville game Has started the last six games Hashandled the shotgun snap well.
Aaron Daniel Fifth-year senior who is the utility reserve in the offensive line Can play center or either guard position.
Nolan DeVaughn UK’s starting center suffered a knee injury in the Louisvillegame and is lost for the season.
Antonio Hall True freshman has started every game at right tackle One of thenation’s most highly sought lineman prospects a year ago Has excellent musicalaptitude, plays the piano, and is a gifted singer.
Josh Parrish Has started five games, twice at left guard and three games at rightguard Played every offensive snap of the 1999 season at right guard.
Kip Sixbery Has started five games at left guard Played every down of the1999 season at left guard, and at the age of 17 was the youngest full-time starter inDivision I-A football.
Omar Smith UK’s only senior starter in the offensive line Moved from righttackle to right guard for the 2000 season and is well-regarded as a pro prospect Played left tackle vs. South Florida while Matt Brown was out with an injury and hasreturned to left tackle since the Mississippi game as long as Brown is out with hisdislocated shoulder Played every down of the 1999 season at right tackle One offour Wildcats who have graduated already and has his degree in social work.
Tight Ends
Chase Harp Reserve tight end has nine catches for 120 yards, including a long of35 yards vs. Indiana Missed the Mississippi and South Carolina games because of asprained ankle Came to UK as a quarterback and moved to tight end in the spring of1999.
Derek Smith Starting tight end is the team’s leading receiver with 30 catches for400 yards and four TDs Ranks fifth in the SEC with 4.3 receptions per game Hada career-high eight catches at Florida and a single-game best of 99 receiving yards atLouisville.
Wide Receivers
Derek Abney Shares the X receiver position with Quentin McCord Has 26catches for 300 yards and three TDs Best game came vs. South Florida with fivecatches for 62 yards and two TDs Longest play this season was a 50-yard TD atMississippi Wears uniform No. 12 in honor of his childhood best friend, EzraHartinger, who died when they were in seventh grade.
Dougie Allen Starting Z receiver has made a remarkable recovery from theknee injury and reconstructive surgery that occurred in Oct. 1999 Has 15 catches for194 yards and two TDs Missed the Mississippi game because of a strained hamstring.
Bobby Blizzard Starting H receiver has caught 18 passes for 165 yards Hasworked hard to lose approximately 20 pounds and improve his conditioning since arrivingat UK in Jan. 1999.
Neal Brown Shares the Z receiver position with Dougie Allen Has caughtthree passes for nine yards Nabbed his first collegiate touchdown on a two-yardcatch against South Carolina.
Anthony Kelly Reserve receiver has five catches for 37 yards Also does agreat job covering punts and has six tackles this season.
Quentin McCord Shares the X position with Derek Abney Has been abig-play receiver for the Wildcats with 26 receptions for 455 yards and two TDs,averaging 17.5 yards per catch Already has exceeded his reception and yardagetotals from last season Has four plays of 45 yards or more this season.
Jimmy Robinson Playing in a rare sixth year to complete his eligibility, as hemissed the 1996 and 1999 seasons because of injuries Has one reception for fiveyards Missed the Mississippi and South Carolina games because of a strainedhamstring, but returned for LSU One of four Wildcats who have graduated alreadyand has diploma in the field of social work.
Running Backs
Derek Homer Starts at halfback but also sees action at fullback Has gained 75rushing yards Ranks 11th in school history with 1,625 rushing yards Fourth on theteam in receptions with 24 for 202 yards Has 115 pass receptions in his career,ranking fourth in school history Coaches also have lauded his excellent blocking.
Martez Johnson Got the starting call at fullback last week in the absence ofinjured Chad Scott Gained 53 yards on 11 carries at LSU and also caught threepasses for 20 yards.
Artose Pinner Started the first two games at fullback Came off the bench atFlorida to rush for 125 yards on 17 carries, the first 100-yard game of his collegiatecareer Team’s second leading rusher with 188 yards on 39 carries, averaging 4.8yards per attempt Also has nine receptions for 28 yards.
Chad Scott True freshman got his first collegiate start in the Indiana game Team’s leading rusher with 297 yards on 59 carries, averaging 5.0 per attempt, and hasthree touchdowns Rushed for 106 yards in the win over South Florida Gained 63yards vs. Indiana and scored his first two collegiate touchdowns Rushed for 17 yardsand a TD at Florida before sustaining a sprained ankle Had 170 yards against SouthCarolina, 85 rushing and 85 receiving, but sprained his other ankle and missed LSU.
uarterbacks
Shane Boyd True freshman who is a fine prospect and has a very strong arm Coaches hope to redshirt him.
