Dec. 10, 2002
Robertson Declares for NFL: Junior defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson will forego his final season of collegiate eligibility in order to enter the National Football League draft.”I decided to declare for the draft because I feel I’m ready to make the next step,” Robertson said. “I also want to make life better for my family. I feel I had a good year this year and if that hadn’t been the case, then I would have come back for my senior year.
“I first want to thank God for watching over me and I also want to thank Coach (Guy) Morriss for turning the football program around. Coach (Tom) Adams and Coach (John) Goodner helped make me a better player and I had fun playing football this season. Coach (Gerald) Carr also helped guide me in the right direction and I want to thank him for that.
“The possibility of playing in the NFL and the opportunities it will afford me is something I just couldn’t pass up right now.I wish my teammates the best next season.”
Robertson was named second-team All-SEC by the league coaches on Monday. He had 48 tackles during the 2002 season, including 8.5 tackles for loss (-49 yards), 13 quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, and one blocked kick. He had five quarterback sacks, best on the team and tops among the SEC’s defensive tackles.
Robertson started all 32 games in which he played during his three-year career, missing only two games in the middle of the 2001 season because of a sprained knee. His career totals feature 114 tackles, including 26 tackles for loss (-113 yards), nine sacks (-70), three fumbles caused, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick.
Robertson becomes the fifth Wildcat to give up his senior season to enter the pro ranks, including running back Moe Williams (last year at UK was 1995), quarterback Tim Couch (1998), defensive end Dennis Johnson (2001), and tight end Derek Smith (2001).
Statement From Morriss: Coach Guy Morriss declined interview requests after the team meeting on Tuesday, citing that his next media appearance should be at Baylor. Morriss asked to release a statement, which reads as follows:
“I really enjoyed my six years here. I tried to give everything I knew to the program. I appreciate Dr. Wethington (former UK president Charles Wethington) and (former director of athletics) Larry Ivy for the opportunity to come to Kentucky, and to Mr. Ivy and Dr. Todd (current UK president Lee T. Todd, Jr.) for the opportunity to be the head coach. Dr. Todd and (current AD) Mitch Barnhart accepted me and have supported my family and me over the last two years.
“Obviously, this was a very hard decision to make because we have so many close friends and ties to Kentucky.
“I’d like to say thanks to the fans of Kentucky for their support. And, once again, thanks to the players for their tremendous efforts.”
– UK –
