With all the attention given to the offensive line and the quarterback competition, one area of quiet improvement this spring has been in the defensive backfield, particularly at cornerback.
?Our corners overall are much better than they were at this point a year ago, not even close,? Coach Rich Brooks said. ?A. J. Grigsby has stepped up. He?s going to be a major factor. E. J. (Adams) and Paul (Warford) are much improved over what they were last year. I think we?re in a lot better shape there.?
In addition to the progress shown by Grigsby, Adams, and Warford, one corner is held down by Trevard Lindley, who was first-team Freshman All-America in 2006 after his outstanding rookie campaign. At safety, both starters return with senior Roger Williams and junior Marcus McClinton.
?From that standpoint I?m pleased in the secondary that we?ll have more options, particularly at corner,? Brooks said. ?The young safeties have made improvement as well.?
Following Monday morning?s practice, Brooks also said that he was looking for continued individual improvement as the Wildcats are in their last week of spring drills. When asked about the example of hard work shown this spring by some of the team?s more established, veteran players, the coach voiced his approval.
?That?s something that you want all your players to understand,? Brooks said of the constant drive to improve. ?It certainly helps for the younger guys when they see the quote ?stars,? if you will, working harder than anyone on the team.?
The Wildcats practice again Wednesday and Friday as they prepare for the Blue/White Spring Game on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium. Admission and parking are free and the public is invited.
Rich Brooks Radio Show Slated for Monday: Coach Rich Brooks will discuss the progress of spring practice and the upcoming Blue/White Game during his radio show, which will be held Monday, Apr. 16, from 6-7 p.m. The show can be heard on the Big Blue Sports Network, including WLAP (630 on the AM dial) in Lexington and WHAS (840 AM) in Louisville.
Scott Becoming Center of Attention: With starting center Matt McCutchan having graduated, the Kentucky football team needed a new man in the middle this spring and senior Eric Scott is filling the bill.
Scott, who played mostly as a reserve tight end and defensive end before moving to the offensive line in 2006, has been the center of attention during spring practice. He got his introduction to offensive line play last season, seeing spot duty at center and guard, and has been very impressive in his first chance for a full-time role.
?Eric Scott is having a very good camp and will be a clear starter for us in the offensive line,? Coach Rich Brooks said. ?Once we moved him over there last fall he played remarkably well for the short period of time (that he spent as an offensive lineman). With the technique he?s gaining now and the experience he?s getting, he?s going to be a much, much better player this fall.?
?The first thing about Eric is that he has outstanding athletic ability,? offensive line coach Jimmy Heggins said. ?The one with the best feet will be your best player, and Eric has quick feet. He?s also doing a good job using his hands. That?s where being a tight end and defensive end have helped him because that?s what they do.?
From Scott?s perspective, he?s learned that there is no place like home ? even if it takes four years to get there.
?Coach Phillips (offensive coordinator Joker Phillips) was right. He tried to get me to move to the offensive line two or three years ago,? Scott said. ?I had gotten about as good as I was going to get as a tight end and defensive end. Now, for the first time, I feel like my athletic ability gives me an advantage.
?I feel more comfortable (at center) than the whole time I?ve been here. The toughest thing is learning to snap the ball, step, and block all at the same time. It happens so fast. But if I keep working I?ll be alright. As an offensive lineman I haven?t reached my potential. It gives me something to work for.?
Spring Football Calendar: Practices are open to the media and public and are held at Nutter Training Facility unless noted otherwise. Practices may be moved indoors to the Nutter Field House in case of bad weather.
Mon. Apr. 16 – Rich Brooks Radio Show, 6 to 7 p.m. on the Big Blue Sports Network
Wed. Apr. 18 – 9 to 11:15 a.m. (tentative)
Fri. Apr. 20 – 9 to 11:15 a.m. (tentative)
Sat. Apr. 21 – Blue/White Spring Game, 1 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium
