Aug. 22, 2002
Lane Ready for the Challenge: How will senior inside linebacker Ronnie Riley recover from his season-ending knee injury of a year ago? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by onlookers at University of Kentucky football practices. While most of the attention is focused on Riley, fellow senior linebacker Morris Lane is preparing quietly for his first full season as a starter for the Cats.
After redshirting in 1998, Lane spent his first two seasons with the Cats as a special teams player, seeing action in all 11 games each year. As a junior he missed the first two games of the season with a sprained ankle, but returned to play in the last nine. Lane saw more action at the inside linebacker position as the season progressed. The Naylor, Ga., native enters his senior campaign as a starter at that position and a player that will be counted on heavily by the UK defense.
“I feel confident about this season,” Lane said. “I’ve had some good workouts and I’m ready to play. I’ve been waiting my turn since I’ve been here and now I’m ready to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Defensive coordinator John Goodner likes what he sees from Lane.
“Morris brings a lot to the table,” Goodner said. “He came here as a 190-pound safety and now he weighs 220 pounds and has good speed at the linebacker position. He’s our best cover linebacker.”
Skeptics question Lane’s smallish frame for an inside linebacker, but he sees no reason for such concerns.
“My size doesn’t concern me at all,” Lane said. “As long as I’m comfortable with the position and can play with SEC-type speed, then I feel like I’m going to be fine. Our defense is designed for guys who can run, and I think my speed to the ball will be more helpful to our scheme than weighing 20 extra pounds would.”
In addition to his physical tools, Goodner likes what Lane can offer from a leadership standpoint.
“Morris is just a great kid,” Goodner said. “He has a good outlook on life and a very positive mental approach to the game. With him, there’s never a dull moment on the field. He comes to work hard each and every day.”
Off the field, Lane already has completed his bachelor’s degree and is taking additional classes this semester in hopes of starting work on a Master’s degree.
When asked about his goals for his senior season Lane talks about what most players talk about, winning games. He doesn’t want to talk much about individual performance, but chooses rather to focus on the concept of team.
“Individual goals are important, but I just want to play for the guy next to me,” Lane said. “As long as I know the other 10 guys on the field can count on me, then I know I’m doing my job.”
Goodner has his own expectations for Lane this season as well.
“Morris missed those first two games last season with his ankle injury and he had a hard time getting back,” Goodner said. “But he worked his tail off this off-season and has really gotten himself prepared to play. We’re expecting big things out of Morris Lane this fall.”
Morris Lane represents what is good about collegiate athletics. He enters his senior season as a starter after paying his dues for three seasons. He acquired his degree in four years and made the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice. So while everyone at practice is talking about the return of Ronnie Riley, and rightfully so, his partner Morris Lane is preparing to make a name for himself this fall.
Practice Closed Next Week: The Kentucky football practices next week (Aug. 26-30) will be closed to fans and media, Coach Guy Morriss has announced. As usual, however, media may obtain interviews with coaches and players at the conclusion of practice.
Team Workout, Giveaways Highlight Fans’ Day on Sat. Aug. 24: A team workout and numerous giveaways including a Grand Prize trip for two to an away football game highlight the annual UK Football Fans’ Day on Sat. Aug. 24 at Commonwealth Stadium. This is the first time that a team workout has been combined with Fans’ Day.
Here is the schedule of events:
Tailgating available during the day in the stadium parking lots
Inflatable Football Land, a play area for children, opens at 4 p.m. next to the UK Ticket Booth
Stadium Gate 4 and Stadium Gate 9 open at 5:30 p.m.
The first 2,000 fans entering the stadium will receive a ticket for a free hot dog and drink
Each person entering the stadium will receive a numbered ticket for the prize drawings
Posters, schedule cards, autograph books, and team photos will be distributed on the stadium concourses
Football media guides and souvenirs will be on sale
UK volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s soccer posters and schedule cards also will be given away
On the field, the football team begins workout warm-ups at 5:50 p.m.
At 6:10 p.m., the UK Band, Cheerleaders, and Pom Squad take the field for the pregame show
At 6:30 p.m., the team will re-enter the field and have a 30-minute workout
After the workout, the players will be available for autographs on the field for approximately one hour and 15 minutes
During the player autograph session, prize drawings will be held. The grand prize is a trip for two to a UK away football game, including air travel, hotel, and game tickets. The list of additional highly attractive prizes includes two football season tickets with parking; a golf package for a foursome at the University Club; a 27-inch television; four autographed footballs; eight game helmets; four game jerseys; and a golf bag.
Jefferson-Pilot Preview to be Televised: The annual Jefferson-Pilot Sports 30-minute television show previewing the Southeastern Conference will be shown in the following markets in the Kentucky area:
Bowling Green, Ky. WNKY Sun. Aug. 25, 10:30 p.m CTCincinnati, Ohio WBQC Sat. Aug. 31, 11:30 a.m. ETLouisville, Ky. WAVE Sun. Aug. 25, 12:30 p.m. ETPaducah, Ky. KFVS Sun. Aug. 25, noon CT
Kentucky Football Calendar:
Aug. 23 Practice, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.Aug. 23 Kickoff Luncheon, 11:45 at Hyatt Regency HotelAug. 24 Fans' Day at Commonwealth Stadium; gates open at 5:30 p.m.Aug. 25 No practiceAug. 26 Luncheon/news conference at Wildcat Den, 11:30 a.m.Aug. 26-30 Practice, 2 p.m. (closed to fans and media)Aug. 28 Fall classes beginSept. 1 Kentucky at Louisville, 6 p.m., televised by espn2
– UK –
