LEXINGTON , Ky. ? Coach Rich Brooks is busy with his football team during spring practice, but his primary thoughts coming off the field Wednesday morning were of long-time basketball equipment manager Bill Keightley.

“The first thing I?d like to say is that I?m really sorry about Bill Keightley,” Brooks said to the media following the team?s first practice since Keightley passed away Monday night. “Whenever I saw him the last two years, he was so happy and proud of what we were doing on the football field.

“He was just a positive gentleman in his life. Everything I?ve read has been about basketball, but he loved everything at this University. He loved football. He loved the success we had, told me many times. I feel extremely sorry for his family and wish them all well.”

Brooks guided the team through a two-hour, 20-minute workout Wednesday at the Nutter Training Facility.

“Practice was good today,” Brooks said. “We had more energy, guys were flying around. We looked more like a football team today.

“(Senior cornerback) David Jones has had an outstanding start of spring practice. He?s playing better than he?s ever played. (Junior linebacker) Mike Schwindel made some nice plays today. Early on, all three of the quarterbacks threw the ball very well (although) the last drill wasn?t as efficient. Mosley (redshirt freshman WR Anthony Mosley) went down with a little bit of a ?ding? (minor injury) and Kyrus Lanxter?s hamstring is bothering him a little bit. Obviously, that impacts what we?re trying to do throwing the football.”

Kentucky returns to the practice field Friday morning. Brooks indicated that the team?s first major scrimmage of the spring would be on Saturday.

Spring Football Calendar: Practices are open to media and fans. Practices held at Nutter Training Facility unless noted otherwise. For practices at Nutter, fans should stand behind the ropes in the porch area. Fans may sit in the stands for practices at Commonwealth Stadium.

Practices might be moved indoors to the Nutter Field House in case of bad weather.
Fri. Apr. 4 9 to 11:15 a.m. (confirmed)
Sat. Apr. 5 10 to 11:40 a.m., Commonwealth Stadium (includes scrimmage)
Mon. Apr. 7 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Wed. Apr. 9 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Fri. Apr. 11 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Sat. Apr. 12 TBA
Mon. Apr. 14 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Wed. Apr. 16 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Fri. Apr. 18 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Sat. Apr. 19 Blue/White Spring Game, 1 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium