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Wildcat HeadlinesWildcats look to bounce back after a 36-10 loss to intrastate rival Louisville last week in their home-opener … Ball State also looks for its first win of the season after dropping to Southeastern Conference opponent Auburn, 30-0, on Saturday … Kentucky meets Ball State for the first time in its 111 seasons.

Abney Takes it to the House
Derek Abney’s first punt return of the season was a dandy, a 47-yard touchdown jaunt last Saturday against Louisville.

It was UK’s first punt return for a touchdown since Kendrick Shanklin’s TD against LSU in 1999, but it was familiar territory for Abney. While in high school, he scored a state-record 17 touchdowns on punt and kickoff returns during his career.

Abney also returned two kickoffs for 43 yards in the opener, including a 33-yard effort.

Encouraging Start for Special TeamsOne of the bright spots in the season opener was the play of the UK special teams, an off-season point of emphasis for new coach Guy Morriss.

*UK’s only touchdown of the game came on Derek Abney’s 47-yard punt return.*Punter Glenn Pakulak averaged 42.3 yards on six punts and only one punt was returned. The team net punting average was 40.0 yards.*Kicker Seth Hanson made his only field goal and extra point attempt.

UK special teams are coached by Mark Nelson, the 1993 Special Teams Coach of the Year in the Canadian Football League.

Cats on the TubeThe UK Television Network will carry the game on a tape delayed basis. Rob Bromley calls the play-by-play and former Wildcat Bill Ransdell is the analyst. Dick Gabriel reports from the sidelines.

Cats on the RadioThe UK Football Radio Network will carry the broadcast on approximately 80 stations.Tom Leach calls the play-by-play for the Wildcats. Former Wildcat wide receiver Jeff Piecoro serves as the analyst. Dick Gabriel is the sideline reporter.

Cats on the Internet Visit the official University of Kentucky Athletics web site at www.ukathletics.com. The official Southeastern Conference web site is www.secsports.com.

How Experienced are the Tentative Starters?

Sr.Jr.Soph.RFr.Fr.UK114610BSU88501

Indiana/Kentucky TiesKentucky has only one player from the state of Indiana, sophomore kicker Justin Hutton of Hammond, Ind. Ball State’s roster boasts two players from the Bluegrass State, freshman tailback Scott Blair of Somerset and sophomore center Mike Jantzen of New Haven.

First StartsSophomore CB Leonard Burress, junior FS Quentus Cumby and senior DT Derrick Johnson earned their first collegiate starts last week versus Louisville.

UK Improves Against the RunThe first goal of UK’s eight-man front defense is to stop the run, and the Wildcats looked better in that category against Louisville.

The Cardinals rushed for 118 yards, an average of 3.4 yards per attempt. Last year, the Cards generated 186 rushing yards against the Wildcats. For the entire 2000 season, UK opponents averaged 4.3 yards per rushing attempt.

Scoring in the Blue Zone (20-and-in) in 2001Kentucky: Converted 1 of 3 opportunities for 3 points (one field goal, one turnover, one loss on downs).

Opponents: Converted 5 of 6 opportunities for 29 points (4 touchdowns, 1 field goal, one missed field goal, one turnover.

Numbers Here, Numbers ThereHere are some career statistical superlatives among current players, including regular-season games only.

Most Games Played: 34 by Jeremy Bowie, 33 by Ronnie RileyMost Games Started: 21 by Matt Brown, 19 by Dennis Johnson and Josh Parrish100-Yard Rushing Games: 2 by Chad Scott, 1 by Artose Pinner100-Yard Receiving Games: 2 by Derek SmithGames With Double-Figure Tackles: 1 by David Johnson, 1 by Dewayne Robertson, 1 by Ronnie Riley

UK Football History The Kentucky Wildcats are in their 111th season of intercollegiate football. The first Southeastern Conference school to introduce football (1881), Kentucky has an all-time record of 519-498-44 (.510).

Kentucky has two SEC championships, 1950 and 1976. TheWildcats have been to 10 bowl games, most recently following the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Kentucky’s highest 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.

Catscellaneous*Team captains for 2001 are senior wide receiver Dougie Allen and senior LB Ronnie Riley.*Kentucky is in its 29th season in Commonwealth Stadium. The Wildcats have a record of 95-76-4 (.554) in Commonwealth since the stadium opened in 1973.*UK has led or tied for the league lead in most players on the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 10 of the last 17 years.*Five current players are walk-ons who were awarded full scholarships — FB Gus Jacobs, WR Gary Hughes, P Glenn Pakulak, FS Nigel Smith and SS Patrick Wiggins.*The Kentucky cheerleaders won an unprecedented 11th national championship at the 2001 Universal Cheerleaders Association competition in January. The Wildcats cheerleaders have won the last seven national titles – 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Field Named in Honor of C.M. NewtonThe Wildcats new playing surface this season was named the “C.M. Newton Field” during a pre-game ceremony last week against Louisville.Newton was recognized for his service to the University as Director of Athletics from 1989 until his retirement in 2000.

