Due to renovations at Commonwealth Stadium, UK football held its annual Fan Day — normally an evening event complete with fireworks — in the morning on Saturday.Combine that with rain in the forecast and Mark Stoops wasn’t sure what to expect.For far from the first time since his arrival in Lexington, Stoops was pleasantly surprised by Kentucky fans when he saw a line wrapping around the outside of the Nutter Fieldhouse.”I was shocked, because I thought in the morning there would be less people,” Stoops said. “But we couldn’t come in here at night and didn’t want to risk with the rain. So with the weather and being a little cooler going inside, I thought there would be less people. But I was amazed, as usual, and greatly appreciate the support and the kind words.”Stoops, his coaching staff and players signed autographs for more than an hour before making the short walk to Commonwealth Stadium for their first of two practices on Saturday. An estimated 4,000 fans were in attendance for the autograph session. UK will hold three more open practices during fall camp.”That’s the thing, ever since Coach Stoops got hired and I came back here the fans have been great,” offensive coordinator Neal Brown said. “Very, very supportive, standing room. Lots of young kids, which I think is important. … It was really good for our kids, them to understand what they represent. When they put Kentucky across their chest, what they represent, the people.”The crowd saw plenty of big plays on both sides of the ball, including a number by members of a talented freshman class, in what was close to a full practice. Wide receivers Dorian Baker and T.V. Williams and defensive back Kendall Randolph were among the headliners, while Stanley Williams drew some cheers of “Boom” — his high school nickname — from the crowd after a run for a long gain.”You’ve got to earn ‘Boom’ around here,” Brown said, smiling. “Stanley, he can play at a different speed. He shows signs. He’s still learning. I think we’ve got to be careful. We don’t want to anoint him too early. We’re pretty talented at that position. He’s got a long way to go as far as learning what to do, but he plays at a different gear.”In spite of those big plays, Stoops said UK had been cleaner in its execution earlier in the week, especially in the passing game, but having a crowd in the building added exactly the kind of dynamic Stoops was hoping for.”I think we need that,” Stoops said. “They need to feel that pressure or whatever you want to say to get out here and perform in this stadium and do well.”Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Timmons agrees.”It gives the team a lot more energy,” Timmons said. “The fans are out here watching so everybody wants to make a name for themselves so everybody goes a lot harder. We like the excitement. Can’t wait for three weeks.”Those three weeks before UK takes on UT Martin, however, are important. “Believe me, this team wants to deliver for this fan base,” Stoops said. “They’ve been so loyal, and just can’t thank them enough for their support. I promise you, this was not a finished product here today. We’re gonna work hard and get better.”

My dad, my little 18, and the new 18, Stanley “Boom” Williams.
#GoBigBlue #BBN pic.twitter.com/xgaKAz8Swx

— Jacob Tamme (@JacobTamme) August 9, 2014