April 5, 2002
Morriss Encouraged: Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss has been encouraged by the last two practices by the Wildcats, the coach said following the two-hour, 10-minute workout Friday afternoon at the Nutter Training Facility.
“We had another good day today. We’re coming together as a team and learning to play hard every down,” said Morriss, who has made consistent effort a point of emphasis during the spring. “I think we’ve made significant progress in these areas. We hope to keep building on that during tomorrow’s scrimmage.”
The Wildcats have an 80-play scrimmage scheduled for Saturday. Weather permitting, practice begins at 11 a.m. at the Nutter Training Facility. The team will practice for approximately 45 minutes before beginning the scrimmage.
Morriss announced that sophomore defensive end Vincent “Sweet Pea” Burns, who had an appendectomy on Easter Sunday, hasn’t been definitely counted out for the remainder of the spring. The same can be said for junior wide receiver Chris Bernard, who sustained a high ankle sprain on March 29. Morriss noted that the normal recovery period from a high ankle sprain would indicate that Bernard might not be able to return. Spring practice ends April 20 with the annual Blue/White Game.
Here are some of Morriss’ thoughts on other topics following Friday’s practice:
*Who are some of the surprises of the spring or players who have done well? “Trey Mielsch has been doing well at defensive end. Deion Holts (also at defensive end) had a great practice today. Alexis Bwenge has looked good at running back. (Quarterback) Jared Lorenzen is practicing well. Tommy Cook has been catching the ball well.”
* What about the progress of defensive tackle Ellery Moore, who had knee surgery less than five months ago? “Ellery is doing well. He doesn’t seem to be favoring (the knee). He’s mixing it up during the team periods. We’re not letting him scrimmage much. We know what he can do.”
* How much time has he been spending with the offensive line, now that he has turned over the coaching duties for that area to Chris Lancaster? “I’m trying to stay out of Coach Lancaster’s way so that I’m not looking over his shoulder all the time. Each coach has his own way of teaching and the players need to develop their relationship with him. I’m spending time with each of the groups. I think the defense needs to see the head coach. I’m spending time with them (the defense) and sitting in on their meetings.”
Time Change for Saturday’s Practice: Starting time for practice on Saturday, April 6, has been moved to 11 a.m.
Kentucky Football Calendar:
Spring Practices
April 611 a.m.
April 92:20 p.m.
April 102:20 p.m.
April 122:20 p.m.
April 13TBA
April 162:20 p.m.
April 192:20 p.m.
Blue/White Spring GameApril 20 7 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium
– UK –