Since retirement, Newton has remained active in FIBA, the governing body of international basketball. He also serves as a consultant to the UK Athletics Association, for USA Basketball, and to the NCAA. He has kept his home in Lexington and also makes frequent trips to the Bahamas for his favorite hobby, bonefishing. He’s also kept up his golf game and has begun a new pastime of painting.

And, although he is often around UK, he has purposefully avoided the stadium this summer. He wanted his first look at the new field to come on the day of its dedication.

Newton can be proud of the turf that bears his name. Work on the new field began last winter. The old field was dug up and removed. Drainage collection pipes were installed and covered with a sand base. On top is a special soil mixture that is well-suited for water drainage. Teams will find the large crown on the field gone. In June, Bermuda grass was planted. The grass grew quickly and was ready for play by early August.

When it rains, water should quickly soak through the soil and sand to the drainage pipes, which will carry the water to storm sewers. The field should be able to drain as much as 10 to 12 inches of rain in an hour.

UK Retires Jersey of Dermontti DawsonDermontti Dawson, an All-Southeastern Conference guard at Kentucky and one of the greatest centers in the history of the National Football League, had have his number 57 UK jersey retired during the season-opening game. The announcement was made by Larry Ivy, UK Director of Athletics, at the annual UK Kickoff Luncheon held Aug. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Dawson’s story is that of the hometown hero. He is a product of Lexington’s Bryan Station High School, where he was an all-state lineman. He played guard and center at UK. He was a four-year letterman from 1984-87 and played for the ’84 Hall of Fame Bowl championship team. He was named All-SEC following his senior season and was a second-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dawson achieved national acclaim during his 13-year pro career, all spent with the Steelers from 1988-2000. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection from 1992-98. His effectiveness was matched by his durability, as he played in 170 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in Steelers’ history. He played in 184 total games in his career, the fifth-highest mark in team history.

Dawson is happy to be back in Lexington on a more permanent basis. He has maintained an off-season home here with his wife Regina (also a UK grad) and their two children.

Dawson becomes the 45th former Wildcat player or coach to have his jersey retired.

Offensive Line
Matt Brown – Starting left tackle … Has played in 25 regular-season games, starting 20 … Did not begin playing football until his sophomore year of high school … Hobby is working on vintage cars.

Keith Chatelain – Starts at left guard after playing center the past two seasons … Also will be available to play center if needed … Has played and started in 11 regular-season games.

Nolan DeVaughn – Returned to the starting center position after missing almost all of last season because of a knee injury … Has completed his degree in political science, one of six current Wildcats who have graduated already … Has played in 17 regular-season games with 13 starts.

Josh Parrish – Starts at right guard … Veteran lineman who has played in 26 regular-season games, starting 19 … Has completed his bachelor’s degree in economics, one of six current Wildcats who have graduated already.

Antonio Hall – Starting right tackle as a sophomore … Started in every game last season as a freshman … Has played and started in 12 games … Has excellent musical aptitude, plays the piano, and is a gifter singer … Member of the Lexington Singers, a community choral group.

Tight Ends
Derek Smith – Starting “Y” tight end in UK’s two-tight end set … Named first-team All-SEC by The Associated Press, SEC Coaches, The Sporting News, Football News, College Sports Southeast TV Network, and CollegeFootballNews.com last season after leading the team in receiving … Named to the 2001 preseason All-SEC first team … Has played in 23 games, with 13 starts … On the preseason watch list for the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top lineman … Caught three passes for 37 yards against Louisville.

Chase Harp – Starting “H” tight end in UK’s two-tight end set … Can also play the “Y” tight end … Came to UK as a quarterback before moving to tight end … Has played in 10 games, with two starts.

Wide Receivers
Derek Abney – Starting “X” receiver … Showed his impressive speed versus Louisville, returning a punt 47 yards for a touchdown … It was UK’s first punt return for a TD since 1999 … Has played in 12 games with two starts … Wears uniform No. 12 in honor of his childhood best friend, Ezra Hartinger, who died when they were in seventh grade … Is in a five-year academic program in which he will earn his bachelor’s degree in engineering and his master’s in business administration.

Dougie Allen – Starting “H” receiver is back in full speed after missing parts of the last two seasons because of injury … Caught three passes for 47 yards against Louisville … Has played in 26 games with nine starts … Team co- captain with ILB Ronnie Riley.

Anthony Kelly – Starting “Z” receiver … Played a reserve role at receiver and saw most of his action on special teams last season before working his way into the starting lineup … Also saw action at cornerback as a freshman … Member of the SEC Good Works Team for his involvement in community service projects … Has played in 29 games with three starts.

Running Backs
Chad Scott – Team’s leading rusher and receiver … On the watch list for the Doak Walker Running Back Award … Totaled 67 rushing and receiving yards versus Louisville … One of the nation’s top freshman running backs last season … Chosen for the freshman All-SEC teams by SEC Coaches and the Knoxville News-Sentinel … Has played in 11 games, starting eight.

Artose Pinner – No. 2 on the running back depth chart … Battles Chad Scott for the starting position … Ran well versus Louisville, charting 26 yards on six carries … Has played in 12 regular-season games with two starts.

Quarterbacks
Jared Lorenzen – Starting quarterback for the second straight season … Completed 12-of-31 passes for 121 yards versus Louisville … On the watch list for the Davey O’Brien Quarterback Award … Lost approximately 40 pounds in the off-season, dropping to 268 from 308 … Was born 13 pounds, three ounces … Has been a quarterback since beginning to play organized football at age five … Named SEC Co-Freshman of the Year last season by the Knoxville News-Sentinel after breaking six NCAA single-season records for freshmen … Throws left-handed … Has played and started 12 games.

Shane Boyd – UK’s backup quarterback … Completed 3-of-6 passes for 34 yards against Louisville in his first collegiate game … Showed a strong arm and the ability to move the team … Was redshirted last season as a true freshman … Pitched for the baseball team last season when not involved with football.

Defensive Line
Chris Demaree – Starting at end … Charted seven tackles and one quarterback hurry versus Louisville … Has played in 31 regular-season games with four starts … Is a cousin of Lonny Demaree, a sportswriter for the Community Voice.

Dewayne Robertson – Starting defensive tackle for the second straight season … Tied for the lead in tackles with Ronnie Riley, recording 10 tackles against Louisville … Has a knack for penetrating the offensive line … Dropped approximately 20 pounds in the off-season in hopes of further improving his quickness … Has played and started in 12 games.

Derrick Johnson – Starting at defensive tackle for Jeremy Caudill, who is out with a back injury … Has graduated with a degree in journalism, one of six current Wildcats who have graduated already … Lines up next to his younger brother Dennis Johnson on the defenisve line … Has played in 20 regular-season games with one start.

Dennis Johnson – Begins third season as a starter at defensive end … Returned to action against Louisville after a high ankle sprain sidelined him in all but the U of L game last season … Received a medical hardship and retained the year of eligibility … Charted seven tackles, one quarterback sack, a pass breakup and three quarterback hurries against the Cardinals … Also was instrumental in a Louisville turnover … He forced U of L quarterback Dave Ragone out of the pocket to UK teammate Patrick Wiggins, who forced a fumble … Has played in 24 regular-season games, starting 19.

Ellery Moore – Saw action as a true freshman at defensive tackle versus Louisville … Made two stops … Is cousin of current Wildcat Antonio Hall.

Defensive Backs
David Johnson – Starting at one of the outside safety positions … Recorded five tackles, one quarterback hurry and returned a fumble 10 yards against Louisville in the season opener … Has played in 23 regular-season games, starting 17.

Patrick Wiggins – Starting at one of the outside safety positions … Inked four tackles, one quarterback sack, one quarterback hurry and forced a fumble in the Cats’ season opener against Louisville… Former walk-on who earned a scholarship … Has finished his bachelor’s degree in marketing, one of six current Wildcats who have graduated already … Has played in 23 regular-season games, starting four.

Leonard Burress – Earned his first collegiate start at cornerback, totaling three tackles and two pass breakups against Louisville… Has played in 12 games with one start.

Jeremy Bowie – Starting at cornerback after a redshirt season last year … Gives experience to the cornerback position after the graduation of two experienced cornerbacks … Made one stop and broke up two passes versus Louisville … Has played in 34 regular-season games with six starts.

Quentus Cumby – Starting at free safety after impressive pre-season workouts … Made four stops in his first collegiate starting role … Has played in 21 regular-season games with one start.

Linebackers
Ronnie Riley – Starting at inside linebacker … Sustained a sprained knee against Louisville and will be elvaluated during the week … Before the second-half injury, he notched a team-high 10 tackles, including one TFL, and one quarterback hurry … Very vocal player … Team co-captain with WR Dougie Allen … Has played in 33 regular-season games with six starts.

Chris Gayton – Starting at inside linebacker … Made nine stops versus Louisville, featuring one quaterback sack … His nine tackles tied his previous career-high made versus the Cardinals lastseason … Has played in 32 regular-season games, starting seven.

Kickers
Glenn Pakulak – Did a good job in the opening game versus Louisville … Averaged 42.3 yards on six kicks and only one punt was returned … Former walk-on who earned a scholarship … Has played in four games.

Seth Hanson – Made his only field goal and extra point attempt against Louisville … Made 16 of his last 18 field goal attempts, dating back to the start of the 2000 season … His four points versus Louisville gave him 195 in his career, moving past Craig Yeast for second place on the UK career scoring list … On the watch list for the Lou Groza Award for kickers … Has completed his degree in management, one of six current Wildcats who have graduated already … Has played in 31 regular-season games.