With Antoine Huffman graduated and Bo Smith sidelined while recovering from injury, the Kentucky cornerback positions have been wide open this spring.
And although his name usually was not among the first ones mentioned as possible replacements, Trevard Lindley has taken advantage of the opportunity and quietly emerged as a contender for a starting role.
?Trevard has been our most consistent corner in the spring,? Coach Rich Brooks said after Wednesday?s practice. ?We?re very encouraged by his progress. He?s shown the ability to make tackles as well as cover.?
A freshman from Hiram, Ga., Lindley received little notice during his redshirt season in 2005. But like fellow defensive back Marcus McClinton, Lindley had added noticeable size in his upper body when he came out for the first practice of the spring.
?Trevard had a great off-season in the strength program,? Brooks said. ?He went from a slightly built player to a guy with strength and muscle. That has helped him with his confidence in dealing with the physical side of the game.?
Team Council Elected for 2006: The seven members of the Kentucky football team council have been elected by their teammates, Coach Rich Brooks has announced.
The primary role of council members is to represent teammates in dealing with team issues and help ensure good communication among the players and coaches.
?Obviously, these players are respected by their teammates for what they do on and off the field,? Brooks said.
The members of the 2006 team council, elected by the players of each position group, include:
Offensive line: Michael Aitcheson Wide receivers: Keenan Burton Running backs/quarterbacks: Tony Dixon Tight ends/specialists: Jacob Tamme Defensive line: Lamar Mills Linebackers: Wesley Woodyard Defensive backs: Karl Booker
Blue/White Game Set for Saturday: The Blue/White Spring Football Game will be played Sat. Apr. 22 at 1 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.
Parking and admission are free The Wildcat Refuge play area for children will open at 11 a.m. at its usual location outside Gate 9 The varsity will play all four quarters of the game. The game will be played in an offense vs. defense format with a special . The annual flag football event with the UK alumni will be held during halftime. Lexington?s Big Blue Sports Network affiliate, WLAP Radio (630 on the AM dial), will have extensive coverage of the Blue/White Game. There will be no live or delayed video coverage (TV or Internet) of the game. Stats will be taken by hand and posted following the game
Blue/White Game to Feature Collection for the Mike Lyden Fund: At the end of the first quarter of the Blue/White Game, buckets will be passed through the stands for fans who would like to contribute to the Mike Lyden Fund.
Lyden, coach of the University of Kentucky men?s and women?s diving teams since 1993, has cancer. The Lyden Fund has been established to help Mike and his family while he battles the disease.
Despite the serious illness, Lyden continues to coach the Kentucky divers. With Lyden?s guidance, junior Taryn Ignacio won the 2006 NCAA platform diving title, UK?s first-ever individual national champion. During his career, Lyden?s divers have earned 47 All-America honors, won 11 Southeastern Conference individual championships, and been NCAA runner-up twice. Lyden is an eight-time SEC Coach of the Year, including the 2006 season.
Bargains Galore, New and Used UK Gear Available at Nike Team Shops: At the Blue/White Game, fans are invited to visit the Nike Team Shop tents (near Gate 3 or Gate 10 of the stadium) and purchase new and used UK football and basketball equipment. In addition, regular Nike team shop apparel will be marked down ? 50% and more off in many instances! Check out a wide selection of game and practice used football pants, Nike shorts and shoes, as well as practice and game-worn basketball shorts, shirts and jerseys. Both UK Team Shop locations will open at 11:30 a.m., along with the gates to the stadium.
Kentucky Football Calendar: Practices at Nutter Training Facility except when indicated otherwise.
Fri. Apr. 21 – Practice, 9 ? 11:15 a.m.
Sat. Apr. 22 – Blue/White Spring Game, 1 p.m., Commonwealth Stadium
