Woodley Becomes Morriss 19th Signee: Coach Guy Morriss has added the 19th signee of his recruiting class, offensivelineman Covington Woodley.
“Covington is a big, strong, powerful kid,” Morriss said. “He has great feet for a big guy. He has a chance to earn playing time rightaway and were happy to have him.”
The following is Woodleys bio:
Covington Woodley, Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 323, Fr-HS, Lake City, Fla. (Ft. White HS)
Big offensive lineman was namedto the Florida Class AA all-state team following his senior season at Ft. White (Fla.) HS … A new school, Ft. White went 7-4 in itsfirst season of competition and Woodley becomes the first Division I-A signee in school history … Played defense in short yardageand goal line situations … Also blocked several field goal and extra point attempts … All-area as a senior, was team captain, andreceived the teams Best Offensive Lineman Award … Was a preseason All-Southeast Region pick by PrepStar magazine …Coached by Michael Hunter … Played at Union County HS in Lake Butler, Fla., during his freshman, sophomore, and juniorseasons … Started at offensive tackle as a junior and was named to the all-area team … Union County went to the state playoffs allthree seasons he was with the team … Coached at Union County by Robbie Pruitt … Was a pitcher-first baseman for the baseballteam during his freshman and sophomore seasons … President of the student body during his senior year … Member of the PeerMediation and Leadership Club, Beta Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes … Also elected his schools “Homecoming King”… Cousin of David Woodley, who played quarterback for LSU and the Miami Dolphins, and Dell Williams, who played in theoffensive line with Florida State and the New Orleans Saints.
Chism Chosen as Director of Football Operations: Mike Chism, former University of Kentucky player and graduate assistantcoach, has returned to his alma mater as director of football operations. As director of football operations, Chism
(pronounced “CHIZ-um”) will work with Coach Guy Morriss and the UK staff inhandling many of the teams administrative responsibilities. He also will assist recruiting coordinator Rick Smith with theadministrative duties of recruiting.
“I was very impressed with Mike during our interview,” Morriss said. “Our philosophies really mesh well. Hes excited aboutcoming back to UK and very eager to jump on board. I also like the fact that he is a former player and graduate assistant coach atUK. His familiarity with the school will be a great help.”
A native of LaGrange, Ky., Chism played at UK from 1985-89. He was a two-year letterman as a defensive guard underCoach Jerry Claiborne.
From 1990-94, Chism was an assistant coach at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. Chism was responsible for the defensiveline, the offensive line, special teams, and recruiting. He coached four all-conference linemen at Kutztown.
Chism came back to UK in 1995-96 as a graduate assistant coach. He worked with the Wildcat defense, helping compileopponent scouting reports and tendencies while taking charge of the offensive scout team. He completed a masters degree in sportsmanagement.
Chism was a graduate assistant at Minnesota during the 1997-98 seasons, working with the offensive line. He entered thebusiness field in 1999 and was working in Louisville as the director of internal operations for Sun Telecom International beforeaccepting his new position at UK.
“Im excited about being back at my alma mater,” Chism said. “I appreciate Coach Morriss confidence in me and Im lookingforward to helping make UK a bowl-bound team again.”
Spring Practice Begins March 26: Coach Guy Morriss first spring practice as head coach of the Wildcats begins on March26. Here is the schedule, and please note that times are tentative. Practices will be held at the Nutter Training Center.
Mon. March 26 2 p.m.Wed. March 28 2 p.m.Fri. March 30 2 p.m.Sat. March 31 9 a.m.Mon. April 2 2 p.m.Wed. April 4 2 p.m.Fri. April 6 2 p.m.Sat. April 7 9 a.m.Mon. April 9 2 p.m.Wed. April 11 2 p.m.Fri. April 13 2 p.m.Sat. April 14 9 a.m.Wed. April 18 2 p.m.Fri. April 20 2 p.m.Sat. April 21 Blue/White Spring Game, 4 p.m. at Georgetown College |
Note Time Changes for Saturday Workouts: The times for the Saturday practices on March 31, April 7, and April 14 havebeen changed to 9 a.m.
Blue/White Game to be at Georgetown: The annual Blue/White Spring Game, which marks the conclusion of Kentuckyspring football practice, will be held Saturday, April 21, at 4 p.m. at Georgetown College.
Admission will be $10 per person, and proceeds will benefit the UK band for its equipment, uniforms, and travel needs.
For the fifth straight year, the Spring Game will begin with one quarter of touch football played by the UK Alumni. The score at theend of the alumni quarter will remain on the board when the varsity begins action in the second quarter.
The game is being held in Georgetown because of the construction of the new playing field at Commonwealth Stadium. TheSpring Game also was held in Georgetown in 1999 during the expansion of Commonwealth Stadium.
Work Started on New Field: Work has begun on the new playing surface at Commonwealth Stadium. Excavation has beencompleted and approximately 600 truckloads of dirt have been removed. Workers are in the process of grading and leveling thefield in preparation for installing the drainage lines.
