Outside Linebackers Making Progress: Kentucky?s outside linebackers have made solid progress in fall practice, according to Mike Archer, UK?s defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach.

At this point, the starters are junior Raymond Fontaine and sophomore Durrell White. Fontaine was a part-time regular a year-ago, starting six games and accounting for 42 tackles. He looked much more assertive during spring practice. White was named third-team Freshman All-America last season as he made 43 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, and three pass breakups. Like Fontaine, he?s looked more confident with a year of experience in UK?s 3-4 defense.

?Raymond and Durrell worked hard during the summer. They?ve made improvements in strength, size, and being in shape,? Archer said. ?They know the system better and have made fewer mental mistakes.?

Although Fontaine and White have the edge in terms of experience, their starting roles are being contested by a pair of relative newcomers, redshirt freshman Joe Schuler and junior college transfer Cedric Koger.

?Joe has had the best camp of any of our linebackers. He?s pushing those two guys (White and Fontaine) and the competition is good,? Archer said. ?Joe has gotten stronger and doing a much better job with his assignments. He?s been very consistent.

?Cedric has been hot and cold,? Archer noted. ?He has a lot of ability and is learning to play the position (after playing defensive end in junior college).?

The Wildcats had a three-hour practice Monday morning at the Nutter Training Facility and have a two-hour workout slated for Monday afternoon.

Kroger Kickoff Luncheon Set for Fri. Aug. 27: The Kroger Kickoff Luncheon has been set for Fri., Aug. 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Lexington.

UK President Dr. Lee Todd, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart, and Coach Rich Brooks will be the featured speakers. The cost is $40 per person or $400 for a table of 10. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Lori Armstrong at 257-5526.