LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The Kentucky football team held its second practice Wednesday afternoon at the Nutter Training Center, with Coach Rich Brooks noting improvement from the first practice.
“I think it was a little crisper today, a little sharper, got the first-day jitters out of the way,” Brooks said. The Wildcats worked out in helmets, jerseys and shorts in a split-squad format, with each group getting approximately two hours, 10 minutes on the field.
An interesting facet of the first two days has been the effort of freshman Randall Cobb, who is seeing time at both quarterback and wide receiver. It is difficult enough for freshmen to learn one position, yet Cobb seems to be adjusting well with two sets of assignments.
“(Cobb is) Bright, hard-working, focused,” Brooks said. “He’s a young Keenan Burton as far as work ethic and attention to detail. Just a special, special guy.”
Brooks said that Cobb would continue to split time through Thursday’s practice, then the coaches probably would decide to have him spend the majority of time at one position. At this point, Brooks noted the coaches were leaning toward giving him more extended action at quarterback, thanks to the ability shown by the other freshman wide receivers.
“The receiving corps, we haven’t had anything like that as a group since I’ve been here,” Brooks said. “Some of the linemen have, too. We’ll wait a few more days before we anoint anybody. Once the pads get on you can tell a little bit better.”
Brooks also said the impression made by the first-year wide receivers is also a credit to the veteran wideouts.
“DeMoreo (Ford), even though he’s limited in what he’s doing (while recovering from injury), is coaching the heck out of them in the first (split-squad) practice,” Brooks said. “Dicky ( Lyons ) is coaching the heck out of them in the second practice, so the experience we do have, they’re utilizing it not only for to get better themselves (but also for the benefit of the freshmen).”
The Wildcats return to the practice field Thursday afternoon and will work out in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts.
Fan Day on Saturday:
The annual Kentucky Football Fan Day is slated for Sat. Aug. 9 at Commonwealth Stadium. Stadium gates 4 and 9 open at 6:30 p.m., when posters and schedule cards will be given away. There will be special activities on the stadium concourse, including the giant inflatable games for young Wildcats. The first 2,000 fans will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and drink (redeemable on Fan Day only).
Coach Brooks and the team will be introduced at 7:15 p.m., followed by an autograph session with the Wildcat coaches and players. Fans should note that there is a limit of two autographs per player and coach.
In addition, an equipment stand will be set up and fans can try on UK helmets and shoulder pads. UK athletic trainers also will have a station, demonstrating ankle taping and other activities. The autograph session ends at 9 p.m. and the event concludes with a fireworks show.
