Kentucky Faces Rebuilding Project

Kentucky Faces Rebuilding Project

After an 8-5 season that included program-building wins over Louisville, Arkansas and a triple-overtime win over eventual-National Champion, LSU, Kentucky felt a justifiable sense of achievement.  Unfortunately, a huge chunk of the Wildcats’ 2007 success was due to seniors who will not be part of the 2008 model. 

The nation’s 19th-ranked passing attack (288 ypg) loses nearly every player who made those figures possible including QB Andre Woodson (3,709 yds; 40 TD’s), who was probably the most important player last to graduation this year.  Yet, the ‘Cats also lost numerous supporting cast-members, including WR’s Keenan Burton (66-741; 9 TD’s) and Steve Johnson (60-1,041; 13 TD’s), TE Jacob Tamme (56-619; 6 TD’s) and TB Rafael Little (1,013 yds, 3 TD’s).  Even OC Eric Scott and RG Jason Leger will have to be replaced.

Several players will compete for Woodson’s vacated spot under center.  Rising-sophomore Mike Hartline (6-6, 201) is a big-bodied player who has a strong arm and a surprising ability to run.  However, he has thrown all of six pass attempts in his short career.  And those six attempts are the most of any of the candidates to start in 2008.

Yet, offensive coordinator, Joker Phillips, has developed a well-earned reputation for producing regardless of which eleven players take the field and he is more than aware that his cubbards next year will be best stocked to support a ground attack. 

Little’s departure leaves the ‘Cats without a 1000-yard rusher but, the fact is, his back-ups, Derrick Locke and Tony Dixon, combined for nearly 1,000 yards (932) and 9 TD’s (including a combined 109 yds and 1 TD in the LSU win).  Locke (5-10, 180) and Dixon (5-9, 203) are not large players but neither are they afraid of squaring up and attacking the defense between the tackles. 

The success of the ground attack next year could depend on the performances of UK’s fullbacks, John Conner (5-11, 228) and Maurice Grinter (6-3, 250).  Pro scouts have already recognized that each of these players has the material to take their game to the next level and their talents are no secret to the Kentucky staff.  With the loss of Tamme (who was more gifted as a receiver than a blocker), it should be no surprise this off-season to see Conner and Grinter not only in two-back formations but lined up as h-backs/tight ends (ala WVU’s Owen Schmitt last year).

Defensively, Kentucky returns 8 starters, including a solid rotation at MLB between rising-senior, Braxton Kelley and rising-junior Micah Johnson.  With the loss of WLB Wesley Woodyard (139 tackles in ‘07), fans may find either Kelley or Johnson taking some snaps on the weakside this spring in order to try to keep both playmakers on the field at the same time.

Defensive tackle Corey Peters (6-3, 290) and leading sacker DE Jeremy Jarmon (6-3, 268) (9 sacks in ’07 – 8 solo) will anchor the front four while pro scouts are already locked onto rising-junior Trevard  Lindley (6-0, 175) as a potential NFL draft-pick at the cornerback position.  Kentucky did lose SS Roger Williams in the backfield but Ashton Cobb (6-0, 205) was, frankly, a co-starter and will fill Williams’ void with good effect.

Even without Woodyard, the defense should be improved for 2008.  Offensively, there are too many question marks to make predictions but the ground game will probably be enhanced (and effective) while rising senior Dicky Lyons (a Wayne Chrebet-type receiver) will be a solid target for whoever takes over at quarterback next season.

With Georgia’s incredible potential as well as the return of Tebow and most of his cast to Florida, a division championship for Kentucky appears unlikely.  But, particularly once offensive newcomers mature throughout the season, it is likely that the ‘Cats will make a dent on the SEC’s final standings.

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