April 8, 2003
Parker, Drobney to Miss Remainder of Spring: Junior wide receiver Gerad Parker and sophomore tight end Jeremiah Drobney will miss the remainder of spring practice because of injuries, Coach Rich Brooks has announced.
Parker sustained a fractured collarbone during practice on Saturday. He broke the same collarbone last fall, sidelining him for the final seven games of the 2002 season. If healing and rehabilitation go well, Parker could resume workouts during the summer.
Drobney sprained the medial collateral knee ligament during practice on Monday. It does not appear that the injury will require surgery and he hopes to resume workouts during the summer.
Brooks Quotes: Here are some observations from Coach Rich Brooks following Monday’s practice:
* “We plan to implement more zone coverages (than what was played at UK last season) because of the speed of this league. We’ll play zone and man-to-man, but it is difficult for cornerbacks to cover receivers one-on-one for long periods of time because of the speed of the receivers in the SEC.”
* “I’m pleased with the progress of our depth in the defensive line. We have some younger guys who haven’t played a lot (in games) who have looked good so far.”
* “Our special teams looked better today. The long snapping was better and our punters’ techniques were better.” (Note: during the special teams portion of practice, kickers Taylor Begley, Clint Ruth, and Anthony Thornton made every field goal attempt except one attempt that was disjointed because of a bad snap.)
* Asked about developing additional wide receivers to take pressure off Derek Abney, Brooks said, “It’s extremely important, not only to develop a second receiver, but to develop third and fourth receivers as well. Abney also has some improvements he’s working on. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been kidding him that a guy who can return six kicks for touchdowns should be able to average more than 14 yards per catch. He’s also been working on improving his route-running.”
* “I’ve been very impressed with (defensive end) Vincent Burns. He can defeat people one-on-one.”
U. S. Marines Receive Speedy Response: As a former Kentucky quarterback, Jeff Speedy is accustomed to being in charge and moving his team. That hasn’t changed in his post-football career, as Speedy now is responsible for transporting troops and equipment in the war in Iraq.
A first lieutenant in the United States Marines, Speedy is the pilot of a CH53 Echo helicopter. Nicknamed the “Super Stallion,” the CH53 is the largest heavy-lift helicopter in the military, according to Jeff’s father, Glenn Speedy.
Speedy has been in the Marines approximately three and one-half years and is based at the Miramar Air Station in San Diego, Calif. He departed San Diego for the Middle East on Jan. 17.
“Jeff wanted to fly and wanted to be in Marine Corps,” Glenn said of his son’s role in the military. “He’s been very happy with his decision.”
Speedy was a three-year letterman with the Wildcats from 1993-95. He played in 21 games, including nine starting assignments. During his career he rushed for 264 yards and three touchdowns while passing for 802 yards and three TDs.
Speedy was an all-state quarterback during his high school days at Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy. His parents, Glenn and Pam, continue to reside in middle Tennessee. They hear from Jeff sporadically via e-mail, noting that their last communication came on April 2.
Saturday Practice Set for 11 a.m.: Practice time for Saturday, April 12, has been set at 11 a.m. A scrimmage is scheduled for the majority of the practice.
Kentucky Football Calendar (all practices at Nutter Training Facility unless inclement weather)
Wed. April 9Practice, 2:25 p.m.
Fri. April 11Practice, 2:25 p.m.
Sat. April 12Practice, 11 a.m.
Mon. April 14Practice, time TBA
Wed. April 16Practice, time TBA
Fri. April 18Practice, time TBA
Sat. April 19Practice, time TBA
Mon. April 21Coach Rich Brooks on WLAP Spring Football Call-in Show, 7-9 p.m.
Wed. April 23Practice, time TBA
Fri. April 25Practice, time TBA
Sat. April 26Blue/White Spring Football Game, 1 p.m., Commonwealth Stadium
July 29-31SEC Football Media Days; Kentucky appearance is Tue. July 29
Tue. Aug. 5Newcomers report
Fri. Aug. 8Veterans report
Sat. Aug. 9Kentucky Football Media Day
Sun. Aug. 31Louisville at Kentucky, 6:30 p.m. EDT, televised by espn2
