Aug. 9, 2009

LEXINGTON , Ky. – The Kentucky football team went through its third day of preseason practice in hot weather Sunday afternoon at the Nutter Training Facility, with high humidity and temperatures around the 90-degree mark.

“I do (like the hot weather),” Coach Rich Brooks said after the split-squad workout, which totaled three hours and 40 minutes. “The first game (on Sept. 5) is at noon and we need to be prepared for it.”

Brooks reported that senior tailback Alfonso Smith is being held out of practice because a foot injury from the spring that bothered him after Saturday’s practice. Smith wore a protective boot while watching the Sunday workout.

The Wildcats had their first practice in shoulder pads on Sunday, enabling the squad to do some upper-body contact and give the coaches a more accurate look at evaluation.

“You get a lot more done and can tell a little bit more,” Brooks said. “The line (can do) pass blocking, 9-on-7, team … you just see a lot more. It actually was pretty good from that standpoint. I was pleased with what I saw, but we have a lot of work we still need to do.”

The Wildcats have their final day of split-squad practice on Monday before putting on full pads on Tuesday.