Jared Lorenzen Has completed 202 of 347 passes for 2,182 yards and 12touchdowns Leads the nation in completions, is second in passing yardage and 11th inTD passes On the verge of breaking the SEC single-season record for passingyardage by a freshman, 2,261 yards by LSU’s Tommy Hodson in 1986 Has thrownfor at least 300 yards in five of seven games Named the SEC Player of the Week byUSA Today following his performance in the season opener at Louisville His 382passing yards and 388 yards of total offense against South Florida are the most thisseason by an SEC player Was chosen as the preseason SEC Newcomer of theYear as predicted by the Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook.
At 6-4, 275 pounds, Lorenzen might be the largest regular starting quarterback incollege history Was born 13 pounds, three ounces Has been a quarterback sincebeginning to play organized football at age five Has remarkable agility for a player hissize and rushed for 160 yards, with a net of 68 yards after sack yardage deducted Has rushed for four touchdowns Has run the quarterback sneak 16 times this season,making 10 first downs and three touchdowns Has avoided several sacks because ofhis size and strength, which have enabled him to get rid of the ball despite pressure. Mark Perry Team’s backup quarterback Also the holder for placekicks.
Defense
Coordinator Mike Major calls his unit the Black Flag defense. The idea is to givehis players the mindset of never surrender The Wildcat defenders are third in theSEC in quarterback sacks with 20 The Cats are tied for 11th nationally in fumblerecoveries with 10 The Wildcat defense has already scored twice this season onfumble returns UK led the SEC in turnover takeaways last season with 31.
Defensive Line
Jeremy Caudill True freshman has started every game at defensive tackle Has14 tackles, including a season high of four against Indiana Has 4.5 tackles for loss,including his first collegiate sack in the Indiana game Has remarkable physical gifts ofstrength and speed, which enable him to play as a true freshman In September, wasone of only four players chosen for the National High School Scholar-Athlete Award asselected by the National Football Foundation. He will receive his award at the annualNFF honors program in New York City in December.
Chris Demaree Has 25 tackles Has played in all seven games, starting twice Has five tackles for loss (-21), including a sack at Louisville Is a cousin of LonnyDemaree, a sportswriter for the Community Voice newspaper in Lexington.
Otis Grigsby Has played in every game and started four games since DennisJohnson was sidelined by injury Has 12 tackles, including three quarterback sacks.
Dennis Johnson Sidelined by a high ankle sprain in the Louisville game Hasnot played since the opener Second-team All-SEC performer last season.
Matt Layow Senior end has played outstanding football so far this season Has28 tackles Third on the team in total tackles for loss (10.5 for -47) and is second inquarterback sacks (4.5 for -33) Also has three fumble recoveries With twominutes to go against Indiana, he picked up a fumble and rumbled 21 yards for thegame-winning touchdown It was his second touchdown as a Wildcat, also scoring ona six-yard interception return at Florida in 1998 Has two interceptions during hiscareer The brightest moment of his career came in the summer of 1999, while visitinghis girlfriend in Lexington, when he saved the life of a choking baby Dedicated tocommunity service and is one of only 11 players in NCAA Division I-A chosen for theNational Good Works Team as selected by the American Football Coaches Association.
Dewayne Robertson True freshman defensive tackle has played very well Thehero of the Indiana game, causing two fumbles, both of which resulted in Wildcat TDs His last fumble caused came with two minutes remaining in the game, and the loose ballwas returned 21 yards by Matt Layow for the game-winning touchdown Has totaled26 tackles on the season Has a knack for penetrating the offensive line and leads theteam in tackles for loss with 11.5 for 48 yards, including three QB sacks (-24).
John Robinson Moved into the starting lineup the last three games when theWildcats switched to a five-man line Had a career-high five tackles, including one forloss, at LSU Has 13 tackles on the season.
Nick Seitze Reserve defensive tackle has made nine tackles this season.
Grayson Smith Began the season as a reserve tackle, then moved to end whenDennis Johnson was hurt in order to provide more depth Has made four tackles Reached the semifinals of the heavyweight division of the 2000 National BoxingChampionships held in April.
Linebackers
Chris Gayton Was the starter at strongside linebacker until sustaining a sprainedknee at Florida Missed two games and returned vs. LSU Has 21 tackles, includinga career-high nine at Louisville Has three tackles for loss (-10), including one sack.
Marlon McCree The starter at weakside linebacker His outstanding speed andblitzing can create havoc with opposing offenses Leads the team lead in tackles (64),tackles for loss (12.5 for 65), and quarterback sacks (5.5 for 39) Recovered twofumbles at Louisville, returning one of them nine yards for a touchdown Had 10tackles vs. South Florida, four for loss, including two QB sacks Also had two sacksat Florida Notched a career-high 17 tackles at Mississippi Has accounted for 197yards of opponent losses during his career One of four Wildcats who has alreadygraduated and has a degree in finance.
Ryan Murphy Has started all seven games at middle linebacker Has 44tackles, including three for loss Had a season-high 13 tackles at Mississippi and alsocaused a Rebel fumble Had 12 stops at LSU.
Jamal White Sees action as the backup middle linebacker and at outsidelinebacker Has 15 tackles this season Had a season-high six stops against SouthFlorida and LSU.
Defensive Backs
Willie Gary Now starting at free safety after starting the first two games atcornerback in place of the injured Kenneth Grant Has totaled 50 tackles and threepass breakups this season, second on the team in both categories Intelligent playerwho has played every position in the secondary during his career at UK Has 30career starts, more than any current Wildcat.
Kenneth Grant Missed the first two games while recovering from an ankle sprainsuffered on the first day of practice Aug. 11 Has played in the last five games and has11 tackles, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
David Johnson Has played in seven games, including five starts at strong safety Fourth on the team in tackles with 36 and made a career-high 13 stops against Indiana Also had a pass breakup against the Hoosiers Has three tackles for loss (-5) Has made an excellent recovery after sustaining a broken orbital bone (eye socket) in the1999 season opener The injury threatened his career, but he made a full recovery.
Eric Kelly In his third year as a starting cornerback and is an outstanding coverman Playing with a broken thumb sustained in the opener at Louisville Has 22tackles and five pass breakups this season Has 24 pass breakups in his career,second on the school career list, just one short of the school record Had 13 PBU lastyear, tying the single-season school record One of four Wildcats who have alreadygraduated and has his degree in social work.
Derrick Tatum Team’s top reserve at cornerback earned his first start at LSU Has made 27 tackles this season Tied his career high with seven tackles vs. SouthCarolina and also had a fumble recovery.
Anthony Wajda Started the first two games of the season at free safety and nowplays as a reserve Has 11 tackles and has the team’s only interception of the season Second-team All-SEC last season when he had five interceptions and three passbreakups and was SEC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Louisiana State.
Patrick Wiggins Started the opener at strong safety and now plays as a reserve Has 14 tackles this season SEC Defensive Player of the Week last season in thebowl-clinching win at Vanderbilt.
Special Teams
Coleman Barnes Team’s long snapper on punts and placekicks Had a highsnap on his first extra point in the Louisville game, but has snapped well since In hisfirst year on the varsity after playing for the junior varsity last season.
Seth Hanson Team’s starting punter and also has been handling field goals andextra points since the South Florida game If he continues as a regular in both roles, hewill be the first Wildcat to do so since All-American Lou Michaels handled punting andkicking in 1957 Is in his first season punting since his senior year of high school(1996) Averaging 37.0 yards per punt, with five landing inside the 20-yard line Has made 7 of 8 field goal attempts, with a long of 40 yards, and is 16-16 on extrapoints Was the team’s starting kicker in 1997 and 1998 before going through aninjury redshirt season last year Has made 22 of 30 field goals in his career HoldsUK career records for extra points made (94) and attempted (98) In 1998, set UKsingle-season records for extra points made (48) and attempted (51) and for most pointsmade by a kicker (81) President of the school’s chapter of the Fellowship of ChristianAthletes Named to the 1999 National Good Works Team by the AmericanFootball Coaches Association in honor of his community service.
Clint Ruth True freshman who has shared kickoff duties with Brandon Sanders Has kicked off 23 times, with 16 returned, two out of bounds, and three touchbacks.
Brandon Sanders Has shared kickoff duties with Clint Ruth Has kicked off 12times, with 10 returned, one onside and one touchback Also handled placekickingagainst Louisville and made both extra point attempts.
Kendrick Shanklin UK’s primary kickoff and punt returner Averaging 22.6 onkickoff returns Averaging 1.2 yards on punt returns Led the SEC last season inpunt returns with a 13.5-yard average, including a TD return vs. Louisiana State.
